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{
    "id": 385358,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/385358/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 107,
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    "content": "perfect for two reasons; first of all, it is the time we are dealing with the Division of Revenue Bill, and I think we did that in the morning. This definitely adds to the voice of devolution which is the sole mandate of this House to protect. I therefore, support it. I want to comment on something that was brought to the Committee on Finance, Commerce and Economic Affairs, and it was also in the Division of Revenue Bill about deficits in the counties. This is the issue of the capacity of counties to run and to absorb what would be given to them has been raised. I think having this come to this House is one of the steps that we will be taking to make sure that we build the capacity of the counties to bridge the gap between the deficit that we have seen. We have seen the highest deficit is Kshs7 billion. We have others that have deficits of Kshs3 billion and Kshs2 billion. This will build the capacity of the counties to generate their own revenue and make sure that they reduce the deficit to fund their budgets. Secondly, I think yesterday there was a photograph in one of the daily newspapers of women in Kakamega with a caption; “Gold the hard way”. When I looked at that photo, I could only see the zeal of the women and what they were going through, trying to wash mud, sieve it and come up with something at the end of the day. This zeal of the people can only be enhanced and rewarded by taking the resources to the people. If we do not do that, this Upper House will be failing. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, if you look at the Turkana oil exploration mission, there was already a public uproar that was led by one Ekuru Aukot of being very insecure as a county because things will come and move very fast and the villagers will be left wondering what happened. As a Senate, I want us to create what I would call equity in making sure that we raise counties that are not having villagers. One village which has one vehicle, we should strive to make sure that every homestead has a bicycle so that we do not end up having a few people who are millionaires and millions who are paupers. I beg to support and add my voice to the proposed amendment, that we do not limit it to minerals. For example, when the people of Gatanga complain that they do not have water, we become a laughing stock because that is also a natural resource that will help other counties. Again the villagers will be left wondering what happened. We should expand the scope so that we do not limit it to just minerals but include other natural resources. Finally, the team that will be considering this Motion should also consider employment so that the issues which have been raised here by the Senator for Kwale County are also taken care of, so that if you have a natural resource in a particular area, the employment quota should also be applied so that the locals are given first priority and it should be put in law that they will be given the first priority where they are qualified so that it also benefits the area and the people. Thank you."
}