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{
    "id": 724381,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/724381/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 79,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Mulu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1955,
        "legal_name": "Benson Makali Mulu",
        "slug": "benson-makali-mulu"
    },
    "content": "University of Nairobi. When you look at the other Commissioners, you realise that one of them is Prof. Peter Kimuyu, who was then one of our lecturers. This is a case of a teacher being now supervised by a student. I am really happy when I see such a case because it simply says that in this world, you have to respect everybody because one day, they might be your boss as you continue in life. This is a lesson we should all learn as leaders. The fact that God has given us the chance to be leaders today does not mean that those who we lead will never lead us in future. I am very impressed when I see a former colleague who has a PhD in Economics becoming the Chairperson of that important Commission. I just want to put a word of caution in terms of the work. We are all aware about the Equalisation Fund in this country. When the Commission was determining who should benefit from the Equalisation Fund, some very important and known disadvantaged counties were left out. I have in mind counties like Kitui and Makueni, which were never considered for the Equalisation Fund. Basically, it is the first Commission which determined who should benefit. As Hon. Wamalwa has said, Jane should come to that important office and bring a lot of objectivity in the way things are done. We are aware that the second formula for sharing revenue has been approved by this House. That formula determines how much money will remain at the national level in terms of sharing with the county level. It is important that the formula which has been developed keeps on being reviewed so that emerging issues in terms of different counties are factored in. As a country, we all agree, irrespective of the political divide, that devolution is the way to go. If we want to develop this country, we must support devolution. That Commission is very important in informing the debate on devolution. I am a Member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and every time we are finalising our Budget and more so the Division of Revenue Bill, there is always a section which indicates how the Budget and Appropriations Committee has considered proposals from that Commission. To some extent, you realise that some of their proposals are not able to be factored into the Budget because of resource constraints. I have in mind the current Division of Revenue Bill. There is one important issue, but it was never factored. The Commission had recommended that resources be set aside for construction of two national cancer centres so that our people who are suffering from cancer can get medical attention at those centres. We were not able to factor that important proposal into the Budget. I encourage the Commission, as Jane comes on board, to continue coming up with those kinds of innovative development initiatives so that, as we provide services to our people, in the long run, we will improve their living conditions. I want to support Dr. Jane for this position. We are all aware she brings on board international experience, having worked with the World Bank and other UN agencies. We all know that her background in economics will help her in thinking different options in terms of modelling different situations and coming up with the best option. I want to support the appointment and wish Jane, together with the other Commissioners, well as they guide that important devolution discourse. With those remarks, I support the appointment."
}