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{
    "id": 1245565,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1245565/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 279,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Tabitha Mutinda",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to reply. I highly thank my colleagues in the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget for the commitment that they have shown in this Bill. I cannot forget to thank the secretariat led by our Clerk Assistant, Mr. Gitonga, and his team. I also thank all the Senators that have positively contributed to this Bill. They have also proposed some amendments to the Bill. My Chair and I are dedicated to note each and every issue and concern that they have raised. As a new Member in the Senate, I have paid keen interest in the key Bills that help us undertake our roles as Senators by supporting devolution. This is among important Bills like Division of Revenue Bill, Equalization Fund Administration Bill and the County Additional Allocation Bill which we look forward to discuss in this House. In the Committee, we took in different concerns from different county assemblies. Some of the concerns ranged from purchase of motor vehicles in different regions. This is because what they inherited is old and not in a condition to be used. Some of them were requesting for recruitment of more staff and purchase of different furniture because what they have is not in good condition. The issues of security services were raised especially in counties like Turkana, Marsabit and Mandera. The county assemblies requested for more funding for these services knowing well the security issues in these regions. County assemblies also requested for funds for public participation and operation and maintenance of the different services and facilities they have. These are issues that we noted keenly. What was also noted was the bloating of the committees. Some counties have up to 24 committees which increases the cost of maintenance. Concerns on the same have been raised by colleagues like Sen. Osotsi. As a Committee, we take this issue keenly. We advise the assemblies to have 14 committees and a maximum of 17 depending on the different issues pertaining different counties in various regions. I also note the issue of the legal services. Colleagues have mentioned and advised on in-house legal departments within the different counties so as to cut down on cost. As a Committee, we also do recommend contract agreements. We know there are situations, for example, the Nairobi City County, where during the impeachment process, the cost of legal services was high. The issue of amendment of the Public Finance Management Act has been mentioned. Colleagues have requested the Committee to look into the issue of disbursement schedule. This is a key issue. It is one thing to allocate funds and another to disburse the funds on time to counties to ensure services are continuously delivered as required and staff are paid on time."
}