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{
    "id": 1011424,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1011424/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 41,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Halake",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13184,
        "legal_name": "Abshiro Soka Halake",
        "slug": "abshiro-soka-halake"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise to support the Statement by the Senator for Mombasa, Sen. Faki. Infrastructure is the bedrock of competitiveness for us in the East African region. The most important infrastructure from the Port of Mombasa to Busia border is the northern corridor transit road. Ten years ago, we were told that it will be prioritized for the country to open up Eastern Africa. Since 2011 to date, the road is worse than it was then. At that time, 2.2 million tonnes of goods were transported all the way to the Kenyan inland as well as to the neighbouring landlocked countries. Today, I am sure this has doubled. I do not have the statistics, but it should be available with Kenya Transport Association (KTA). We are seeing a regression and wondering why the priorities are not where our economic bedrock is. Why is it that when we prioritize and do things, we do them where there is no impact for the people? Kenya should be the geopolitical leader in transportation, politics and other areas. If we continue to regress, then we will see our competitiveness go. As I speak, Ethiopia and other countries are coming up very quickly as a destination for investors. Even a small country like Rwanda is overtaking us simply because it takes seriously its competitiveness in their region. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is sad that Mombasa Road continues to suffer dilapidation, neglect and lack of investment. When we talk about where investment matters most, these are the kinds of critical infrastructure we are talking about. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this Statement is under Standing Order No.47(1). However, I urge you to give it to a Committee to look at all critical infrastructure in the country and what is happening to it. Were the infrastructure projects white elephants as put by one of our committees? Is Kenya serious about competitiveness in the region? The norther corridor has been highlighted in Vision 2030 and all economic blueprints in this country. What is happening to it? A road of about 900 kilometres which should take 12 hours is taking a total of almost four to five days as we were told by the"
}