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"id": 195484,
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"speaker_name": "Prof. Saitoti",
"speaker_title": "The Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security",
"speaker": {
"id": 205,
"legal_name": "George Muthengi Kinuthia Saitoti",
"slug": "george-saitoti"
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"content": " Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to second the Motion that has been moved by the Minister for Finance. It will be recalled that last year we had a general election. General elections normally require a substantial amounts of expenditure, because of the costs involved in organising the whole process. Normally, there are other unforeseen expenditures, which have to be met. As a result, resources must be made available. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the most unique thing in our case is that we did not know that, immediately after the elections, there was going to be post-election violence. This violence caused many injuries, loss of lives and destruction of the property of Kenyans. This resulted in many Kenyans moving to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps. This is something we had not anticipated. While in the camps, it became necessary for these people to be housed, provided with the basics such as food, medical assistance and so on. This consumed a substantial amount of money, which had not been set aside. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the post-election violence had very adverse effects on Government revenue. This violence led to the curtailment of the number of tourists who visit this country. That caused revenue collection to shrink. This also affected production by industries. Mr. Speaker, Sir, from the point of view of my Ministry, the Ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security, we had to deploy security forces to the various affected areas, so that we could contain the violence which was developing fast. That, again, was a totally unpredicted expenditure. Hon. Members will observe that in the Supplementary Estimates, some money has been factored for that. This was to ensure that this problem was contained. Mr. Speaker, Sir, another additional funds, which we must take into account, arise from the fact that we did have the National Accord which was crafted, discussed and agreed on between His Excellency the President and the Prime Minister. All this was to ensure that normalcy was restored, and a spirit and sense of unity among Kenyans was brought about. That led to formation of the Grand Coalition, which is represented in this Parliament. Undoubtedly, that also led to a slightly bigger size of the Cabinet than would have been the case. Apart from the President and the Vice- President, there was also the creation of the offices of the Prime Minister and the two Deputy Prime Ministers, as well as the creation of several Ministries. Once again, this had not been anticipated when the Minister for Finance presented the Budget last year in June. Therefore, these unforseen expenditures have been captured now in the Supplementary Estimates. Mr. Speaker, Sir, there is an additional Kshs1 billion that has been factored into the Budget for the purpose of resettling the IDPs. These people are in several places. On this, let us understand that these are Kenyans, who are living as refugees in their own country. It is a terrible shame. I do not think we can allow this situation to persist. As a country which respects human and constitutional rights of all its citizens, we have an obligation to ensure that these people are resettled. Once again, this situation was foreseen and there is that substantial amount of money which has been set aside for this purpose. I have no doubt that more money will be set aside because during the post-election violence, there were several infrastructural projects, such as roads and schools, which were damaged. All the money set aside for such purposes is also part of these Supplementary Estimates. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is for that reason that in seconding this Motion, I want to urge hon. April 30, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 799 Members to really support it, so that resources can be made available. This will enable us resettle the thousands of Kenyans who are living in very miserable conditions. More importantly, we need to have resources which are going to be used to repair a number of secondary schools, which were destroyed in one way or the other, so that children can continue learning. Mr. Speaker, Sir, with those few remarks, I beg to second this Motion. It is important to ensure that the new Ministries start operating and providing services to Kenyans. Thank you."
}