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{
    "id": 1527031,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1527031/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 181,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kikuyu, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "All the 349 members come here to represent their people and lobby for resources to go back to them. That is why the people of the Vihiga are crying today. Sadly, you will find a county with a national polytechnic that was to benefit from public participation getting a meagre Ksh10 million whereas another county with a Member in the Budget and Appropriations Committee getting Ksh250 million for a national polytechnic. It is immoral, unethical and unprofessional of those who sit in that committee. As I said, it will not be business as usual. This is because we have agreed as the House leadership, both in the majority and minority parties, that those who get the opportunity to sit in whichever committee, should ensure there is equitable allocation and sharing of resources across the country. We will make sure this happens. I want to promise Hon. Omboko and the other Members who are affected that I will engage with the National Treasury so as to ensure that those counties do not lose on account of the actions by former Members of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. Therefore, within the next financial year - because we are now preparing the estimates for the next financial year, we factor in those counties that should have benefited this year and those that ought to benefit next year. Let this serve as a warning bell to the committees. I know they are slated to hold their elections tomorrow. Whoever you elect, especially in the Budget and Appropriations Committee because it is one of the 18 committees whose mandates lapsed, he or she should know that an opportunity to serve in that committee is not one to enrich themselves. It is not an opportunity to allocate resources to your constituency, county or those you think are your friends above others. As Members of the committee, ensure that there is equitable and fair distribution of resources and not just those in public participation. The reason why the Budget and Appropriations Committee has been elevated in our Standing Orders to somehow supersede other committees is because departmental committees take all their reports before it. Therefore, it is not because those who sit there are superior Members of Parliament than the others. We have given you premium time and opportunity to do what is right. Therefore, you must do it. We shall not hesitate and let me repeat, as the leadership of this House, we shall not hesitate to remove any person who abuse their position. We must protect not just the dignity of this House but also the honour of Members of Parliament. It is unfair that a Member is being asked by his constituents where he took all their money. This is because a Member from a neighbouring constituency has used the opportunity in a committee to direct resources to their constituency at the expense of others. It is unfair. Therefore, I urge all of you to be on the lookout and call out each other. This is the only way we can hold each other accountable and those in the Executive. For instance, if you are the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, it does not mean that all projects should go to your county. There must be equitable and fair allocation of resources in this country. That is the spirit that we want moving forward. Hon. Omboko Milemba, I want to assure you that I will pick up that matter with the National Treasury and ensure that none of the counties lose out. I also want to tell the Members of the Budget and Appropriations Committee that, whichever leaders you elect tomorrow, I pray that they will do what is just, right and accountable by your own standards and those of this House."
}