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{
    "id": 1566722,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1566722/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 139,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana, MGH",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "The problem with this Cash Disbursement Schedule is that when it comes to Exchequer releases to our counties, the National Treasury tends to lump the responsibility of county disbursements together with all other national responsibilities. Consequently, the timely disbursement of funds to counties is relegated to the back burner. This implies that they will be favoring the national Government while disadvantaging county governments. This is a challenge I would like to present to the Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Budget at the Senate. The time has come for us to sincerely examine how we can utilize Article 202, which states that revenues are raised nationally and shared equitably between the national and county governments. We must develop legislation within this framework to create a department within the National Treasury dedicated to county governments. If monies are being raised by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), they should be equitably divided, so that there are two sets of consolidated accounts. One set for the national Government and another for the county governments. This way, when there are delays in Exchequer releases, it will be clear that the treasury for county governments is not releasing the funds in good time. If this is not done, then, as colleagues have stated in the past or even in this debate, it will become a mere ritual, where we pass a schedule that is then disregarded. This is because the national Government operates as if the National Treasury exists only to service the national Government and not the county governments. I believe this is one area that we need to examine and determine whether, going forward, we could have a clear constitutional amendment that creates a treasury dedicated only to county governments. This would ensure that there is a treasury to serve county governments and another to serve the national Government. If this is done in a technically sound and effective manner, then we would no longer need to debate schedules, as funds would be disbursed on time and within the approved timelines. Once the Senate has given its approval, the funds would then be processed from the treasury dedicated to serving county governments. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I support this Motion and pray that the Constitution will be upheld in this manner. I thank you."
}