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{
    "id": 1565912,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1565912/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 327,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Maanzo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Since devolution started, I have debated this Bill every year. At first, it used to start at the National Assembly, but I have seen that this time round, it has been signed by the Chairperson in charge of the Liaison, Hon. Gladys Boss. After the National Assembly debates it, it comes to the Senate. However, in one way or another, a decision has already been made at the National Assembly and when it comes here, it is a debate where we might not change a lot. A lot of times we have tried to change or increase the revenue or monies going to the counties, but most of the time it is difficult. If you look at the current Division of Revenue Bill, 2024/2025 and the one we will do this year and next year, you will realize that money was reduced in last year’s one. What we were bargaining for last year is what has now been awarded - Kshs405 billion for the counties. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, devolution is in our Constitution and is the sure tool to develop counties. It is the best way one can get to the grassroots. Our biggest role is to support devolution as the Senate and make sure that devolution works. There are national functions and county functions as Sen. Peris Tobiko, my neighbour, has said. The national functions have things we should really invest in. Kenyans waste a lot of time on the road and there are road accidents as well. By now, we should be having a dual carriage to Mombasa. At some point, the Americans were to do it and they had negotiated a very good deal. We also expect a dual carriage to Western Kenya, so that goods and services can move fast from our ports to the ports in Lake Victoria, Uganda and the other countries that are served by our port in Mombasa. There is also the proposed corridor through Isiolo as well as the Airport in Isiolo, which has become a white elephant; bearing that the construction had problems. We also never got value for money for that Airport. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, when you look at the national functions vis-a-vis the counties; they are intertwined. It is therefore important that we develop the county and all the taxes that are collected from Kenyans go into good use. Then Kenyans will be more"
}