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{
    "id": 618779,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/618779/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 244,
    "type": "other",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "required that devolution should be implemented in full effect as soon as possible but we are almost in 2017 and we are foreseeing a situation where we might have implemented less. As we implement devolution, the manner in which counties are run leaves a lot to be desired and this puts pressure on the relevant Committees like the Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on Devolution to ensure that counties start on the right note. So far, from the reports that we are getting from the Auditor-General, it is clear that all the counties have some issues. Some of these issues area structural and others are because of negligence on the part of the government officials. There is also need to ensure that the county assemblies are better placed and capacitated to allow them play their oversight role. As at now, the Senate is playing its oversight role but the Senators were inhibited greatly because there is no system of interaction between the Senate, the individual Senators and their respective counties. Whereas the Constitution places on us the responsibility of representation of counties, there are no fora that provide linkage between the Senate and the counties. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we tried to enact a legislation to ensure that there is a forum between ourselves and the county elected representatives in the spirit of public participation and sharing of information as enshrined in the Constitution. Unfortunately, the governors challenged it in court and the court agreed with them. This is a matter that that should not be left unconsidered. If possible, an appeal against it should be filed or a reinvention should be made in accordance with the Constitution. Our cause may have been misunderstood. I had an opportunity recently to inspect some projects in some wards and to check if the funds that were allocated to them went to good use. While good work is being done in Trans Nzoia County, there are areas that had glaring issues of inefficiency and sometimes, outright theft. I was in Matimbeyu Ward last Monday and we were informed by the public that Kshs3 million was used in the ward in the year 2013 to construct roads. The tender was issued but not even a single road was done yet the contractor was paid. We were also told that the Auditor-General has a report to that effect but unfortunately, no action has been taken against the culprits. There is need, therefore, for the Public Accounts Committee to work fast on these accounts to ensure these culprits are arrested. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the issue of staffing in the counties is an area that needs attention. There are many government officers who were offloaded to the counties and they do not know what to do with them. The government must take action to ensure that there is rationalization in the number and the quality of staff. If you go to our health services in Trans Nzoia, for instance, we do not have adequate doctors. Some have left and there is no replacement. These are areas that we need to look at. The other is the quality of work in the counties. This leaves a lot to be desired. The architects and the engineers do not seem to be doing their work. A lot of money is being spent on projects which will never benefit the people. In my county as I move to the wards, I saw water projects where the county has actually budgeted money, contracts have been awarded and pipes laid but those pipes do not deliver any water because of The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes"
}