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{
"id": 1043093,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Wambua",
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"speaker": {
"id": 13199,
"legal_name": "Enoch Kiio Wambua",
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"content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. From the word, go, I stand in support of the Anti-doping (Amendment) Bill, 2020. I take cognizant of the fact that this Bill seeks to align the 2016 Anti-doping Act with the revised World Anti-doping Code which comes into effect on 1st January, 2021. In support of the Bill, I want to thank you and the leadership of this House for convening this Special Sitting to undertake an important legislative agenda. This speaks volumes about the House of the Senate of the Republic of Kenya and the importance we attach to national issues. Elsewhere, people would have argued that it is a festive season, they are relaxing and they would queue the Bill for another day. However, I thank you for convening this Sitting through the leadership because I understand that there is deadline of 31st December, 2020 to pass it. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have three things to say in regards to this Bill. One, it has come at a critical time for our athletes. Recently, I had an opportunity to visit Iten area. I was impressed to see many people practising along the road in the morning. It is a serious commitment to a cause, just like Sen. Wetangula has said, that brings a lot of glory to the country. However, there are many people who see money and wealth in athletics apart from the national glory and fame that it brings to our country. They give our young athletes enhancement drugs to run faster but what this does is to kill talent and instead of bringing fame and dignity to our country, it brings shame. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I like two things about this Bill; one, the placement of obligation and responsibility on the NADA as the sole agency that will deal with issues of doping in this country. Many times, we avail our athletes who are issued with fake certificates to participate in international athletics competition only to be found to have abused drugs either knowingly or unknowingly. This Bill also establishes an anti-doping results management panel which, consists of professionals drawn from doctors, lawyers, sports administrators and former athletes who will sit and make final decisions on the results of tests taken from our athletes. While commending this process, I challenge our law enforcement agencies. Sports is something that this country should support and be proud of. I have heard the Senator for Bungoma allude to the fact that when you were in charge of Bungoma County as a governor, you did certain things to enhance sports and athletics. However, upon your departure, those things stopped. I do not know whether the Senator for Bungoma is trying to tell you to go back to Bungoma or not. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I emphasize that if we have administrators and leaders who do not appreciate what sports can do for our children, it is an unfortunate situation. Last year I started a half marathon race in Kitui. However, we were unable to conduct it this year because of Covid-19 but we will hold it in March next year. Just the other day, a young man from Kitui organized a sports activity for young people so as to keep them busy and engaged during these Covid-19 times. However, on 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."
}