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{
    "id": 1585484,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1585484/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 984,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kibwezi West, MCCP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mwengi Mutuse",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "with retaliation. The usual reaction by the executive is to withhold funding meant for the county assemblies. Therefore, this afternoon, it behoves every Kenyan to support the legislative proposal before us so that county assemblies may attain financial independence. This financial independence will, in turn, lead to increased checks and balances and enhanced oversight. Some argue that county assemblies should not be granted financial independence because they are incapable of managing their finances effectively. I completely disagree with that line of reasoning. That school of thought seeks to micromanage institutions and defeat the spirit of devolution. The framers of our Constitution, in their wisdom, envisioned a governance structure that includes two distinct arms of government at the county level: the executive and the legislature. Just as it is at the national level, it is important that the county assembly, being the second arm of government at the county level, be granted financial autonomy. For that reason, I wish to thank the Senate. I also commend our own Committee, led by Hon. Kimani Kuria, and here in this House, ably represented by Amb. Lang’at and seconded by my sister from Nyamira. I urge that we process this Bill with speed so that as we enter the new financial year, beginning in September, and as the President assents to the Appropriation Bill, funds disbursed to counties will include direct allocations to county assemblies. Going forward, funds for county assemblies should no longer pass through the county executive. In the new financial year, county assemblies ought to receive their allocations directly from the National Treasury. The necessary checks and balances, as provided by the Controller of Budget and the Office of the Auditor-General, will apply to ensure accountability at that level. Members of County Assemblies must also note that to whom much is given, much is expected. As I conclude, I wish to emphasise that county assemblies have fought for this financial autonomy for over 12 years since the advent of devolution in 2013. Today, the mood in this House suggests that this autonomy shall be granted. As the responsibility is handed over to them, they must demonstrate their ability to manage these funds responsibly. The fight for autonomy should never be perceived as a mere attempt to access public funds for personal gain. It must be seen as a noble pursuit aimed at promoting good governance, enhancing devolution, and upholding the independence of county assemblies. The goal is to ensure that taxpayers’ money allocated to counties yields greater benefits for citizens at the grassroots level. For those reasons, I support."
}