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{
    "id": 1270260,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1270260/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 348,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Tabitha Mutinda",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "We have situations where some projects are still half way, not commenced or are pending. Some projects have been completed but have not been handed over because of a few challenges. This Bill proposes the formation of a committee. The committees will play a key role in strategising to ensure the four devolved functions are achieved. The members proposed to be nominated to sit in the Equalization Fund Advisory Board include the Chairperson who shall be appointed from the National Treasury, the office of the Principal Secretary in the National Treasury and the Principal Secretary in Devolution and Planning Ministry. This will bring synergy between the Office of the Principal Secretary in charge of Finance and Devolution because it touches on the four devolved functions that the fund takes care of. The Bill has also given a representation of the pastoralist communities. This is a key and important area. The over 1400 marginalised areas are within the rural areas, hence people will have an opportunity to identify their own key and needful projects. The representation of the pastoralist communities on the board is a big plus. The Equalization Fund Advisory Board shall also have a person nominated by the Senate. One person nominated by the Council of Governors (CoG) was drawn from areas identified as marginalised by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA). This combination means that projects can first be identified and then implemented. The board will ensure that services required by the people are given. The Bill has also talked about the duration of the fund and capped it at 10 years. Depending on the happenings, it has room for extensions. However, 10 years are enough to see change. The County Technical Committees are also a creation of job opportunities for our people in the marginalised areas. The members of the committee will earn sitting allowances and other allowances when playing their roles. Also, when the infrastructures are built, like facilities, we will have more job opportunities in these institutions. Also, when there is access to water in the agricultural areas, then most marginalised regions will be food secure. The Equalization Fund Administration Bill is key at this particular time. We are happy as the 13th Parliament to table this Bill. We are sure that this Bill will reduce the number of years for implementation of projects. With the County Technical Committees proposed in the Bill in place, the pending projects will be completed. With those remarks, I second the Bill."
}