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{
"id": 1440064,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1440064/?format=api",
"text_counter": 280,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Tinderet, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Julius Melly",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill from the Senate. This Bill is timely, noting that the drafters of the Constitution looked at the problems in our country with a very objective mind. As you will realise, the Equalisation Fund was put forward by the drafters of the Constitution, so that at the end of the day, the whole country is at the same level. The issues raised about the Equalisation Fund by various Members from ASAL regions which are less developed and marginalised, are very important. Being marginalised or less developed is not measured by the amount of the sun’s heat. There are too many other factors put into consideration like the inaccessibility of places, level of development, poverty index and many others. The drafters of the Constitution realised that for us to be one nation and one people, the country must have an equitable level playing field, so that Kenyans in all parts of this country feel they are one people, society and nation. Therefore, this Fund will assist areas that are poorly developed in terms of infrastructure like roads and water networks to homes, schools, colleges and hospitals. In some areas especially the northern part, hospitals are more than 20 kilometres apart, while in other regions, hospitals and schools are less than three or four kilometres apart. It will be good if this Fund is enhanced, disbursed on time and managed well, so that the intention of the drafters of the Constitution is realised earlier than scheduled because this Fund is supposed to be utilised within 20 years. As Members have said, for the last ten years, it has not been disbursed or utilised well. So, the intentions cannot be realised. This means there is need to extend the timeframe beyond the scheduled 20-year period. The drafters felt that if this Fund is well utilised, the less developed parts of the country will be at par with the developed parts. My constituency is a beneficiary, but not the whole of it. This is because it is very hilly and does not have good roads, the standards of living are quite low and many other factors. I want to discuss the administration of the Fund. In as much as the money has been disbursed, it will be prudent for the county governments, which are the administrators to ensure that there is value for money. The funds allocated for roads, hospitals and water should be well utilised. This Fund is very important for areas without bridges, roads, hospitals and dispensaries. I heard the Member for Samburu talk about the under development in her region. Let us look at the regions which are less developed as part of our country. The people living in those areas are also our people and should be brought at par with those in developed regions. Let me give an example of the United States of America (USA) where in the 1920s and 1930s, they had dry under developed regions like the Tennessee Valley and Nevada. China and many other parts of the world had the same issue. So, this is not from the blues. Any national leader who wants to bring his country to the same level should embrace the Equalisation Fund, so that when Turkana and Mandera are doing well, everyone feels part and parcel of this country. In effect, let these funds be increased, disbursed on time and administered in a well-managed and efficient manner. This way, it will achieve the intended benefits like construction of hospitals, roads, water and electricity connections at a faster rate. If this is done, Kenyans will be at the same level as one people. 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."
}