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{
    "id": 293477,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/293477/?format=api",
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    "content": "persons, having now secured their livelihoods, will join other Kenyans to contribute to nation building. Mr. Speaker, Sir, with respect to the implementation of the Constitution, we have prioritized resources for setting up essential structures for the National Assembly and the Judiciary to operate under the new dispensation. In this connection, the National Assembly budget has been enhanced to Kshs17 billion. This is a 67.3 per cent increase over the previous year’s Budget. While that of the Judiciary has been enhanced to Kshs15.4 billion, which is over 100 per cent increase from the allocation provided in the previous year. Mr. Speaker, Sir, with respect to devolution, we have costed the devolved functions in readiness for the County Governments to perform their functions as soon as they are on board. These costs amount to about Kshs148 billion for this financial year. I have allocated Kshs3 billion towards other constitutional reforms, which include provision of county office facilities wherever necessary. This brings the total amount allocated to County Governments to 26 per cent of the most recent audited revenues, which I am sure hon. Members will note is well above the minimum 15 per cent set by the Constitution. In addition, Mr. Speaker, Sir, and as I had indicated earlier, we have set aside resources for the equalization fund amounting to Kshs3 billion. Hon. Members will notice in the Printed Estimates that funds earmarked for devolved functions under each vote head have been provided, so that we can know what is in each county. Mr. Speaker, Sir, during the transition period, the national Government will continue to provide services based on the costing of the devolved functions, but will ensure that the resources are shifted to those counties that have been marginalized in order to effect equitable development throughout the country. Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me now to turn to the forthcoming general elections; 2012/2013 is an election year that will usher in a new administration and a devolved system of Government. We need to conduct the general elections successfully. Towards this end, I have allocated a total of Kshs17.5 billion to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). I, therefore, challenge the IEBC to work smarter and prudently to conduct a transparent and credible election within this resource envelope."
}