Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1565541,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1565541/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 226,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Oketch Gicheru",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "arising from national Government policies that impose financial burdens on counties without the necessary financial backing. For instance, when a policy such as housing levy deductions is implemented at the national level, county employees are also subjected to the same deductions yet, counties had not accounted for this in their budgets, as devolution was still taking root. This places an additional financial burden of approximately Kshs4 billion on counties. Similarly, when contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) increase, county staff are affected. The resulting impact of Kshs3.7 billion was never factored into the financial calculus leading up to where we are today. Moreover, the national Government through the Presidency, made a statement and reached an agreement with county governments regarding the establishment of County Aggregated Industrial Parks (CAIPs). This initiative imposes a staggering Kshs11 billion responsibility on counties, which they must now shoulder yet it was not catered for in the calculus that then constituted money that goes to counties. Worse still, it was not funded. Responsibility was split between the national and county governments without clear provisions on how counties would secure their share. However, given the ongoing commitments and projects, it goes without saying that this initiative must be funded. Madam Temporary Speaker, we recall the discussions in Turkana during the Senate Mashinani visit, particularly the issue of the CHPs programme. This House firmly held the view that primary healthcare is a devolved function. Therefore, it ought to have been properly costed, funded, and financed by the national Government. If it is intended to be a hallmark project, counties should then take the lead in its implementation. The national Government decided to provide a stipend covering half the cost while leaving counties to shoulder the remaining half. However, since these individuals are already on county payrolls, the counties must ensure they are financed adequately. We are well aware of the outstanding issues surrounding the Doctors' Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Counties must bear this burden if our healthcare system is to function effectively. Furthermore, we have yet to address the issue of wage drift, which occurs automatically within our system and necessitates an annual adjustment of approximately 5 per cent, a cost that counties must cover. Looking at the entirety of this financial burden, we see that these are non- discretionary expenses. These are funds that must be paid, leaving no alternative. What does this figure amount to? Simply covering non-discretionary expenses in counties would require a budget of up to Kshs420 billion. This aligns with the necessity of funding such mandatory costs. Madam Temporary Speaker, for a Bill to originate from the National Assembly and propose that counties receive only Kshs405 billion is an abuse of the devolution system that has brought hope to this country. It undermines the principle of equity outlined in Article 203 of the Constitution, as counties will be left with barely any funds for discretionary expenses. Among these, the most important is development in our counties. 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."
}