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{
    "id": 1259768,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1259768/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 158,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nakuru Town East, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. David Gikaria",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "it has portrayed the need for us to improve what counties are doing as per the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution on the responsibilities of county governments. At the same time, the onus is on county governments, particularly governors, to understand that they should not wait for monies from the national Government. As per the Constitution, we are supposed to allocate money to county governments. The Kenya Kwanza Government has improved on that, and we hope to continue increasing allocations to county governments in the years to come. At the same time, county governments have the responsibility to collect revenue in their own counties. It is sad when you go to a county and you find the county government just waiting for allocations from the national Government. There are a few counties that are doing well like my County, Nakuru. I want to thank my governor for her resilience in waiting for allocations from the National Treasury. Whatever the governor collects, she is able to use it for operations and maintenance of the county. At the same time, she negotiates with different financial institutions to enable her to pay salaries and other services. In Nakuru County, we have never had a problem of workers going on strike. It is important for counties to take responsibility for what they are supposed to collect as their resources. They have a tendency of cross border double taxation. For example, if you have an advertisement on your vehicle, once you cross from Nakuru County to Kericho County, you are required to pay some charges. Double taxation should be discouraged so that we continue encouraging more business people and investors to actualise their plans. The Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee properly explained why we are giving additional resources to counties. One of the fundamental issues that is key and is the backbone of this country is the foreign-funded programmes, particularly on agriculture. The former regime had negotiated for coolers that were brought but were not given to counties. I want to thank the Government for making a commitment that these coolers which were given through a fund by our partners have now found their way to various counties where they will be used. As the Chairman indicated, many of our farmers do not have the potential of maximising what they are supposed to get from their crops. Most of the perishables are destroyed through transportation because they are not transported in coolers. The provision of coolers to various counties will help farmers get enough yield and maximum income from their proceeds. The relationship and partnership between the national Government and the county governments is critical. Constantly, the Deputy President chairs a meeting between the national Government and Council of Governors where they discuss various issues related to the relationship between the national Government and county governments. If we can have a proper relationship between the national Government and county governments, this country will move forward. Let me touch a little about the Supplementary Budget. I thank the Budget and Appropriations Committee led by Hon. Ndindi Nyoro. The National Treasury has a tendency of removing very important funds that are supposed to go towards addressing some key projects within various ministries. The Committee has stood firm and it has given back these monies to respective ministries. The National Treasury must realise that whatever is budgeted, itemised and approved by Parliament which has had an opportunity to ventilate on, should be respected. I thank the Budget and Appropriations Committee for what you have done. With those few remarks I second."
}