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{
    "id": 1097138,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1097138/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 651,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Prof.) Jacqueline Oduol",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13171,
        "legal_name": "wilson sossion",
        "slug": "wilson-sossion"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for the opportunity to contribute to this Bill. I support the Bill because it clearly seeks to address a very important issue of administration and looks at ways in which to include management and regulation of irrigation matters in Clauses 3, 4 and 5. In Kenya today, we have irrigation schemes in Ahero, Bunyala and West Kano in Western Kenya. We also have irrigation schemes in Mwea, Hola, Bura and the Galana Kulalu Project. As we look at those irrigation schemes, given the potential that they can provide in terms of performance, a major area of concern and a problem that is facing irrigation farming is poor management and maintenance of the schemes. It is on record, and is something that has been pointed out, that the challenge is with the low performance. So, when we look at this amendment Bill that clearly seeks to address the very issue which has been indicated to be a challenge, it is something that we must support. The same amendment Bill seeks to provide for appointing and nominating authorities in line with the Constitution. As has been indicated by a number of Members, we have a tendency in our country to sometimes not ensure that institutions are delivering at their optimum. We do not take into account the minimum requirements that relate to the Constitution and other legislative parameters. Looking at Clause 8, I am happy that the amendment Bill recognises that there needs to be harmonisation, particularly when we have different Acts that overlap. Looking at the Irrigation Act, the Water Act and the Water Management Rules, 2007, this amendment Bill recognises the need to ensure that we harmonise and avoid wastage or ignorance of certain fundamental issues. As has been noted by other Members, it is important that as we consider the management, administrative and key issues that would enable us to address issues of food security and the manner in which irrigation farming is done, we take note of the possible negative impacts of irrigation such as when we have expansion and intensification of irrigation, and pay attention to the potential challenges that could result through soil erosion. I am satisfied with the manner in which the amendment Bill seems to have picked up on what could be seen to be major gaps. It is targeting areas that would enable us to ensure that we get maximum output, including ensuring that stagnant water that we find in canals and fields that breeds pests that lead to malaria and other diseases will be handled with adequate management and regulations that the amendment Bill provides. With that, I support the Bill."
}