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{
    "id": 1510012,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1510012/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 66,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Abass",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13587,
        "legal_name": "Abass Sheikh Mohamed",
        "slug": "abass-sheikh"
    },
    "content": "Madam Temporary Chairperson, thank you for the question. First and foremost, I want to commend the Mediation Committee for the good work they have done. However, as you are aware, this money is actually a constitutional right for people in the counties. The larger population of this country is in the counties. The most unfortunate thing is that our counterparts in the National Assembly think this money coming from Exchequer belongs to them. Every time we reach the budget-making period, we always go for mediation. Even now, the other additional funding is still in the Mediation Committee. I am a Member of that Committee. When we listen to how our colleagues are speaking, it is very unfortunate. They think that they have all the right to give money to people. This money belongs to the Kenyan public. Everybody is a taxpayer. Therefore, I want to tell the National Assembly, that they should understand the situation in the counties. This money has now delayed yet there are so many pending bills. Contractors and service providers have not been paid their rightful monies. County staff are not getting their salaries on time. Doctors are going without salary and some are even killing themselves. This should not be acceptable. We want our friends and Hon. Members of the National Assembly, to understand that this money is constitutionally going to the counties to give and provide services, and salaries There is nothing to celebrate because constitutionally, the counties are supposed to get more than 15 per cent of the allocations. However, I do not think this is even 15 per cent. It is less. This is the third time we have been allocating since this devolution started. We are now almost 15 years in and the money is still getting reduced by the day or by the year instead of increasing. Constitutionally, we must adhere to and follow the Constitution. We know we have budgetary and financial issues. The country's economy is not doing very well. However, it should not be seen that the counties are being done a favour. What belongs to the counties must be given to the counties. I wish to tell my Governor that Wajir County is now getting kshs9.7 billion. Hopefully, he will be able to use it prudently. I know we have so many pending bills amounting to about Kshs7 billion. I ask the Governor to clear the people's money. I thank you and I support."
}