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{
    "id": 282862,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/282862/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 422,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Sambu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 137,
        "legal_name": "Alfred B. Wekesa Sambu",
        "slug": "alfred-sambu"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to second the Motion. The Budget Policy Statement (BPS) remains a very important document in the planning process and we in the Budget Committee have taken cognizance of this in preparing this report. We have closely examined the framework which is the basis for the next national Budget and provided for key interventions that should result in the robust growth of our economy, poverty alleviation as well as providing for quality service for the citizens of this country. We realize that in future once the scrutiny and approval of the BPS process has been done, it will provide the policy direction that will pave the way following reintroduction of the annual division of the Revenue Bill and the county allocation for the Revenue Bill as required by Article 218 of our Constitution. The Budget Committee, however, has raised some concerns with regard to this BPS. First is the concern with regard to the delay in presenting this particular BPS. This has left Parliament with constrained opportunities to provide requisite input and direction to ensure that the Estimates for the next financial year reflect the resolutions and guidelines of the House. The next concern is that because of these delays, we feel that as we go through the Public Financial Management Bill which is before this House, it might be pragmatic to provide for Parliament to go ahead and apportion resources accordingly in the event of the delay or the absence of the BPS. In discerning, the procedure used to allocate the resources to individual votes and programmes remained a very significant concern. The law is very clear on the criteria used, but this has traditionally not been the case. No one can really say why, for instance, a certain vote could get so much while another vote does not. This House should expect that in going forward, a definite and precise criterion be submitted along with the BPS clearly enumerating the reasons behind the proposed allocations for the following Budget. The third concern is about the ability to absorb the funds allocated to the Ministries. It is of concern that at the end of this month, 16 of the Ministries, departments and agencies have spent less than half of the resources that they were allocated with some spending as little as 20 per cent. This is in spite of having only three months to the end of the financial year and it implies that the proposed projects for these votes will not be implemented in time. This, therefore, means that delays in provision to Kenyans of the Finance Bill must come to a stop. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the fourth concern is with regard to devolution. While scrutinizing the BPS, we, as a Committee have realized that devolution has not been provided for with the adequate financial support as it is required. We have, for instance, noted that there is no specific allocation to allow for the Transitional Authority to be set up; the structure in various counties or the starting of the devolution process. It is imperative that we take this seriously as it is our promise to Kenyans and we voted in large numbers to adopt our Constitution. In fact, this particular matter was highlighted by none other than His Excellency the President in his Speech to this august House when he said:- “One beautiful aspect of our Constitution is the creation of the 47 counties and modalities for making the counties operational have begun in accordance with the devolution laws”. In this regard, the process of deploying resources, staff and equipment to the counties should be completed by August this year. The postings should reflect the diversity of our country.” The Committee notes that this has not been done and it may not be achieved by August this year. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the last concern is that resolutions are passed in this House to be translated into action, but very little is done or, generally, they are ignored. This was the experience for the Budget Policy Statement where Parliament passed several resolutions which have not been implemented. Amongst them was making provision in the 2011/2012 Budget for strategic food reserves and setting up a Livestock Development Fund. This has not been done."
}