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"id": 1476044,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1476044/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Tabitha Mutinda",
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"content": "what they should do according to our proposal, is remove that Kshs20 billion from the national Government’s share. That is a manageable amount such that, when it cuts across different Ministries, it will be minimal and could even range between Kshs1.5 billion to Kshs2 billion reduction, unlike removing a whopping Kshs20 billion from the county governments. The remaining amount of about Kshs2.2 trillion will be enough to cut across, looking at the other factors I had mentioned earlier like the CHPs, NSSF contributions, annual increment and all others. However, with this reduction, counties will be affected massively. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, earlier on, we heard the statement by Sen. Kavindu with regard to stalled projects. I rose and stated that the issue of stalled projects cuts across all the 47 counties. It is not only one county. What brings these issues? It is where we are, where budgets have been made and where these projects have already started and kicked off. These projects end up stalling. First, there is no value for money. At the same time, people cannot enjoy the project or the developments within that particular region. Issues of pending bills now crop up because investors have put their money, they cannot be paid fully, and the project is halfway. Also, issues are right, left and centre because monies are insufficient or have been adjusted. The county assemblies do have budgets; they have budget challenges and they face problems. Yes, I agree we have a big thorn in terms of the pending bills, but not all counties are experiencing the same. I know and acknowledge that Nairobi City County has the biggest pending bills. In this additional allocation, Nairobi City County was to receive Kshs20 billion more. The pending bills are about Kshs100 billion. Since we have seen an increase in their own source revenue and allocation to counties, they would probably focus on reducing their pending bills if the money is not reduced. Mr. Temporary, Speaker, Sir, as I finish, in the Senate Business Committee today where I do sit. We looked at the Cabinet Secretaries appearing before this House next week. If I am not wrong, I am happy because the Cabinet Secretary for Finance will appear to respond to some of the questions. The former Cabinet Secretary was active in the committee, but never appeared in the House. I look forward to the current Cabinet Secretary's appearance. As a new Cabinet Secretary, he will understand this Senate and address most of the issues we have always raised in his Ministry. One of those key issues is the delayed disbursements to the counties. The last time he appeared, as I have said earlier, we raised the concern of Regulation 134 of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, which allows the National Treasury to disburse 50 per cent of the equitable share revenue when we are in the situation we are in. Division of Revenue Bill was passed, but we are now at the amendment stage. The law is clear. He communicated that he would consult with the Attorney General to advise the Committee if that could take place. I am so happy because today, we, as a Committee, have received a response that has also been shared with the committee on the response and the advice of the current The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only.A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and Audio Services,Senate."
}