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{
"id": 1502670,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1502670/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Wamatinga",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13582,
"legal_name": "Wahome Wamatinga",
"slug": "wahome-wamatinga"
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"content": "We realised we were not the only people who are served by the national or the county Government. We realised the situation and the fiscal space that the country is moving around. In the spirit of give in order that the counties do not come to a halt, we must agree. In every mediation, it is the spirit of give and take that governs people. Emotional intelligence is required for us to be able to conclude. Looking at the fact that we will be shortly moving for recess and the county government will also be doing the same, we asked ourselves very hard questions. That is why we said, yes, promoting devolution, upholding devolution, ensuring that the counties do not stop, we must get a figure that is possible. We must get a disposable figure where we, in the Senate, and the National Assembly, agree. It is in this spirit, with heavy hearts that we agreed to the relatively reduced figure of Kshs387.4. billion. Having said that, it is also very important that we tell our colleagues, the governors that yes austerity measures are being practiced by the national Government. The national Government had reduced its budget by over Kshs380 billion. I like what Sen. Sifuna said, that we needed to see the breakdown of these figures. However, as we look down at those figures, as we interrogate them, let our counties not come to a halt. I remember the Senate Majority Leader has just said he received several calls. I also received a call from my governor telling me that our county is in dire need and something must be done. We made that decision to bridge the gap so that we do not cripple activities in the county governments. As we sat with Members of the National Assembly and tried to push our position that we, as the promoters and protectors of devolution, would not take any cut; it was not lost to us that even we here in the Senate, our committees that are the drivers of the Senate business, have also had to face budget cuts. That is the reality. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I urge my colleagues to support the mediated version, I would like to tell them that it was with a heavy heart that we, in the Mediation Committee, accepted the position. However, moving forward, we need to unbundle all the functions and make sure that we inject budgets that go with them. It is in the spirit of give and take; knowing that we are one nation and serve one people, that we must be prepared at times to take compromising positions to accommodate our people. This is because service delivery to any part of Kenya or any Kenyan, regardless of them being served by the national or county government, is success for Kenyans. This is what informed our acceptance of this mediated version. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, before I sit down, I urge my colleagues to support the mediated version. Moving forward, in the spirit of give and take and the realisation that we are one nation and one Parliament, regardless of whether we are in the Senate or the National Assembly, we must ensure that the decisions that affect the common mwananchi are not only made promptly, but also with the speed and openness of mind that ensures that people get the services that they require."
}