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{
    "id": 397755,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/397755/?format=api",
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    "content": "readily available, installing CCTV cameras and using it the way it is being used in other parts of the world. This is technology whose time has come, but unfortunately, which we are not utilising across the counties. With regard to the counties, the fibre optic was installed and laid out in most parts of the country. This is from Moyale, Mandera, Garissa and other parts of the country. It has been laid; it exists, but unfortunately, it has not been activated. Where it has been activated, it is not connected to the county headquarters or to the institutions that require the technology. It is unfortunate that the Government laid the cable all the way to all the regions of the country, but up to today, the connectivity has not been done because they have not activated it. The Motion is asking for fast-tracking, by the Government, of the activation of the fibre optic national network. One of the challenges we have had in the county governments with regard to accounting for their finances is the issue of IFMIS. The IFMIS is an important requirement. However, the entire financial system, including budgeting, planning, expenditures, procurement, accounting and reporting, requires it. If the system is not available, it becomes very difficult for county governments to account for the monies we are allocating them. It becomes very difficult for county governments to budget. It also becomes more difficult for institutions like the Treasury, the Controller of Budget and others in Nairobi to monitor what is going on in those institutions. It becomes even more difficult for the Senate to get timely reports from the county governments with regard to accounting and expenditure. Therefore, it is very important that we have IFMIS in operation. Unfortunately, the latest reports we have are that it is only 18 counties that have operationalised IFMIS and their connectivity is still not very good. However, for all the other counties, connectivity is a major challenge. Some counties are using modems which make it difficult to obtain stability of a system that is required to operate huge software like that one. Therefore, the dream of an e-government and of using IFMIS remains just a dream. This becomes a pipe dream if we do not get the infrastructure in place. That is the subject of this Motion. The national Government has a responsibility to build capacity. We urge the national Government to set up the infrastructure. Unless we do this, it will be wrong to continue pushing the county governments to use IFMIS since they do not have the connectivity for that. The other advantage of this system as mentioned in the Motion, which I agree with, is public participation. It would become very easy if technology was available and if everyone in the counties was connected for the public to participate through emails which is now allowed under the law. It would be easy to communicate through the ICT rather than hold conferences and meetings. People can give their comments, ideas and views through county assemblies on any transaction that is related to the county governments and forward them to the appropriate office; either by email or by other communication. This is very important because it enhances accessibility and public participation. The other issue which is important is that it can lower the public expenditure of the county governments. Today, county governments are placing advertisements every day in the newspapers. Almost one-third of the advertising space in the newspapers is being taken up by the counties. If county governments get better connectivity through this 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."
}