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{
    "id": 1565544,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1565544/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 229,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Oketch Gicheru",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "This is because anything less would reduce counties to mere cash-flow operations, covering salaries, but failing to fund any meaningful development. Without development projects, it goes without saying that money will not circulate in our counties. The second calculus I wish to emphasize is the matter of courage. I do not understand where the National Assembly derives its confidence. When elected by the people of Kenya to represent their respective constituencies, one of their role in Parliament is simply to approve audited reports submitted by the Auditor-General. That is a simple job; review, scrutinize, read, understand the findings in the Auditor-General’s reports on the previous year’s financial statements of the country, and either approve or disapprove them. Yet the National Assembly of Kenya has only managed to approve the last audited report for the financial year 2020/2021. This issue is of importance because, under Article 203 of the Constitution, equitable revenue sharing between the national Government and county governments is determined based on the last audited reports considered and approved by the National Assembly. Where is the justice for devolution, county governments and the people of Kenya, if the last audited report used as the basis for revenue sharing between the county and national governments is from the financial year 2020/2021? This is simply absurd. In fact, one must question where the Majority Leader of the National Assembly finds the courage to lead a House that submits such a Division of Revenue Bill to the Senate of Kenya. I say this without mincing my words. We must fight to ensure that the Senate of Kenya functions as a true ‘upper’ House in Parliament. If necessary, we must be prepared to sponsor our own Bill to solidify this role. The National Assembly must recognize the importance of legislation that emerges from a constitutional democracy. Adherence to the Constitution is paramount and proper legislative processes must be followed. The Division of Revenue Bill continues to be sent to the Senate without due regard for constitutional requirements. Even after the High Court ruled that Parliament must consider audited reports within three months, we still have two years’ worth of reports pending approval. The impact is that this becomes a con game from counties. I am using that word very strongly, because if you are projecting that you will raise Kshs2.7 trillion this year and allocate money for counties based on the financial year 2020/2021 and financial year 2022/2023. The other financial years are not considered. If you do the calculus, our revenue is growing. Additionally, the county revenue will never grow commensurate to what the National Assembly is giving to the national Government. This must be corrected. If it is 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."
}