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{
    "id": 1259063,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1259063/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 1184,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mandera North, UDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Major (Rtd.) Abdullahi Sheikh",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Equalisation Fund. In the first Policy, it was supposed to take care of 14 counties. However, subsequent policies added a number of pockets which were also marginalised. It now covers 34 counties in specific areas. The most important part is that the Fund has a sunset clause of 20 years. We are already far behind by 13 years. We are left with seven years. The most unfortunate part is that this money has not been released to be used for what it was supposed to do. You can imagine that we are now discussing this Bill which is supposed to appropriate the Budget for Financial Year 2021/2022 that was passed. We have seven years to go and we have only utilised 25 per cent of the Equalisation Fund. If this is not utilised, what does it mean? It goes back to the National Treasury and it is allocated somewhere else. We understand that there are issues concerning identification of projects and procurement issues which are administrative. The most important part is that we want the Equalisation Fund to work for the people we represent, even if it will be handled by counties as per the current regulations. We still have reservations on that. The most important thing is that this money must be released by the National Treasury immediately so that it can serve the people in those marginalised areas. It covers 34 counties right now. As it has been said, there are a number of pockets. I am sure the coming policy, as Hon. Bowen has said, will address other smaller pockets which have issues of marginalisation. Let those funds be appropriated and used properly. To the counties, please, ensure that the monies released to you are properly utilised, accounted for and serve the good people of those marginalised counties. I support the Bill."
}