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{
    "id": 1570365,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1570365/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 256,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Kamar",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "getting is still not the figure that we wanted. The Committee's initial proposal was Kshs465 billion and we only got Kshs405 billion. So, we need unity of purpose to look for that Kshs60 billion. We must reach a point where we can talk in one voice, so that we get the figure that we are looking for. A divided House will not be able to do that. At the end of this debate, we must remain united and consider the fact that all of us must move together. I want to persuade my colleagues to accept the resolutions that came from today's Kamukunji because we called for it for that very purpose. Madam Temporary Speaker, where is the actual problem with the money, because we seem to be fighting over a little money? The actual problem is the progression in funding the counties. At the Bomas of Kenya, the ideal situation was that in 20 years, 50 per cent of the resources of this country would be in the devolved units. We expected 50 per cent to be in counties in 20 years. Right now, we are only in the third term and the rate at which we are going, we will not reach 50 per cent. As a House, we need to be united to refocus and fight for resources to go down to the counties. That is possible because there are functions that have been devolved, but resources have not followed. Even though the committee is saying in Paragraph H that the funds have been shared in the context of the devolved functions, we still have a lot of functions that are supposedly devolved in the Constitution, but they have not been funded. I said this during the debate of the Third Formula and I want to repeat it that Kilimo House is still full. The Ministry of Health is still full of staff who were supposed to have transitioned to take care of our counties. If that is done, if we transfer resources that are in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health rightfully to the counties, there is hope of us reaching the 50 per cent in the next 10 years, if not 20 years. That calls for unity within this House. It is very important that we stand united as we debate the division of revenue, so that we do not fight over the little that has arrived when we know that there is a lot more that should be coming. We know that roads and housing should be devolved. Of course, as I said, also agriculture, except for policy makers. The occupancy of the Ministry of Agriculture should just be one floor where the Minister is, his principal secretaries and directors; nothing more than that. All other functions and monies should be devolved. The same thing with the Ministry of Health. If health has been devolved and we still have everybody in Nairobi, most of the money is still in Nairobi. We are informed that what the counties are getting in health is less than 50 per cent. This has been raised several times by the CRA when they are explaining to us that we seem to be fighting over what we have seen with our naked eyes, but there is a lot more that we are not seeing. I would like to really appeal to the House that we go for unity of purpose while we are debating and while we are approving. I am glad my brother, Sen. Osotsi, is here. If we start fighting over the little things, we will not be able to devolve everything. Let us devolve agriculture and health, except for the policy, the way the Constitution says and look for new monies. I am looking for new monies that will follow the functions that have been devolved by the Constitution."
}