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{
    "id": 133788,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/133788/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 267,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kigen",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 44,
        "legal_name": "Luka Kipkorir Kigen",
        "slug": "luka-kigen"
    },
    "content": "Thank you very much, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir. I stand to support the Vote of the Ministry of Finance. I have the following observations to make. That being a very crucial Ministry that oversees the operations or the release of funds to other Ministry to fund various projects, it is very important that those funds that you collect and allocate to various functions in the development of the country should be released as soon as it is practically possible. In the past, a lot of money has been returned to the Treasury at the end of every financial year. That is not doing justice to the people of this country. The Minister has stood here and talked about various allocations which have been set aside for purposes of streamlining operations and services that are expected of that Ministry. We hope that those allocations will be put into good use so that taxpayers can receive value for their money. I am particularly happy that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, in his Budget Speech, introduced the Economic Stimulus Package that will see money being sent to the people at the grassroot through devolution of funds. Those people will now access the money and use it. I am happy with the money that has been allocated for purposes of setting up centres of academic excellence. This purpose can only be achieved if the money is released in good time. If we request for the same funds in the next financial year, people should see what the money has been used for in this financial year. If the money is released towards the end of the financial year then its effect will not be felt. We emphasise that the procurement and release of funds should be made more efficient so that we can get value for our money. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I was also happy to hear the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance talk about money being allocated to infrastructure development, especially the first phase of the railway line from Mombasa to Nairobi. Roads and railways are very important infrastructure that can contribute largely towards the growth of the economy. If this can be done, then I can assure you that haulage--- If you look at the developed countries, you will find that railway transport is very important. It might not be generating a lot of profit, but if you look at the contribution it makes to the growth of the economy, you will be convinced that railway transport has to be enhanced. Our railway system was developed before Independence by the colonialists. We have not developed the existing railway line. I would like to congratulate the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance for thinking in that direction. I urge him to ensure that the money he has set aside for this noble task is put into that purpose as soon as possible. He should also ensure that the railway network is extended further. I am disappointed that the roads in northern Kenya, for example, Garissa have not been tarmacked until today."
}