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{
    "id": 1270318,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1270318/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 406,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13217,
        "legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
        "slug": "cherarkey-k-samson"
    },
    "content": "Looking at the architecture and design of the Constitution, we now import Article 204 which creates the Equalization Fund by giving it life through such Equalization Fund Administration Bill, 2023. Madam Temporary Speaker, in Clause 6, I note that one person has been nominated by Senate which I think is important. I have a problem with the Advisory Board though which will in consultation oversee, monitor and evaluate. I have heard conversations about marginalization and affirmative action regarding the traditional marginalised and hardship areas. Can you believe, 60 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is in Nairobi? Some areas like Mukuru kwa Njenga, Kibra and Mathare among other slums can be regarded as hard ship areas. Today we are giving Kilifi part of the Fund. I will be looking forward to Terik Ward in Nandi County being given a hardship allowance. I have been looking forward to most parts in Nandi Hills and Tinderet Constituencies being given full hardship allowances. Even other slum areas such as Nyalenda in Kisumu because we have what we call urban poverty. The danger in this country is no longer the traditional marginalised areas. If you look at Commission of Revenue Allocation (CARA) report on poverty index, in fact, the traditional areas of the Norther Frontier are wealthier. This is because, when you look at the statistics that was done by CARA before, the poverty index in for example Busia is very high. We must agree that the issue of marginalisation and affirmative decisions must be made. This Board is very critical. Since I wanted to use a few minutes so that I can allow Sen. Oketch Gicheru to give his input. Clause 16 is very important. I am happy that in these marginalised areas such as water and sanitation, roads, health facilities, electricity and other basics as shall be identified CARA has been noted very well. It is just an import of Article 204 of the Constitution 2010. I have a problem with Clause 17 that says; “Each County Commissioner of an eligible county shall establish and convene a County Technical Committee comprising of- (a) chairperson who shall be the County Commissioner; (b) the relevant county executive committee member for Finance; Where is the Senate? How can a county commissioner chair this money that we are disbursing? The issue of provincial administration is unconstitutional, first of all. The Constitution of Kenya did away with traditional provincial administration. I think the Committee should amend this. We must have a representative of the Senator at the County Technical Committee. We cannot be appropriating money and give other people to implement. The Chairperson of Finance and Budget should take note because we have the County Commissioner and CECM of Finance. Why can a Senator not give a representative? We are not saying this is the committee that will manage money but so that as a Senator, you are aware of where money is going. This is about oversight so that you do not just allocate money and dispense. Somebody can argue that, it will be a conflict of interest. How can it be? The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
}