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{
    "id": 1043169,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1043169/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 141,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 124,
        "legal_name": "Samson Kegeo Ongeri",
        "slug": "samson-ongeri"
    },
    "content": "Therefore, there is a level of urgency that this Bill must be passed today. Reading through this Bill, I now begin to understand and appreciate why it must be passed today. Earlier on, Sen. Wetangula said that there was an element missing in the Bill. We would like to see the area of education. Indeed, when you look at this code - international standard of education - it incorporates the level of education that must go both to the athletic world, in this case, WADA. The national athletics organizations must also be involved in the education and knowledge and the athletes themselves must be involved in the education. That is why this code of international standard of education is being incorporated as part of the code that must be passed as part of the core law that must be factored into this element. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I think it is a well thought out Bill. At every step of development of this Bill, WADA were also involved. They have also bounced back and they compared it with the other existing laws that have been passed by other international bodies and national countries. Therefore, it is in conformity with the spirit of these laws. What is the purpose of these anti-doping agency laws? The purpose is to preserve the integrity and health of athletes. It is very critical that we do not allow agents who manipulate some of our athletes to use them as robots, give them doping substances hoping that they will escape detection and testing during track or off season competitions. There are random check-ups and they can be caught in the game. Punishments are huge because the athlete pays the ultimate price of being banned from running on track and field. We do not want to see our athletes, who have the natural psyche and the ability to run banned. The physiological and biological phenomenon that runs through their body and psyche is a natural element that is in them and gives them the mastery and the win over the rest of the world athletes. We should maintain that naturality that serves us well, and brings this nation fame and honour. Athletics has brought honour and glory to this country. We should honour and recognise our athletes at all times. I am glad that of late there has been recognition of state honours being given to athletes wherever they have been. This is a very good element. For the Athletics Kenya (AK), where I am a trustee, I want to encourage them. We have just gone through our 70-year celebrations the other week. I want to encourage them that one of the things they must do is to be on the right track and cooperate with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). They must make ADAK a robust body and cooperate. The laws are there to help them cooperate and agree on how to organise both the athletics body and the body of athletes who are there. Some of the best elements that will be used for teaching and training are some of the old athletes. Some were returning from the ban that they have exhibited during this period. Therefore, this is an important Bill for this country because if we are deprived of the ability to run, this country would be nowhere in the map. When we have done poorly in politics, sports have brought us up in one way or the other. Therefore, it is a compensatory mechanism. 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."
}