{"id":1244929,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1244929/?format=json","text_counter":203,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Sifuna","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":13599,"legal_name":"Sifuna Edwin Watenya","slug":"sifuna-edwin-watenya"},"content":"Mr. Speaker, Sir, that is not what I said. When Sen. Cherarkey was speaking, he talked of salaries, allowances and the welfare of MCAs. Let me give an example. There is a time when the County Assembly of Nairobi could not purchase water. You are also aware that there is a capping on the percentage that can be utilized in terms of emoluments and salaries in the counties. This is what I am saying and it has been submitted on the Floor. Salaries are not the only way to make a Member effective as a legislator and a person who does oversight. Whenever we get an opportunity to grow that basket--- We have had this conversation with MCAs who have appeared before us. They want to have autonomy of their own budgets. I do not think Sen. Methu understood what I was saying because these are matters that had been canvassed here."}