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{
    "id": 364107,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/364107/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 294,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "So, in my opinion and this being the first year that we are transferring huge allocations to the county governments, I would want to propose and support that the allocations remain as they are and that the allocations to the counties are already predetermined by the statutes. It is very clear that it is 15 per cent. So, therefore, it does not arise because if you look at the 15 per cent of what was presented as budget, the figures are actually around Kshs140 billion or Kshs150 billion, if my memory serves me right. Therefore, then the Senate cannot insist that their work is to determine what is 15 per cent. Hon. Speaker, Sir, my only concern is that even as these resources are going to be devolved, whatever has been allocated over and above the 15 per cent and in the last proposal it was Kshs42 billion, there is that allocation that is named as “allocations to hold accounts harmless” which is the equivalent of Kshs17.3 billion. I know that the justification of these allocations was because it was said that some counties have more service delivery burden than others and also because of referral hospitals and whatever is contemplated to ensure that there are proper health services for Kenyans at the devolved units. However, I also hope and pray that these Kshs17.3 billion shall not be used to also devolve inequality in this country. That these monies are not going to be skewed to favour certain counties that maybe seen to be more appropriate or politically correct and surely that should actually be the work of the Senate. When finally the allocations have been made, it should be their work to actually look at the equity and equality of these counties. Hon. Speaker, Sir, even if I do not indulge into that debate, it is very clear which House between the Senate and the National Assembly has a greater mandate from Kenyans. I rise to support."
}