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{
    "id": 1286086,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1286086/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 291,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kathuri",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2802,
        "legal_name": "Kathuri Murungi",
        "slug": "kathuri-murungi"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, my friend, Sen. Osotsi, said that this Bill contravenes the Public Finance Management Act. When I look at Clause 22, the chief officer in the Department of Health is the accounting officer for this Fund. He is the one who will be authorizing the expenditure to the facilities. Therefore, I do not think there is a lot of problem. My problem is that there is a lot of bureaucracy right from the chief officer who authorizes. There are many other people who should act before the money is expended. This means that there will be a lot of back and forth before this money is utilized. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also looked at this Bill to see whether the money collected from the facilities can be used to pay casual workers in the facilities. At the moment, in most of these facilities in the counties, workers are going for 10 months without payments. So, as we improve the facilities, we can also have these monies to pay the casual workers in these facilities. There are a few things that we can improve on. The Senate Majority Leader has not closed the Bill for discussion. So, if the Minority Side feels that there is something you can contribute to improve the Bill, you are welcome. This is the Second Reading. That is the genesis of failed legislation. If I come up with any legislation, let us sit down as a House and see where we can improve. However, the spirit that has been exhibited by the first contributor is that he was furious as if this is a murder case. As Senators of this House, let us accommodate any legislation that is brought before us. Most of the facilities in Meru County, where I come from, are really dilapidated. The reason is money collected from the facilities is taken to other departments. The executives, the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the management team of the governor collect money and use it elsewhere. It will be very good if we ring-fence the money collected from facilities but make sure it is utilized for the intended purpose. Therefore, I support this Bill and encourage Members to open their minds and discuss soberly as leaders of this country. We are happy that we are starting this Bill in Turkana County where there is a lot of need for improved health care. Members, this is an important Bill. We need to open our minds and come close to one another to make this legislation."
}