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{
    "id": 1570252,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1570252/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 143,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Osotsi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I have just pressed my button now, but I have no problem being the first one. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this exercise that we are doing is only done once in five years. That means this formula will be with us for five years and will be the formula that will be used for division of revenue. That is why we really need to create an environment for consensus and not contestation between the so-called small counties and the big counties. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am a Senator of one of the so-called small counties; that is, the counties that receive less amount of money from the sharable revenue. I want to refer the Members of this House to the Constitution. Article 203 of the Constitution provides the basis for how the sharing will be done; basically, the principles to be complied with when deciding on the sharing formula. I want to refer Members to two very important principles. The principle under Article 203(1)(g), which is on economic disparities within and among counties and the need to remedy them. I also refer you to Article 203(1)(h) on the need for affirmative action in respect of disadvantaged areas and groups. Mr. Speaker, Sir, these are two very critical constitutional principles which this House should not ignore and which the previous three formulas have ignored, and I will demonstrate that shortly. We cannot continue disadvantaging some counties at the expense of others. Devolution was meant to ensure equitable and balanced development across the country. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale has just given an example between Kakamega and Vihiga counties, which are neighbours. It is so sad that a county like Vihiga County cannot do any meaningful development and yet, their immediate neighbour which is Kakamega County, where my friend and my elder brother comes from, is doing major projects. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, you know very well that Vihiga County is a mere kilometre of road away from Kakamega County, which has constructed a road up to Eregi on the boundary. From Eregi to the Chavakali Junction is about a kilometre. Vihiga County has not been able to complete the road because of a low budget. The other day, we were shown on television the Kidundu Stadium, which looks so bad, yet when you go to Kakamega County, they have an international stadium. It is high time we looked at the provision of the Constitution, particularly Article 203(1) on the issue of economic disparity among the counties and the need to uplift the disadvantaged counties and groups. If we do not do this, devolution will mean nothing for some counties. The small counties are basically employment bureaus. They employ people, but they cannot do any development. You know very well that the staff establishment in all these counties is the same, but the money that remains for development is very little."
}