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{
    "id": 994312,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/994312/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 143,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cherargei",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13217,
        "legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
        "slug": "cherarkey-k-samson"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker Sir, for this opportunity. I want to comment on the Statement by the Senator for Isiolo on the issue of COVID-19 pandemic funds. Yesterday, during the virtual Madaraka Day celebrations, I saw the Chairman of the Council of Governor, Gov. Oparanya, speak about the disbursement of Kshs5 billion. I am aware that close to Kshs10 billion in aggregate has been allocated by counties to address the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic in my county and across the country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is very important that even we borrow from donor partners, this money must trickle to the counties, so that we can address the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation. If we have noticed, there are rising cases of COVID-19 infections across the country. It is being projected that we are yet to reach the peak season of infections across the country. Therefore, it is important that we address the issue of the healthcare system across the counties. On the issue of the allocation of funds, we are aware that many counties have disbursed funds. In my county, the county government has failed to distribute masks and sanitizers. There are no proper mechanisms in Kapsabet County Referral Hospital and donations to cushion the underprivileged families and people living with disabilities. People living with disabilities should be aware that counties are doing little, yet money has been allocated. We are aware that many counties have redirected their funds to support them. I ask the CS in charge of the National Treasury and the CS in charge of Health to disburse Kshs5 million that was meant for counties. Do they want people to die or infections to skyrocket for them to give out the money? The President released eight stimulus points to jumpstart the economy. One of the key issues he addressed and gave attention to is proper healthcare. Also, one of his Big Four Agenda is universal healthcare. If the CS for National Treasury and the CS for Health will not release the Kshs5 billion, how will we hold our counties accountable, yet most of the counties have re-addressed their funds to support COVID-19 preparedness? This is a critical issue, and I thank Sen. Dullo for bringing it to the attention of the House. The Senate must come up with mechanisms of proper audit. For example, we should be told how we will audit the Kshs5 billion that will be sent to Samburu County, where you come from, or in Nairobi City County, which I am not sure whether it is run by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), the military or county government. I am happy that last week Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Nandi County questioned the County Government of Nandi on the issue of distribution of masks, sanitizers and food donation for many people across Nandi County. Therefore, I call upon the Chairperson of the Committee on Covid-19, my good brother, Sen. Sakaja. As we push for more funds to be allocated to counties, the Ad Hoc Committee should come up with a process to ensure that counties are held accountable in terms of disbursement of Kshs5 billion. We must liaise and create a link with MCAs across the country, so that governors are not given a blank cheque. This is dangerous. We know that people are happy that there is the COVID-19 pandemic. We might have COVID-19 corruption scandals skyrocket in the next one year. Therefore, the The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}