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{
    "id": 1235256,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1235256/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 372,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Kamar",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 33,
        "legal_name": "Margaret Jepkoech Kamar",
        "slug": "margaret-kamar"
    },
    "content": "The time limit was given because it was something that was seen as doable and a must for a nation to develop. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is because anybody who cannot access clean water and the children who are not able to access clean water would have health issues. If they cannot access both clean water and health facilities, then it is even worse. It is very embarrassing that over 60 years after Independence, we are still discussing the lack of access to these basic needs. Nonetheless, today, I think we should stand proud as Senators to emphasize the need for this money to be disbursed. I was in the 10th Parliament when the Constitution was passed. Although it was passed in the 10th Parliament, the year 2011/2012, out of the formula we knew there was going to be Kshs2.3 billion being sent to these counties, but nothing was actually disbursed. During the FYs 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 nothing was sent. It was only in the FY2014/2015 that Kshs400 million was disbursed and even then, getting the formula to divide that money was a major issue. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the formula is right inside the Constitution; we do not need to belabour. Once a percentage has been given, that is what we should be sticking to in the disbursement. The issue that is of major importance to this Senate is the disbursement of this money. The money has not been disbursed in three consecutive years. In fact, in the FYs 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 when I was in this Senate, there were still issues. I doubt that any funds were disbursed. Every time it was the formula or that the Commission on Revenue Allocation CRA is still looking for a formula. We cannot stick to formulas when we know that there are issues that must be passed. When the discussions to establish the Equalization Fund were ongoing, it was very clear that there was inequality in this country in terms of development. From Independence, there was inequality and it was accepted by everybody. The 600 delegates that were in BOMAS accepted it and it was very clear. I say this because I am proud to have participated in the BOMAS process. It was very clear that we must equalize our development first. Everybody must get their basic needs. It is sad because as politicians, we have been using water for campaigns. Senator, Governors and Members of Parliament (MPS) campaign by saying that they will bring you water. Every five years we are promising water and nothing seems to be moving. Even Senators, who do not have money to give that water, fight for the portion that comes through the office of the governor. We are right to do that because through our oversight, we should ensure that our governors are distributing money properly and basic needs are met. However, when it comes to Equalization Fund, we have specific counties and constituencies that have suffered a lot because of the fact that there was inequality at the beginning. In fact, the term ‘historical injustices’ was referred to extensively at the BOMAS talks. These sectors were lumped into land as historical injustices. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is very important that this Senate rises to the occasion. This time round, let us see to it that the Kshs14.89 billion goes to the counties. We need to discuss that from the day we pass this Bill. Once the Bill has been passed, let"
}