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{
    "id": 1397680,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1397680/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 43,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Matuga, ANC",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Kassim Tandaza",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "The National Government Constituencies Development Fund was allocated a total of Ksh53,531,500,000 in the original Budget for the Financial Year 2023/2024. A further Ksh3.4 billion was allocated to the Fund under the Supplementary Estimate I as a conditional grant towards the implementation of infrastructure projects in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Additionally, another Ksh1 billion was allocated towards schools’ infrastructure in Nairobi County. This brought the total allocation to the Fund in the Financial Year 2023/2024 to Ksh57,931,500,000. In the communication to the Board on the Ksh3.4 billion allocation through a letter referenced Ministry of Education Headquarters, 3727 (110) dated 3rd October 2023, the State Department for Basic Education provided a breakdown of varying amounts allocated to each constituency based on the Grade 7 enrolment and each constituency was required to match the Ministry’s allocation, a shilling for a shilling. The constituency committees were also required to incorporate Sub-County Directors of Education and Deputy County Commissioners in the dedication of beneficiary schools and implementation of projects. As per the guidelines that were agreed upon with the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education and Research, the allocation under this programme was for the construction of classrooms and integrated learning centres. The Board is strictly guided by the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education in approving projects under funds set aside for infrastructure development in JSS targeting construction of classrooms and integrated learning centres. However, constituencies are at liberty to finance construction of other infrastructural facilities in schools, including toilets and perimeter walls, using National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) allocations provided that the project proposals meet the threshold prescribed in the NG-CDF Amendment Act, 2023. That is the end of the Statement from the Board. However, I want to tell Members that on the main issue of construction of toilets that was deliberated upon yesterday, the Board is very clear that no Member can be denied a project as long as it follows the laid down guidelines, especially when it comes to the JSS funds which were given as conditional grant. The guidelines are clear and the Fund managers are aware that they were to do construction of classrooms, laboratories and libraries targeting JSS infrastructure. Out of that, you were to match those funds. It is very clear that you cannot use the conditional grant to construct a toilet or a perimeter wall. But as the Statement states, you can still do that if you use your normal NG-CDF allocation. The Board cannot refuse to approve such a project as long as it is within your location. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}