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    "id": 380861,
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    "content": "and where the Transition Authority has indicated their lack of capacity, they can appeal to the Senate to review that decision. In this regard, therefore, it is important to note that, indeed, there is no gazettement as we speak of functions to be transferred, whether in part or in full by the county governments. This is something we are aware that the Government, through its various Ministries, is trying to address. The second most important thing I want to mention is on Clause 6(4). This clause says; “Where functions have not been gazetted for transfer by the Transition Authority in accordance with Section 23 of the Transition to Devolved Government Act, the budget estimates for such functions shall be included in the budget estimates of the national Government and shall be submitted to Parliament for approval.” This means that for those functions that have not been expressly transferred to a county Government, it is the responsibility of the national Government to provide and pay for those services. This is important. We know that when we try to debate and increase the amount allocated to the county governments; from Kshs210 billion to Kshs258 billion, we are aware that there is a likelihood that the money that has been approved for the county governments may not be adequate to ensure that all services are paid for. In this regard, we want to bring an amendment in line with Clause 6(4) so that the national Government will pay for any shortfall that will arise in the county governments in the resources that will be allocated to them. If a function is transferred but the resources allocated are not adequate, we want to make an amendment to require the national Government to provide additional resources. This is provided for, in fact, in terms of the law. The same Clause 6(6) provides that; “The national Government may allocate part of its share of revenue raised nationally to provide additional resources to county governments as a conditional or an unconditional allocation as contemplated in Article 202(2) of the Constitution.” In other words, there is a window allowing the national Government to give more money to a particular county should there be a shortfall. We want to strengthen it through other amendments. I want to bring to the attention of Members clauses 8, 9 and 10. These clause specifically deal with the national treasury and the county treasuries. Of concern are the county treasuries. Our concern is the county treasury and how it should record all the transitions and revenues that they receive, to maintain proper books of accounts and to record all their expenditures. In this regard, as a Committee of Finance, Commerce and Economic Affairs, we indicated that we will be visiting some counties to assess their capacities, how they are recording their transactions and their ability to account for all their revenue and expenditures. More importantly, we also intend, through the Committee, to invite County The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}