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{
    "id": 798414,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/798414/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 296,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "the public participation Bill sponsored by the Attorney General Emeritus, Sen. Wako. The counties are now trying to struggle on how to achieve public participation. Sometimes, not all wards, areas and villages are the same. Their development agenda and unique means of development can be captured in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). The last Parliament passed the Access to Information Act of 2016. Going forward, now that the Senate, in its wisdom, will pass the Public Participation Bill sponsored by Sen. Wako, we will enrich that law and ensure that we enhance public participation. The best public participation is when the needs of development or socio-economic development projects are implemented. Madam Temporary Speaker, according to Clause 3, another aspect is on the principle of Article 10 of the Constitution on national values and principles of good governance. We are giving opportunity to the lowest levels, for instance, wards, to participate in development matters at the lowest level based on their unique development agenda. This is very important because we are trying to actualize the national values and principles of good governance, of ensuring that devolution, public participation and democracy works. In addition, at least 8 per cent of revenue is allocated to the county. This is important. I noted that during public participation, the CoG has not taken a position on this matter. We are not trying to “water down the powers” of the governors in terms of resource control. Therefore, this 8 per cent will allow more resources to be devolved. For the benefit of public consumption, Kenyans should understand that the 8 per cent of revenue allocated to that county does not mean it will interfere with allocation. The county executive is given an opportunity to allocate to all wards. Therefore, the issue of 8 per cent revenue allocation does not in any way interfere with the powers of resource allocation or undermine the powers of the governor. There will be a select committee that will sit and decide. There are requirements. You cannot just wake up one morning and use the 8 per cent that is allocated, for example, in Nandi, Kisumu, Murang’a, Kisii or Nairobi County arbitrarily. There are stringent requirements in this Bill as proposed to ensure that there is no way these funds can be misappropriated. There are other aspects. Let me run through so that I allow my colleagues to contribute also. We have bank accounts being approved by the county treasury. I do not know why they seem to water down the aspect of the county executive yet the bank account is approved by the county treasury. This will ensure that the signatories of this bank account will not be just people who are not approved. Therefore, it will ensure that it is cushioned against misuse of funds. We are fighting corruption. We are worried as the second Senate that there are so many demons of corruption that are rearing their ugly heads at the lowest level of counties. This is one of the measures to ensure we cushion and protect resources from misuse. There is also the budgetary process. The opponents or critics of this Bill have created a perception that the 8 per cent allocated for the Ward Development Fund will just be put on the table and somebody will just scoop the way they want. There is a budgetary process that will ensure that it goes through administration. Madam Temporary Speaker, I am happy that in the history of running affairs of the Government, any money that is unspent is normally remitted back to the National The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}