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{
    "id": 816050,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/816050/?format=api",
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    "content": "Above all, I support her because of the content of her Motion, which seeks to protect the local contractors. Madam Temporary Speaker, I would like to take a different approach when doing my submission on this matter. Article 96 of our Constitution clearly states the core role of the Senate, which is to represent counties and the interest of their governments. Our attention should, therefore, be to contribute on this Motion while focussing on counties because we are the defenders of our counties. Therefore, as we contribute to this Motion, I would like us to draw our attention to counties and have the definition of who is a local contractor from a county perspective and set up. Madam Temporary Speaker, the issue of foreign contractors being favoured in the award of contracts at the national level has been devolved down to the counties. You will find that counties like Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga receive a lot of money from the national Government. However, half or three quarters of that money goes to contractors who do not reside within those counties. Madam Temporary Speaker, Article 174(d) of the Constitution is very clear that one of the objects of the devolved government are— “to recognize the right of communities to manage their own affairs and to further their development” It is important to note that devolution was meant to help local communities in the counties. It is, therefore, absurd for Kakamega County to receive Kshs10 billion and award Kshs5 billion worth of contracts to people who do not reside within Kakamega. Madam Temporary Speaker, my definition of who is a local in a county setup is any person who resides and votes in that county. You might be a Kikuyu or a Maasai but you reside in Kakamega County and, as such, we shall consider you as locals. We are not tribalizing counties, but we are saying that we must enhance the spirit of devolution. Our Constitution envisaged a situation where a lot of resources were clustered at the national level, and that is why we fought for the new Constitution so that monies can be devolved downwards. It is sad that local contractors in counties are not being given attention. Governors have decided to make friendship with friends outside the counties so that they can get their 10 percent; truth be told. I want to support Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., who said that they do not believe in their locals because they know that when you ask for 10 percent from a local, that local contractor will discuss you in the nearest bar. Therefore, it is comfortable for them to contract foreign contractors outside their counties. Madam Temporary Speaker, in 2005 when I was a Member of the County Assembly representing Mahiakalo Ward in Kakamega, I came up with a Bill called Kakamega County Equity and Equalization Bill. That Bill envisioned that 70 percent of the resources of Kakamega County be it employment or contracts must be retained in our 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."
}