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{
    "id": 645750,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/645750/?format=api",
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    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, through this Senate, it is a matter which we can do a report to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to ensure that lawyers and LSK will not be used as a conduit of things of this nature. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, now I know why governors have so much money to spend. If a governor can give to the CoG Kshs60 million without approval of the county assembly, then this is a scandal. This is a decision that he just makes in the comfort of his office. He looks at the clouds and says the CoG deserves Kshs60 million even if there is a road which has not been done in the last three years. Looking at Lamu County which gets less than Kshs100 million for development, they contributed over Kshs15 million to the CoG. This is very sad. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am very happy that I am not in Meru. I am happy for the moment that I am not a governor although I know with this, there is a good case for all the governors to go home. I cannot find any exception. Even in instances where I find there is a reasonable contribution in relation to the others like Nairobi County which has a bigger budget, but the total amount is Kshs11 million. My problem is not about the figure or the contribution; in the first place, why the contribution was made and whether there was legal authority to make that contribution. Mr. Speaker, Sir, at the end of the day, looking at the reaction to the requests, there is a case to ensure that the oversight of county funds is strengthened. As a Senator, I am just learning now that my county has contributed so much money. I know they have contributed to other things in a similar fraction, even for little celebrations like when there are new tractors going to the counties. There is also a contribution towards feeding people, for example, when President Obama plans to visit the county and he is unable to. At the end of the day, the Senate should be sufficiently strengthened to do oversight without fear or favour or thinking of the CORD or Jubilee. This is because the role of oversight is beyond our alliances or compliance with our political parties. This in itself shows that there is a level of impunity. The Republic of Kenya, in its contribution to the African Union (AU) or to international organisations, has to be authorized by Parliament. The Senate Minority Leader, who is a former Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker have experience in these areas. Contributions are determined on some basis. Kenya makes contributions on a basis which is pre-determined."
}