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{
    "id": 397002,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/397002/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 230,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Ndiema",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1067,
        "legal_name": "Henry Tiole Ndiema",
        "slug": "henry-tiole-ndiema"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I stand to support this Motion. In doing so, I want to say that the system whereby the counties get their allocations on a monthly basis is laudable, especially because the counties do not have any other sources of money to spend if we were to stagger it on the basis of quarters. The counties do not have the facilities to borrow on a short-term basis to even meet the basic expenditures like salaries. So, I want to thank the Committee for agreeing to that system of payment. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, looking at the figures, what we see is that the funds which have been allocated are not adequate, but we have to do with what is there. In some counties, they may have to really spend a lot on payment of salaries, and the little that is left will go to other recurrent expenditure items leaving very little for development. So, in view of the inadequacy of finances, it is incumbent upon the counties to really plan properly from the outset as to how they will spend the money for all the months within that financial year. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the revenue that has been allocated, being inadequate, has to be supported by the revenue that is raised locally within the county. The two go together. I think the Committee should look at ways in which a similar report on how revenue will be generated can be availed to the Senate so that we see how they will manage their expenditure. I have mentioned that salaries will be a major item of expenditure. As we are aware, there is supposed to be an audit to see the level and type of labour we require for the devolved governments. It is important that this exercise is completed at the earliest possible time so that the human element is properly factored. Since resources for expenditure are limited, counties should plan and spend prudently. They should avoid rushing to over commit themselves in contracts which are way beyond their resources as per the Schedule. They should also look at the pending bills or the liabilities which are there. It is very important for the committee to look at the liabilities with a view of ensuring that these resources are protected against claims of pending bills because some pending bills are way beyond these allocations. 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."
}