Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1570332,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1570332/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 223,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. M. Kajwang’",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "formula. We introduced a new formula that would apply on increments from that threshold that we had defined. In my view, the third formula was perhaps more scientific, service-driven and sector-driven. In the third formula, we brought in aspects of service delivery. We put a measure on health, where were looking at picking data and analysing how many level four or level threes dispensaries that a county had. The CRA had a worksheet that had all that data. However, the problem was that some counties in a bid to look good had upgraded a lot of their hospitals to be level four in name, but there was nothing in terms of facility. As a result, I realised that between Homa Bay County and Migori County, Migori was getting almost Kshs200 million more on the health index because they had fewer level four hospitals. Homa Bay County was getting less because my governor then wanted to show that he was working. Therefore, he upgraded a lot of level four hospitals. It looked like Homa Bay County was doing better on the health index. We had certain parameters on agriculture. I recall the then Senator for Nairobi City County brought it to our attention that agriculture is not just a rural preoccupation. He gave us as an example that one of the main dairy producers in this country is in Nairobi City County. There is someone who operates in Karen and produces a lot of milk, perhaps more milk than any other producer around. The Third Basis formula was elegant in the manner in which it broke down the service dimensions. The only failure was lack of accurate data to back it up. Even the rural access index was based on the number of roads in a county. However, we have had a problem with classification of roads. The national Government does not want to let go of roads to county governments. Therefore, there has been some frustration in ensuring that roads are classified. If we had accurate data, I would still insist that this country continues to use the third formula. However, the proposal by the Finance and Budget Committee is a de facto endorsement of the third formula. In the spirit of holding harmless, the Finance and Budget Committee has told us that Kshs387 billion would still be distributed on the basis of the old formula, and any amount exceeding that would be subjected to a new formula. To some extent, it is a confirmation. I am not sure about whether in the Kshs387 billion, the factors or data that was used back then will be refreshed or we will just freeze the amounts as they were. If we freeze the amounts as they were, that would make sense. Going back to the data and tinkering with it might lead to unexpected results. This Fourth Basis formula that the Finance and Budget Committee proposes, 96 per cent is a third basis, and only 4 per cent is a fourth basis. This is assuming that we will be allocating the Kshs405 billion that was brought to this House by the National Assembly. I encourage the House to ensure we increase the base. That is where the solution lies. We are fighting over small fragments because we think that counties should only get Kshs387 billion or Kshs405 billion. The political formation to which I belong has clear unequivocal instructions that we must support devolution. We must give effect to devolution as captured in the"
}