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{
    "id": 1408669,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1408669/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 117,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Maanzo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13589,
        "legal_name": "Maanzo Daniel Kitonga",
        "slug": "maanzo-daniel-kitonga"
    },
    "content": "the Cabinet Secretary in charge of agriculture. If Agriculture was devolved, then the farmers would be questioning their governor as to what has happened. Therefore, while this Division of Revenue Bill is already set and has already been passed by the National Assembly, as we look forward, we need to see units that have been devolved in the Constitution, devolved to the counties. Mr. Speaker, Sir, a similar problem happens with disaster management. There is the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. Counties are supposed to have funds slated and slotted for disaster management. When the tragedy happened in Makueni County, the governor had to use his funds to rescue people in Sultan Hamud while we have a budget for disaster management. The NDMU stays put and seems to be doing nothing across the country while the counties suffer and seek help from the national Government, yet they are supposed to have sufficient devolved funds for when disaster strikes. This is a matter that needs to be relooked so that monies are available in the counties in the event of disaster. For example, you know what is happening in Tana River County, which is why Sen. Mungatana MGH is not here. You know what has happened in the counties of Makueni, Nakuru, and many other places. Disaster management involves surveillance to ensure that all dams likely to break down are reinforced in good time and houses that have been built on the river beds do not submerge as it has happened in Machakos County around Athi River in Athi River. In the future, we have to relook this to make sure devolution gets its fair share and devolved functions are handled at the counties. At the same time, money has to be accounted for properly. When there are audit queries, we summon governors here, and they should show up. On the 22nd, the Committee on Public Investment and Special Funds summoned the Governor of Makueni County. He came to give an account, and he has more questions to answer about different budgets. This should serve as an example to any other governor. When called by the Senate, show up to answer the questions. Finally, when this money is being accounted for by the governors, there are reports we give from the Senate Committees. There is a perpetual succession of Government and so we need to see the past governors being held accountable. If anybody has misappropriated county monies that we allocate, they must return the money, face jail, and all the consequences of misappropriation of funds devolved to counties to serve the people. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir and support the Bill."
}