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{
    "id": 730488,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/730488/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 138,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Nderitu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2546,
        "legal_name": "Francis Waweru Nderitu",
        "slug": "francis-waweru-nderitu"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for giving me an opportunity to contribute to this Motion on consideration of the Senate Amendments to the Division of Revenue Bill, 2017. I am saddened at this time because the Senate has done exactly the opposite of what it is expected to do. During the first year of the devolved system, most Senators were very active. I can recall one occasion when I had gone to enlighten my constituents on the spending of the county government. My governor organised some goons and earmarked Hon. Waiganjo from Ol Jorok and I to be attacked. He paid them so that when we got to the public meeting where we were supposed to read the accounts of the 2013/2014 Financial Year, we would be harassed and the meeting would stop. The genesis of this matter is that during the first and second year of devolution, the county government did not have systems at all. The awarding of contractors was arbitrarily done and there were cries from people because most of the contractors were from Nairobi, Nakuru and other counties. The regulations concerning awarding of tenders were flouted. Therefore, everyone was agitated and there was need for clear rules on how the local people would gain from the devolved system. It was strange to see contractors from elsewhere in a county which had able contractors who could work. During the first two years, the Senate did its work but later on we realised that most Senators wanted to become governors and they relaxed. That is why they are mum about what is happening in counties. They are not bothered about devolution and, therefore, the services being offered are pathetic. For example, the Senate should get a more serious and interrogative way of finding out how funds for devolved roads are utilised by county governments. As an earlier speaker said most governors have turned out to be purchasing officers. I have just come from my constituency where I attended a meeting and a person said that my governor has collected and kept in his office all the files on road constructions from the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for roads. Governors are busy looking for campaign money and they are asking for 30 per cent from every contract awarded. When I look at the change the Senate is requesting, I feel it is not warranted and the Senate should focus more on overseeing counties and passing the right Bills so as to give Members of County Assemblies 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."
}