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{
    "id": 1520088,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1520088/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 79,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kitui Central, WDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) Makali Mulu",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "considered re-factoring the arrears into the budget if we were to calculate what should have gone to the Fund on an annual basis. Even though we wanted to cater for the arrears, it was somehow impossible because of the existing budget deficits. We are very serious about the Equalisation Fund. The first thing we should discuss is funding it as required by the Constitution. The second issue is that even though we have allocated resources, there have been serious delays in implementation. Funds are allocated in the budget, but the year ends without any money being released to the concerned counties. Only 14 out of 47 counties were deemed to be marginalised, which was a problem. During the second review, we increased the number of counties to over 20. At the same time, we created a board which was supposed to oversee the implementation of the Fund. The outcome is that we have made implementation of the Fund almost impossible. Another problem is that some counties only have pockets of marginalisation and, therefore, they get small amounts of money in the budget. Is it really worth it if one gets such low amounts in the budget? Implementation becomes so expensive because the figures are so low. That is another area which should be streamlined. I appreciate the Mover of the Bill because we will be helping the country by sorting out some of those issues. I just want to remind the House that the Equalisation Fund was created to do away with marginalisation. Some areas of this country were assessed to be marginalised. On that basis, the Fund was created to help them catch up with the rest of the country, more so in terms of rural electrification, and development of the roads and health sectors. We have had the Fund for 13 years, but we are yet to implement it. Those areas will obviously remain marginalised. I urge my colleagues to do what it takes to pass this Bill, so that we can streamline the operations of the Equalisation Fund. By doing so, we will be helping the marginalised areas. The Fund was set to run for 20 years, but it has not been implemented in the 13 years it has been in existence. I do not know whether we have some room to extend the timelines as a House. Unless we extend the timelines, it is obvious that the expected outcomes of the Equalisation Fund will never be realised. With those many remarks, I support the Bill."
}