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{
    "id": 1583240,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1583240/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 198,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Wundanyi, WDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Danson Mwashako",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "These counties are Vihiga, West Pokot, Tharaka-Nithi, Lamu and Taita Taveta. When we consider only population, geographical size and poverty index, they do not capture the minimum resources wallet that is required to run a county. Therefore, when I look at this formula today, there is an attempt to set aside Ksh3 billion to be divided among the 12 counties. This gives me a lot of encouragement. I sit in the Budget and Appropriations Committee. We agreed that we would give counties more money. Today, we passed the Division of Revenue Bill that will give counties Ksh415 billion. This means that the 12 so- called small counties will get a total of Ksh4.46 billion to share amongst themselves. If you divide that by 12 counties, you realise that each county will receive in excess of Ksh370 million. The biggest challenge that we have in Taita Taveta County is healthcare. Therefore, I urge my governor, the Members of Taita Taveta County Assembly and County Executive Committee that when this money comes, they should make full use of it. It is an affirmative fund to fund the development needs of our county. They will receive Ksh370 million which they should use to fund the health budget. This is because our people are suffering. We do not have enough hospitals and equipment. We have a Level 4 Hospital in Voi that we expect to be improved to meet the standards of a Level 4 Hospital. If it is possible, we can build a proper Level 5 Hospital. The entire Ksh370 million should be used to promote health, build new facilities and equip them. Where possible, the funds should also support the health workers, in terms of remuneration. As I conclude, devolution should be protected. I stand as an advocate for protecting devolution, but I also warn a few individuals, particularly CRA. When the first formula was made, it identified 14 counties as marginalised since Independence. Today, they have increased to 33 counties. These are about 107 constituencies which are marginalised. Therefore, the money meant for marginalisation that was to be allocated to 14 counties is now being divided into very small amounts. This means it does not do any meaningful activity. The CRA should not further dilute the 12 counties that have been identified in this Fourth Basis Formula. There should never be an attempt to expand from the 12 counties to any bigger number. We know that these 12 counties require these resources, so that then they can grow in the same manner as the other big counties. I support this Motion. As Members, we should always support the small counties to get more funding. Thank you."
}