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{
    "id": 1502727,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1502727/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 159,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Veronica Maina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "It was due to a very good process which was respected by both Houses that Members were able to agree that at least the funds that will support devolution should be improved to Kshs387 billion. We are not saying this is the best figure that could have been allocated to the counties. Our vision was to ensure that counties could have up to Kshs400 billion, but it was not possible because of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024, which resulted in a shortfall in the projected revenue. As a result, there was a shortfall of Kshs346 billion. As such, counties were pushed to take in a reduction of Kshs20 billion, which we felt was too high because of the nature of services that are rendered by the county governments. If counties were allocated Kshs400 billion or allocated Kshs380 billion or Kshs390 billion or Kshs360 billion and yet we have so much wasted in the same counties, even the Kshs380 or the Kshs400 will still not become useful to the Kenyans and the citizens of this nation. I believe this mediated version of the Bill should now not face any opposition in both Houses. It is time we face one another as citizens and leaders, and agree that it is time to curb wastage, to reduce on cost of how we do business and how we conduct business. It is time we change the culture of our Government offices, Government officials, county offices, county officials and public service. If we were to reduce corruption even by 40 per cent, it would unlock so much potential in this nation. We would be finding world-class hospitals in all our counties. So, my first take is that even with the resources that have been allocated to the counties, we need to see much more service rendered to wananchi; not just service, but very quality service. Sometimes when you visit the counties or listen to reports that come to CPIC or CPAC, you wonder whether those counties are within the Republic of Kenya. This House is known for supporting devolution and encouraging that more resources must be devolved to go to wananchi . However, what has been happening is wanton abuse and misuse of public resources, and that has to stop. There is also the question of own source revenue. Why are counties not concentrating on collecting revenue and improving services that people are happy to pay for? If you listen to many Kenyans, any service provider who gives quality services is always assured of clientele. The challenge we are having right now--- Unless we curb the wastage, even if Kshs500 billion is allocated to the counties, it will still not be useful to"
}