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{
"id": 1509263,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1509263/?format=api",
"text_counter": 893,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Cheruiyot",
"speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
"speaker": {
"id": 13165,
"legal_name": "Aaron Kipkirui Cheruiyot",
"slug": "aaron-cheruiyot"
},
"content": "with such decorum and admiration that made many citizens appreciate the wisdom that brings together this House. Madam Temporary Speaker, we have considered many Bills that are people- centric and institution-sensitive like the Bill to give autonomy to county assemblies and which is now before the National Assembly. We have handled the Tea (Amendment) Bill, Coffee and Sugar Bills for our farmers. There is so much we have done that today, as I retire to bed, I retire a proud Majority Leader; appreciating all the 67 of us for the diligence and industry we have showcased in the last few months in working and earning deservedly the right to be truly called honourable. We have ensured that we stand up for devolution. I am extremely proud that despite the very tight fiscal space we find ourselves in, this House first fought for Kshs400 billion to be sent to our county governments. Unfortunately, as per the dictates of Article 219, it is not only in our space alone as a Senate to determine this, but also, we have to do it jointly with the National Assembly. Therefore, we pushed and pulled until eventually we settled at Kshs387 billion, which is Kshs12.7 billion less than what we had anticipated. Madam Temporary Speaker, we live in this country, and know how difficult a season we find ourselves in, in the fiscal space of this republic. Therefore, I am still proud that we have pushed that amount of money. Now, duty goes to the governors, who have to show Kshs387.5 worth of development, in all our 47 county governments, Madam Temporary Speaker. Yesterday I had a conversation with the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, and he informs me that the National Treasury has disbursed all the shareable revenue that is due to county governments, to all the 47 county governments up to October. There are some that have even received for the month of November. Madam Temporary Speaker, I do not think in our history we have worked that close, to being on a month-by-month disbursement. Notably, this is being done despite all the challenges that this country is going through to show the commitment and dedication of this administration, in ensuring that devolution succeeds. I am also informed that there is Kshs60 billion, that is at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in the County Revenue Fund (CRF) account of all our 47 governments, consisting of different amounts for different counties, money that would otherwise have been used. I would like to urge the governors, that, before you break for Christmas, please make sure that you use up the Kshs60 billion that is before the CBK, belonging to various county governments at various stages. I have also seen a report this afternoon that the Controller of Budget is alleging that there are about 10 counties that have spent zero on development expenditure in the last few months. I will await to read that report to probably understand and put it to context. I have also seen a rejoinder from the Council of Governors. We live in the age of fake news; therefore, I would not wish to react quickly. However, I want to challenge the Controller of Budget that this House has raised grave concerns with operations of that particular office. It is my sincere hope that before we return from recess, that the Speaker will actually convince us into a meeting and a mediation among the Council of The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}