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{
    "id": 396983,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/396983/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 211,
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    "content": "counties on a monthly basis because they can now predict and know how much is coming every month. They can then organize themselves to start utilizing the money when it comes. Therefore, there is great need for the counties to plan ahead so that they can utilize this money. From my personal experience, I know that it is not easy. Sometimes we have seen institutions given money and they are not able to absorb that money. So, I am asking the County Governments to make their plans in such a manner that when the money becomes available, it is utilized for the benefit of the residents of the counties. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this flow of funds to the counties now comes with a lot of expectations. Now that devolution is with us, we expect it to have an impact on our lives. So, that is the main challenge. We must really apply this money in a manner that will make a difference to the lives of the people in the counties. People want to see a difference from the way we have done it in the past. In the past, funds have not been reaching the grassroots. They have also not been used properly. I hope that this time round, wananchi will see a difference. The difference they expect is really improvement in efficiency levels in our operations and in the way our services are delivered. That is what people want to see. People want to see health facilities operating effectively. They want to see medicines available in hospitals so that they can get relief at the hospitals. They want to see better roads and clean water. This is the whole purpose why people voted so overwhelmingly for devolution because at the county level, they understand the challenges they face on a day to day basis. Equally important is that these resources must be felt everywhere in our counties. The resources should reach all the constituencies and wards so that the people who reside in those places feel the impact and know that their county governments are taking charge of their welfare and that they are concerned about helping them to improve their quality of life. It is also important to stress the issue which has been raised here; the question of accountability. County governments must be accountable to the people for these resources. The people must be involved in deciding their priorities in order to improve their welfare. So, the issue of accountability is important, and I am standing here to urge particularly Members of the county assemblies to make sure that they call the county executive to account. They should make sure that they are involved in oversighting the Executive so that we can get maximum benefits from these resources. There is indeed need because most of our counties have a huge potential which must be tapped to generate more funds to our coffers at the counties. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we know that we get additional funds from licensing charges and fees at the market places, rents, lease agreements on use of county property and royalties in some instances. All these are additional sources but I am suggesting to them that as much as we need additional funds for our county governments, the county executive should be careful not to burden wananchi too much. The people who pay for these licenses are very ordinary people, for example, boda boda riders who are often very over-burdened. 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."
}