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{
    "id": 705628,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/705628/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 111,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wakhungu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1889,
        "legal_name": "Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu",
        "slug": "chrisantus-wamalwa-wakhungu"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker. At the outset, I support this Bill which has been long overdue. We have had a lot of chaos in the county assemblies because we never had such a Bill to provide a clear framework. We have had many problems in many counties in the establishment of the county funds. When it comes to opening accounts, funds are deposited under the Clerk or the Speaker and there is a lot of misappropriation. I thank the Senate for coming up with this Bill although it is long overdue. It should have come like yesterday. This Bill will bring a clear framework, sanity and sense so that these funds are not misappropriated. This Bill talks about the establishment of the County Assemblies Service Board (CASB) and has provided a clear framework of qualifications. Many counties have nominated people on those boards who have not even completed Standard Eight. There is a problem when it comes to interviews as they are not competent to conduct interviews. Hon. Speaker, I am happy with this Bill because it is going to ensure that Members of this Board are qualified. It provides for certain academic qualifications. It says that one should be a holder of a degree from a recognized university. I have a problem with this degree. I had an opportunity to go to some disadvantaged counties such as Samburu and Turkana. How I would have wished that we amend it to a diploma. This is because Part III (8) (b) talks about community and cultural diversity of the county. This means whoever will be in-charge must have expertise in matters culture. In this case you may find somebody is conversant with cultural diversity but is not necessarily a degree holder. I can see my friend, Hon. Serut from Mt. Elgon, is nodding his head in agreement. In some areas, getting that degree is a problem. Maybe when we go into the Committee of the whole House we can amend it to a diploma because in terms of cultural diversity some counties might not have people who are qualified in cultural diversity and are degree holders. Hon. Speaker, most of these counties have been employing their relatives. In Trans Nzoia County, I saw a report where those employed were wives of MCAs while others were their sisters or girlfriends. That is why it is important that Article 10 of the Constitution be put in place so that we look at issues of national values and principles of governance. It is clearly stipulated under Article 10 that the issue of accountability and regional balance is very critical. A county like Uasin Gishu has many tribes. If we have all the 42 tribes present, they must be incorporated but the majority must have the lion’s share so that these positions are shared proportionately. That is why this Bill is important, and we are requesting all Hon. Members to support it so that we pass it with speed and correct this mess at the counties. Hon. Speaker, the advantage of having County Assemblies Fund is that we have separation of powers at the county level. This is because we have the executive and the legislature. A county assembly is the legislature. We have a problem in counties where county assemblies rely heavily on the executive even when it comes to control of funds. You will find that when MCAs are discussing issues, they are working under duress and at the interest of a governor. So, the establishment of a fund will help them act independently and not under duress, fear or favour. In many counties, MCAs are at the mercy of governors. Some of them have taken loans that are guaranteed by governors. So, in case of any minor amendment for the interest of the public, you find a governor giving threats. He may withdraw that guarantee that he has given them. Therefore, the MCAs cannot debate a matter objectively because they are at the mercy of a governor. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}