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{
"id": 1625622,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1625622/?format=api",
"text_counter": 373,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": null,
"content": "Ward and also Soba/Songor - Those wards, have been classified to get equalisation funds. I saw our local artists, DJ Kaptula, Arap Uria and a number of artists who were complaining that the roads are in a bad state. We agree with them they are in a bad state. However, it is because of lack of release of this money, so that we can fix the road from Cherondo all the way as it opens up to Imagi Trading Centre. As I apologise, because also unlike Garissa, it is raining in Nandi County; we have been blessed. Nandi has three forests; Nandi North, Nandi South and Kimondi Forest. We also have Tinderet Forest, which we share with Kericho County. That road, all the way to Kapkoros, Tinderet and to Maraba, that opens to Maraba and Taptengele, to all these other parts of Tinderet, is also part of the roads that are under Soba/Songhor. To put context on this issue of the Equalisation Fund, in fact, Nandi County benefits with four wards. That is Soba/Songhor Ward in Tinderet Sub-county; Kapchorwa Ward in Nandi Hills Constituency and Chemilil, Chemase Ward in Tinderet Constituency. That is around Kshs200 million plus. In this Kshs46.5 billion that is yet to be released, out of the 424 marginalized areas, Nandi should be the biggest beneficiary. In fact, I am coming with a Motion and I will try to appeal, because the Vice- Chairperson, Sen. Mutinda, is here, for Nandi to be given two extra wards as marginalized areas; that is Terik Ward in Aldai Constituency and Chepterwai Ward in Mosop Constituency. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, do you know we have what we call the urban poor? There are people living in Nairobi, but they cannot access the basics, including food, water and shelter. They live in Mukuru Kwa Njenga and Kibra. We imagine that since 60 per cent of GDP is in Nairobi, they are well off. The biggest threat in this nation is the urban poor because of lack of basic amenities like water, healthcare, clothing and food. In fact, I want to support and congratulate President William Ruto on the affordable housing programme, to bring dignity to many Kenyans who live in slum areas, where there is no dignity. The President is saying it is not us who are better off that should live in better housing. In this City of Nairobi, we have seen the Talanta Hela Stadium in Ngong Road--- I am surprised by the greatest urban poor. You will find that families who live in places such as Kibra do not have playgrounds. You see them when you drive during the weekend along the Eastern Bypass. They are trying to sun bathe and play with their children because there is no playground. Some of these areas in Nairobi should be classified as marginalized and be given equilisation funds. How do you account for many schools in slum areas within Nairobi? Kibra is one of the largest slums. In fact, you cannot access those places. When you go to Kiambu, you think it is one of the richest and wealthiest counties. However, there is still a lot of poverty in places like Ndeiya and many other areas such as Kajiado, Garissa, Mandera and Busia. Therefore, on this issue of equalisation, I appeal to the Committee on Finance and Budget; let us sit and re-evaluate the marginalized areas, so that we include the urban poor and cities like Nairobi, which continue to suffer under the weight of wealth. This is a city of contrast. At the far end, we have the super-rich, at the other end, we have the super-poor. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}