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"id": 1545750,
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Kathuri",
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"legal_name": "Murungi Kathuri",
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"content": "Kshs105 million, then it means that the project can be almost done. If all the other monies were released, we should be at almost 75 per cent. Another issue is the Community Health Promoters (CHPs). My colleague, the Senator for Nairobi City County, is well-spoken. You sent us to talk to the CHPs when they camped at the Senate gate. I am happy that you committed the Committee on Health to work on this matter. After recess, we will learn about the progress made by the Chairperson of the Committee on Health. It is disheartening that citizens of this country, especially the youth, can work for us, their parents and the rest of the Kenyan population. However, they do not get the money that they are supposed to earn from their sweat. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am happy that once we resolve this matter, the money will be transmitted to the county governments, so that they can also be paid. Are the county governments honouring part of the bargain? The arrangement is that county governments share with the national Government a ratio of 50-50. My concern is also whether the counties match this money so that the CHPs can get their allocation. The elephant in this Bill is this schedule for the RMLF. When I served in the National Assembly, where Sen. Sifuna does not know what happen, there was an allocation for Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Also, there was an allocation for county roads. To me, how the National Assembly, in the 13th Parliament, has decided not to release this money to the county governments is a shock. I remember 10 per cent of this fund was going to the counties because we have county roads. The road going to my house is a county road. As I speak, it is dilapidated. It is from the highway, which is under Class B under KeNHA and cannot be funded by KeNHA. If this money cannot reach the counties, then I will never get to my house after these rains. This should be the first priority. Even though we do not direct the courts on what to do, this is a matter of national interest. I wish our courts could really decide on this matter, once and for all, so that this money can go to the counties to make our roads. When Members of Parliament start this, I want to use parliamentary language as much as possible. When they make these decisions, they look at their benefits, not the entire picture. An allocation of Kshs284 million should go to Meru County. Since we have nine constituencies, each can benefit from approximately Kshs30 million. This is good money for upgrading those roads because you need just to grade and gravel. The National Assembly should stop derailing devolution. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale said we have three enemies of devolution; the National Assembly, the Senate and the county governments themselves. I want to exonerate myself from his statement. I am a true defender of devolution. When matters touching on devolution, especially on Meru County, come to this floor or even outside this Floor, I am the first defender. My colleagues know my position. When I decided Meru County should work, I meant it. I usually do the best I can so that I see or feel that Meru is working. I am a happy person. Mr. Speaker, Sir, even though you were taken to court, I want to thank you for one minute. When as the Speaker of the Senate, there was a petition to the High Court, I 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."
}