Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 1626532,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1626532/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 208,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kibwana",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I also rise to support the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill (Senate Bills No.7 of 2025), which seeks to give efforts to Article 204 of the Constitution by provision of the release and use of Kshs16.8 billion from the Equalization Fund for the Financial Year 2025/2026. I will only touch on a few key areas, so as not to repeat what has been contributed. I looked at the rationale for the Bill and the purpose. It seeks to facilitate access to essential basic services, namely water, roads, health facilities and electricity. It more or less brings marginalised areas at par with the rest of the country. This Bill provides a legal and structured framework that is required by the Constitution and Public Finance Management (PFM) Act. PFM Act that ensures that these funds are properly disbursed and utilized. Over a decade into devolution, many counties still experience pockets of marginalisation. This fund is long overdue because many residents have been hindered from enjoying the benefits of the basic services. Therefore, the Bill is timely and necessary. I will touch on the key provincials and the geographical impact. Clauses 2 and 3 authorize Kshs16.8 billion for Financial Year 2025/2026, including Kshs504 million for Equalization Fund, secretarial operations and also Kshs16.296 billion for development expenditure across 34 counties. Clause 4, explicitly excludes the funds from being deposited in the County Revenue Fund under Article 207. Clause 5 also does provide that approval for the projects will not lapse at the end of the financial year and will also remain in force until all projects are completed. Clause 6 provides that disbursements require both the CoB authorization and written instruction from the Equalization Fund Advisory Board via the National Treasury. Madam Temporary Speaker, I realize this is quite significant and that is the best that I am looking at in this Bill. This is because the Bill honours our constitutional mandate to uplift all historical marginalised regions. I have seen Sen. Mariam trying to compare Mandera County and the other counties, I feel for them. The Bill accelerates equity in development, giving vulnerable constituencies the infrastructure needed for education, health care, economic activity and dignity. Health care is key. When we moved around with the Health Committee to different counties, we realized that people are really in dire need of healthcare services. I 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."
}