Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 1165708,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1165708/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 114,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Nyamunga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 738,
        "legal_name": "Rose Nyamunga Ogendo",
        "slug": "rose-nyamunga-ogendo"
    },
    "content": "Why would we acquire chicken, eggs and cereals from Uganda when we can produce our own? That is my problem. The problem is that we are not thinking outside the box and we are not looking at what we have. We should assess and exploit what we have. We must have infrastructure in place so that we process our natural resources and develop them. The moment we do so, we will create employment for our people. If we develop an economic zone, for example, in the lake region, there will be many jobs for our youth. This is because it will have a multiplying effect. If Kisumu Export Processing Zone (EPZ) is developed, it will employ 23,000 people. What effect will it have on the economy of Kisumu County? Those are the issues highlighted in this Bill. We must exploit and have integrated management of such resources. We should also identify the effects of resource exploitation and implement policies. As we develop, we should also implement the national policies at the county level because much as we have 47 county governments and one national Government, it does not mean we cannot share our policies. We must put all the policies together where applicable. If the national Government policies work well, then we should implement them at the county level. That is the essence of this Bill which is critical. It is a Bill that we need. By engaging in policy, we will facilitate effective engagement with the residents of counties. We will also put in place measures for equitable distribution of resources amongst the wards. The Bill also proposes a means of resolution of disputes. Some resources cut across counties. For example, sugarcane in western, Nyanza and the coastal region. So, there could be disputes where a resource cuts across. This Bill has in place ways of resolving those disputes when they arise. If any resource cuts across, distribution of the income from it be done in an equitable manner. There will be a percentage for each county depending on how much comes from that particular county. That is also captured in this Bill, that whenever a resource cuts across, all the counties should be involved and benefit from it. Lake Victoria covers Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties Those are five counties. If they develop it, they should share the proceeds of the lake in terms of fish, lake transport and any activity such as having waterfronts and other forms of tourism. This Bill seeks to put in place all the regulations that will be required when it comes to sharing a natural resource. I mentioned that if there is income from a certain resource, that income must be distributed to all the wards because those are our development units. We should have a percentage that goes to the wards and what should remain at the county headquarters. Something must also go to the national Government because it is the umbrella that houses all resources that we have in this country. Madam Deputy Speaker, the first part of the Bill contains the preliminary clauses. In this part, we have clauses relating to the definition of various terms used in the Bill. It is also instructive to note that the Bill defines resources. A resource has been defined as any factor of production of economy needed for profitable activity with the capability of applying necessary commodities and shall include natural, labour, economic and capital resources."
}