MCAs cut corners to pass key bill in record time

"Do not appropriate funds for the County Public Service Board totalling Sh36 million until the board is properly constituted," he advised.PHOTO: COURTESY

The local assembly has passed the County Appropriations Bill 2016 in a record two days after hastening the legislative process.

Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Duncan Gituanja yesterday moved a motion to waive the seven-day maturity period for a bill to be discussed and also skipped the committee stage.

"The seven-day maturity period would cause undue delay in release of the funds, which are urgently needed to operationalise activities and commence the development projects," Gituanja said.

His motion was seconded by Leader of Minority Frederick Karere.

During the first reading of the long-awaited Appropriations Bill 2016, Wamagana Ward MCA Jesse Kamuri said the document was a product of protracted negotiations and that majority of the members supported it.

"We want to hasten the process for the sake of the county development projects, but even as we do so it is important to review the budget for the County Public Service Board," Kamuri said.

He noted the board was not properly constituted and there were outstanding issues to be resolved before its funds are approved.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

"Do not appropriate funds for the County Public Service Board totalling Sh36 million until the board is properly constituted," he advised.

Nominated MCA Virginia Waruta moved a motion to exempt the bill from public participation, arguing that the budget estimates had been subjected to extensive public participation.

"We should trust that we, as representatives of the public, have made the right decision concerning this Appropriations Bill," Ms Waruta said.

Stephen Mwaniki (Dedan Kimathi ward) said it was surprising that the document took five months to be delivered to the assembly and now it would sail through in a minimum three days.