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{
"id": 1384811,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384811/?format=api",
"text_counter": 777,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sigor, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Peter Lochakapong",
"speaker": null,
"content": "This Bill seeks to consolidate the laws relating to regional development authorities and provide for the establishment, functions and powers of the six regional development authorities. They include: 1. The Coast Development Authority, which was established under the Coast Development Authority Act, Cap 449. 2. The Ewaso Nyiro North River Basin Development Authority, which was established under the Ewaso Nyiro North River Basin Development Authority Act, Cap 448. 3. The Ewaso Nyiro South River Basin Development Authority, which was established under the Ewaso Nyiro South River Basin Development Authority, Cap 447. 4. The Kerio Valley Development Authority, which was established under the Kerio Valley Development Authority Act, Cap 441. 5. The Lake Basin Development Authority, which was established under the Lake Basin Development Authority Act, Cap 442. 6. Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority, which was established under the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority Act, Cap 443. Hon. Temporary Speaker, this Bill seeks to bring these six RDAs under one Act by repealing all the other laws and consolidating them into one to standardise the workings and functions of the RDAs. That is the main objective of this Bill. The Bill also seeks to standardise 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"
},
{
"id": 1384812,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384812/?format=api",
"text_counter": 778,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sigor, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Peter Lochakapong",
"speaker": null,
"content": "their functions, subject to the unique areas of operation of each RDA. The functions of these RDAs include: 1. Advising the Cabinet Secretary on matters relating to conservation, management, sustainable development and utilisation of basin-based natural resources. 2. Coordinating, planning and implementing policies and programmes related to integrated development and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. 3. Initiating, undertaking and coordinating studies on conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. 4. Maintaining a database of natural resources and formulating and disseminating a long-range development plan. 5. Monitoring and evaluating basic integrated development programmes and projects. The institutional framework of the Bill proposes establishment of six RDAs. The composition of each board will consist of a managing director, who will be the CEO, and nine members. The members are to be appointed by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development. The standardisation of the institutional framework of the RDAs shall promote integrated basin- based development within their respective regions. The Bill further standardises membership of the boards of each Authority, in line with best practices in corporate governance. The Bill establishes a board for each Authority with a total of 12 members, but we will be proposing amendments. The Departmental Committee on Regional Development, in its consideration of the Bill, proposes a reduction of board members from 12 to nine, excluding the ex-officio who is the managing director, in line with the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State corporations. The financial implication of the Bill includes remuneration for the boards, financing the RBA, policy implementation and research. The direct benefits of the Bill include better coordination, collaboration and synergy between different RBAs. This is through standardisation of their functions. For example, stalled projects in different regions will be better considered under the new institutional framework. The Government is keen to implement policies on economic growth, alleviation of poverty and development of infrastructure, industries, social services and amenities. The current legal and policy framework of RDAs includes the National Policy on ASALs, 2012, the Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2012, the Devolution Policy of 2016, Sessional Paper No.1 of 1986, Sessional Paper No.1 of 1994, Sessional Paper No.2 of 1996 and Vision 2030. If we consider comparative analysis of similar Bills in different countries, in Bangladesh, for example, the Bangladesh Rural Development Board operates under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. They receive funding from the national Government to implement rural development programmes such as infrastructure projects and poverty reduction initiatives. Its organisational structure consists of a central office located in Dhaka, the Capital City, and several field offices at the district and sub-district levels. The institutional framework of Bangladesh enables the effective implementation of rural development programmes and poverty alleviation initiatives. Its central office provides policy guidance, coordination and resource management while the field offices facilitate grassroots-level engagement and programme implementation, ensuring the needs of rural communities are addressed. Through its multifaceted approach, the Bangladesh model contributes to the sustainable development and improvement of rural livelihoods in the country. In South Africa, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is responsible for regional development, working closely with the provincial and local 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"
},
{
"id": 1384813,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384813/?format=api",
"text_counter": 779,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sigor, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Peter Lochakapong",
"speaker": null,
"content": "governments to ensure accountability. It operates as a national Government department under the Ministry of Cooperatives, Governance and Traditional Affairs. It has a central office located in Pretoria and provincial offices in each of the nine provinces. The institutional framework of South Africa supports the principle of cooperative governance, effective service delivery and recognition of traditional leadership. Providing policy guidance, inter-governmental coordination and promoting traditional affairs, the South African model aims to enhance governance, improve service delivery and foster partnerships between different spheres of government to enhance regional development. It is of great importance that this country emulates the approach taken by other countries for the economic good of its citizens. As I conclude what I wanted to highlight, I summarise and tell Members for information purposes that what this Bill seeks to achieve is to: 1. Standardise the laws relating to Regional Development Authorities. 2. Standardise their functions. 3. Standardise membership of the boards. 4. Align this Bill to the Constitution of Kenya. Each of these RDAs was established through an Act of Parliament way back before the new Constitution. That is what this Bill seeks to achieve. Because I do not want to belabour the point, I submit that standardisation of the RDAs is important as it will not only ease the inter-agency cooperation but also simplify compliance and regulatory processes, thereby improving their level and institutional framework. The RDAs in Kenya have the potential to bring about positive change and promote inclusive growth throughout the country. The six RDAs cover the entire country. One RBA could cover about six counties. For example, the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) covers Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet. The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) covers almost the whole of western Kenya. The Coast Development Authority (CDA) covers the Coast region. Others are the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), the Ewaso Ng’iro North Develoopmenet Authority (ENNDA) and the Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority (ENSDA). All these combined cover the whole of this country. Also, one RDA transcends counties and their demarcation is based on river basins. Hon. Temporary Speaker, at times, there is confusion on the projects undertaken by the Regional Development Authorities, and those done by counties. There are certain projects and programmes that can be undertaken that cut across counties and the best authorities that are suited to do these will be the RDAs. For instance, the Kerio Valley Development Authority can work in a project that cuts across the following counties; namely, West Pokot and Turkana, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Samburu, or Tiaty and Samburu. These RDAs are important, and they need to be supported."
},
{
"id": 1384814,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384814/?format=api",
"text_counter": 780,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sigor, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Peter Lochakapong",
"speaker": null,
"content": "The RDAs in Kenya have the potential to bring about positive change and promote inclusive growth throughout the country. By addressing the challenges that they are currently facing, RDAs can become powerful catalysts for achieving balanced regional development and propelling Kenya towards a more prosperous and equitable future. I want to point out here that by empowering RDAs, we are likely to achieve equitable development. They are also a bit versatile. Their mandate is very broad and they can undertake many activities, projects and programmes. By utilising them, we are able to achieve development quickly, urgently, and equitably. I think I have demonstrated that when moving this Bill. With those few remarks, I want to request Hon. Major Dekow, the Member for Garissa Township, to second this Bill."
},
{
"id": 1384815,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384815/?format=api",
"text_counter": 781,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Omboko Milemba",
"speaker_title": "The Temporary Speaker",
"speaker": {
"id": 13328,
"legal_name": "Jeremiah Omboko Milemba",
"slug": "jeremiah-omboko-milemba"
},
"content": " Yes Major. 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"
},
{
"id": 1384816,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384816/?format=api",
"text_counter": 782,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Garissa Township, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Dekow Mohamed",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to second the Regional Development Authorities Bill (National Assembly Bill No.7 of 2023). As mentioned by the Chair of our Committee, whom I want to congratulate on behalf of other Members for taking us through the process of addressing this Bill well. This Bill was first read on 6th June, 2023, and it was committed to our Committee for consideration and reporting back to the House. It intends to consolidate the laws relating to regional development. As it is now, it is important to know that these Authorities were established through different Acts of Parliament."
},
{
"id": 1384817,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384817/?format=api",
"text_counter": 783,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Garissa Township, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Dekow Mohamed",
"speaker": null,
"content": "The Authorities are six and they cover the entire region. Kerio Valley Development Authority covers the North Rift while Ewaso Ng'iro South Development covers the South Rift. The Lake Basin Development Authority covers the Western Region and Ewaso Ng'iro North Development covers the Northern part of the country. Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority covers the central part and the Coast Development Authority covers the coastal region of this country."
},
{
"id": 1384818,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384818/?format=api",
"text_counter": 784,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Garissa Township, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Dekow Mohamed",
"speaker": null,
"content": "The Bill seeks to standardise the functions of the authorities subject to the uniqueness of the areas. Each authority covers a certain region, and therefore, considering the uniqueness of their operations, this Bill tries to standardise the functions of the authorities’ boards."
},
{
"id": 1384819,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384819/?format=api",
"text_counter": 785,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Garissa Township, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Dekow Mohamed",
"speaker": null,
"content": "It is important to note that we considered the fact that the board members must be from the region where the Authorities operate. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 127, the Committee put up an advertisement in the daily newspapers on 12th June, 2023, and invited public participation on this Bill. We received memoranda from different stakeholders, including the Ministry of East Africa Community, ASALs and Regional Development, the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, the Council of Governors and the National Gender and Equality Commission. We considered all the recommendations and memoranda from these stakeholders. We held several public participation meetings in Kilifi, Kisumu, Isiolo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties from 26th October to 4th November, 2023."
},
{
"id": 1384820,
"url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384820/?format=api",
"text_counter": 786,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Garissa Township, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Dekow Mohamed",
"speaker": null,
"content": "During the public hearings in various counties, members of the public, either individually or representing institutions, and organisations made presentations to the Committee. We took into consideration those memoranda."
}
]
}