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{
    "id": 605887,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/605887/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 293,
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    "content": "are deemed to be devolved. I should be excused to cite agriculture because it is the mainstay of the economy of the people of Trans Nzoia. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this year we struggled to get funds to purchase grains. We spend quite some money to provide fertiliser and purchase grains. However, the funds were not adequate. In the Budget Estimates which were read, you will be surprised that the amount has even been slashed further. That, therefore, means that there is an indication that counties will eventually have to take up this responsibility. Agriculture is devolved yet resources have not followed the functions. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we have seen the inadequacy in the health sector. We have made some attempts to ensure that referral or Level 5 hospitals are assisted. In the same vein, certain counties have certain responsibilities to the nation. Trans Nzoia County has a responsibility to feed this nation. That function has not been considered. It should be considered over and above what is equitable share. If we were to spend money allocated to Trans Nzoia County to purchase maize and fertiliser, even the Kshs5 billion allocated to it would not be enough. It would all go. Therefore, in next year’s budget or allocation of revenue should consider a formula that takes care of each county’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and other functions. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am glad that in my county, at least some increase has been realised from last year’s figure of about Kshs3 billion. Now, we are at Kshs5.4 billion. That is a modest increase, but nevertheless, we appreciate. We urge those who manage the funds in the counties to ensure that there is prudence and accountability in the manner in which the money is spent. Unfortunately, we are inhibited, through denial of funds, from exercising our oversight authority. We may not do it the way we were expected to do. This is worsened by the fact that the Auditor-General has also not been facilitated enough to oversight these funds. However, I call upon those who execute or use these funds to exercise prudence for the betterment of the people. I also urge county assemblies to take their responsibility of oversighting seriously. If they have any problem, they should not hesitate at all to petition the Senate. We have seen today some wananchi themselves petitioning the Senate over issues of accountability. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, looking at the amount of loans and grants, what we are seeing increasingly is that the Government is resorting to borrowing more and more. It is the same taxpayer, residing in a county, who pays. It is very important that loans or even grants obtained from wherever they are obtained from also are subjected to equitable allocation. This is because when you look at the loans and grants, you will see that some counties get more than others. My county is only getting Kshs11 million while others get more. This is not fair because these are also national resources. At the end of the day, it is the nation which pays the loans. It is, therefore, important that grants and loans also be submitted to this House, the Senate, because this is a House where we ensure that counties are treated in an equitable manner."
}