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{
    "id": 1566728,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1566728/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 145,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Thang’wa",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, while this is considered an allocation, I believe the Senate should examine this issue further to understand why certain counties are accumulating these large sums while others, such as Kakamega County, despite being comparable to Kiambu County in terms of its 12 constituencies, 60 wards, and a similar budget, are receiving nothing. This suggests that, perhaps, no fines were imposed in Kakamega. Therefore, I propose that we take this as a case study to better understand the reasoning behind these allocations. As we pass this allocation, we must also request the Controller of Budgets (CoB) and the Executive to ensure the timely release of these funds. This morning, we were sitting in the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, where we met Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Machakos County and their Speaker. We were informed that the MCAs of Machakos and their staff have not been paid for the last three months. I believe this issue is not unique to Machakos County, as several other counties are also experiencing delays in receiving their funds. We must, therefore, urge the Executive to ensure these funds are disbursed on time, so that money is allocated where it is due. The reason the trust and confidence in this Government may not be in tandem with public expectations is that counties do not have money. The funds have not been disbursed yet, we see the Government initiating programmes that have not been budgeted for under the guise of economic forums. They go to every county giving handouts to individuals. Somebody might ask why these programmes that are not budgeted for are happening. There are not within any law and no Motion was passed, yet the monies that the Senate has allocated and approved is not being disbursed to the counties. This is an issue we need to look into, even if we were to summon whoever is not disbursing the monies to the counties, so that they explain. It should not be normal for the Senate to pass these kinds of laws, the allocations and the disbursement schedules, but the Executive is not doing its part and we just keep quiet and look at it that way. I urge the Executive to make sure that they disburse the monies to the county governments. If they do not have the money or they have not collected enough, why is it that only the counties are suffering? The offices of the President and the Deputy President have all the money to an extent that they are now dishing it out to anyone who asks for it. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I support this because it is an issue we need to look into. I thank you."
}