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{
    "id": 1213922,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1213922/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 293,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Gichugu, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Gichimu Githinji",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I started by thanking Hon. Abdi Shurie and his Committee for a timely Report to this House. It comes in when we are just about to start a new budget cycle of 2023/2024. This is very important so that, as we go by the issues of budget, we know what we owe our creditors. It is incumbent upon any Government to disclose all the liabilities, obligations and public debts, both external and internal. That is domestic and external debts. They should be disclosed so that we can be able to cut our coat according to our size. Debts are good and they are bad at the same time, if they are not well planned. It is not an obligation to spend, but it is an obligation to pay a debt. Except for the basic needs that we know about, all the other expenditures are not mandatory. But a debt is an obligation and, therefore, it is mandatory. That is why even before we go to making the 2023/2024 Budget, it is important for this Parliament to know the level of debts, the commitments that have been made and the structure of the payment of those debts. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I would also urge the Committee to look at the issue of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the concessions that we have; which are implied debts to Kenyans. For instance, when we use the Express Way, we are supposed to pay for close to 30 years. Then it means that we owe the person who constructed it so that where they find that the concessions are unreasonable, the Government can be committed or obligated to re- negotiate such concessions, which are draining Kenyans. Hon. Temporary Speaker, the other thing that should also be looked into is the issue of the pending bills. These are not usually indicated as debts, but they actually are. They are commitments that are usually made when there is no money, and this Committee should, at some point, look at all the pending bills and come up with a report. We urge the Government not to commit any money unless the money is deposited to the entities that are supposed to be doing those developments. I urge you, as is your practice and counsel, to earn me a minute or two so that I can conclude on one very important point."
}