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{
    "id": 1431476,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1431476/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 3832,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kitui Central, WDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon (Dr) Makali Mulu",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Temporary Speaker, if we look at the Supplementary Budget, we will realise that a few areas have been taken care of that are critical to Kenyans. The first one was an increase in resources for schools infrastructure that was destroyed by floods. That is very good. The only observation I make is that with this money being allocated, we need to ensure that there is equity in the distribution of the resources so that these additional resources are equitably shared so that all parts of the country that were affected benefit. The second critical matter is the pending bills, which are quite a thorn in the flesh of Kenyans. It is important that the Committee has also factored in some resources to clear them. My appeal is that we consider Kenyans who have been waiting for long for their pending bills to be cleared so that they pay their bills. In that case, we will make sure that we do not have people who have pending bills from last year paid while those who have been waiting ten years are not paid. The other important issue is that political parties have been allocated an additional Ksh200 million, which is critical for the growth of democracy in this country. The reduction was Ksh800 million, but now the increase is only Ksh200 million. We understand matters of the Exchequer release might be a challenge in terms of disbursing the entire Ksh800 million. However, as we move to the future, it is very important that we allocate resources to political parties if we want to grow our democracy. This is a matter for all of us, as a House, to support so that our political parties become strong. With strong political parties, democracy in this country will grow, and the country will do well politically. The other concern I have is the reduction of infrastructure resources, particularly roads. With the flooding we just experienced, it is unfortunate that road funding has been reduced. We understand some were donor-funded, and, on that basis, resources could not be accessed. But, Hon. Temporary Speaker, we need more resources going towards roads as opposed to reducing them. In the Estimates, we should factor in more resources to develop roads. Another matter worth mentioning is the use of Article 223 of the Constitution. We continue to experience abuse of this Article. It is important for the Executive to do what it takes to reduce the abuse of this Article. The Article only allows for unplanned activities and emergencies. We realise that some of the expenditures do not fall under those categories. It is important, as a country, to take care of this. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}