Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1097085,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1097085/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 598,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "North Horr, FAP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Chachu Ganya",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 18,
        "legal_name": "Francis Chachu Ganya",
        "slug": "francis-ganya"
    },
    "content": "One, omission of the key terms from the definition even though these terms have been widely referred to in various sections of the Act. Secondly, it has lack of flexibility by the appointing authority in terms of board appointments in order to meet the threshold of Article 6 of the Constitution and the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State corporations as well as other governing regulations. Thirdly, there is need for harmonisation with the provisions of the Water Act of 2016 and later regulations like Water Resource Regulations. Fourth and last, is the extension of the time for publication of regulations owing to extensive stakeholder consultations involved in the water sub-sector. Arising from this background, the Regulations (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly No. 12 of 2021) which was published on 16th April 2021 and read a First Time on 18th June 2021, was thereafter committed to the Departmental Committee on Environment and Natural Resources pursuant to Standing Order 127. The principle of the Bill is to amend the Irrigation Act to expand the administration and management of irrigation matters in Kenya. To achieve those aspirations, the Bill seeks to amend various sections of the Act to ensure adoption of best practices in irrigation as well as to enhance sustainable development of irrigation infrastructure, investment and financing. Following the placement of an advert in the print media on 11th June 2021 requesting for comments on the Bill from members of the public and stakeholders, pursuant to Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 127(3), the Committee received memoranda from the Council of Governors (CoG). The Committee also invited the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation for a meeting on the Bill which was held on Wednesday, 21st July 2021 at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club. The outcome of deliberations between the Ministry and stakeholders resulted in proposed amendments to the Bill. The amendments have been taken into account while determining the final proposed amendments as contained in the Committee's Report. The Committee will be proposing amendments to the Bill during the Committee of the whole House to clean up the Act to avoid inconsistencies such as the use of the term 'irrigation projects' to refer to 'irrigation schemes' as proposed in the Bill. Further, the Committee will be proposing to amend the qualifications of the chairperson of the board, as well as the composition of the members of the board, among other areas, to enhance best practices in the irrigation sector. As I conclude, we noted that there exist issues in the administration of the board, particularly regarding the structure and management of the organisation. As a Committee - and in consultation with the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation - we would have proposed amendments to rectify the issue, especially as relates to the titling of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Irrigation Authority. He or she should be named the Director-General. However, we note that Standing Order No.133 (5) provides that, that amendment should not necessarily expand the scope of the Bill. In this regard, we implore the Leader of the Majority Party to consider the proposed amendment in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill which will be forthcoming in the near future. Finally, on behalf of the Committee, I thank the Office of the Clerk and the Office of the Speaker for the logistical and technical support that they accorded us during our sittings as we considered the Bill. As a Committee, we thank all the stakeholders who participated in the consideration of the Bill. I wish to express my appreciation to my colleagues who sat for long hours to ensure that the Bill becomes a reality. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. I beg to support and second. 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."
}