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{
    "id": 1565474,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1565474/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 159,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cheruiyot",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13165,
        "legal_name": "Aaron Kipkirui Cheruiyot",
        "slug": "aaron-cheruiyot"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I beg to move that the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bills No.10 of 2025) be now read a Second Time. For all intents and purposes, and with full realization of my duties as the Leader of the Majority in the House, this is the proudest moment for every Senator. It is at this point that we fulfill our constitutional mandate in its prime. This is ensuring that sufficient resources are devolved to county governments. The Division of Revenue Bill is a constitutional function granted to the Senate, requiring careful reflection and deeper consideration whenever such a Bill arises. In the constitutional architecture, the understanding has been that this Bill originates in the National Assembly. However, if it were up to me, I would prefer that we, as the Senate, provide our considered view before it is incorporated into the budget. This process has become lost and convoluted in numerous opinions and counter- opinions, not only within this House, but from all corners of the country. This includes the Apex Court of the Land, which in 2013 offered one interpretation that we accepted and operated under for the past 11 years. However, last month, the same court issued a ruling that we are still struggling to understand. While this is not the primary context of my remarks today, I felt it would be impossible to proceed without first reflecting on and considering the views of fellow senators regarding the annual Division of Revenue Bill. This is perhaps the most significant legislative duty that any Senator undertakes once elected to serve in this House. The Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bills No.10 of 2025) is prepared in accordance with Article 202(1) of our Constitution. It provides the allocation of nationally raised revenue between the two levels of government, the national Government and county governments, for the financial year 2025/2026. This Bill provides that the revenue is appropriately divided between the national and county governments, ensuring that each level has the necessary resources for the effective implementation of county functions. If there is a fight the Senate must always undertake, and a process we must consistently defend, is the exercise of dividing revenue between the two levels of government. In fact, I have observed speculation in the media regarding the Senate’s position on the Constitutional Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly as well as our stance on the Senate Oversight Fund. To clarify, we hold no strong attachment to the Senate Oversight Fund. If there is one issue that we must ensure is firmly entrenched in our Constitution, is clarity on the division of revenue. This is essential in affirming the Senate’s position on the allocation of funds to our county governments. The challenges faced by county governments notwithstanding, if there has been any significant constitutional innovation that has contributed to a more stable country compared to previous election cycles, is the assurance that, while resources at the national level remain a matter of contention, at least 15 per cent of that revenue is allocated to county governments. That is something the Senate takes great pride in. I have seen that our colleagues in the National Assembly have provided clarity. They have stated their intention to set the National Government Constituency 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."
}