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"content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir,it is clear from these articles that we must have a criteria on how those resources will be equitably allocated within the counties and also in disadvantaged areas. To do that, we need data and information. Without data and information, it will be exceedingly difficult for the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) to determine the amount of resources which should be given to each county. The criterion that has been used by the Ministry of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, particularly by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KBS) has been the determination of poverty levels. When we determine the poverty levels within the country, then we will be in a position to be able to equitably allocate these resources. So, the issue of how to determine our poverty levels, or living standards in different localities in this country, is very crucial. Without that information, it is going to be exceedingly difficult and there is a risk that the Commission or those who will be involved will be subjective in the allocation of resources and, therefore, they will contravene the Constitution. Apart from poverty levels or the standards of living, population is going to be very crucial. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am happy to note that we had a population census in 2009; so, the information is available and is current and, therefore, that information is going to be very crucial. There will be a need for information, particularly when you are looking at the socio- economic status of various counties. There will be need to look at various social amenities, including education status or literacy levels in various counties, so that when allocating resources, literacy will be one of the indicators of whether a county is highly advanced or not. Health care will be an issue that will have to be looked into and many other social services. So, all this information must be available before we go for devolved Government system. Otherwise, if we start the devolved Government system, hopefully in 2013, without this information, I am worried that it is going to be difficult for the Revenue Allocation Commission to decide how to allocate the resources to various counties. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me to take the hon. Members briefly through how the KNBS has attempted to determine poverty levels in this country. If you may recall, earlier this year, we had a big debate in this House when new poverty levels were introduced for allocation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources. You remember that there was a lot of controversy, debate and argument, with people arguing that the poverty levels assigned to their constituencies were not correct. I remember that a team of hon. Members from this House went to the extent of even going to the High Court to petition on that matter, so that those poverty levels were not be used. However,"
}