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{
"id": 1191859,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1191859/?format=api",
"text_counter": 281,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Kipipiri, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Wanjiku Muhia",
"speaker": null,
"content": "Again, it is because I am the immediate former Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) who just came from Arusha, the Green City of East Africa. Those who have visited Arusha must be aware that it is one of the most beautiful cities in our region based on the trees that are all over the town. Climate change is real, and is catching up with us. We need to come up with ways to help curb climate change.We have to be creative and innovative in order to curb climate change. I, therefore, commend the Member for coming up with this creative way of curbing climate change through afforestation, especially along the roads. We can do that by making it law because we cannot live without infrastructure. We are investing heavily in infrastructure so that the same infrastructure will carry together the afforestation. In this case, we shall be harvesting two investments together. We know the carbon emission from trucks and fumes can only be controlled by trees along the road. To enhance the quality of air, this is the best approach. Personally, when I looked at this Motion, I was hesitant because I did not read the Motion. The Member told me to go and read the Motion and I really loved it. You can see the passion when he is explaining how Nairobi was beautiful and I want to agree with him. I had two negative issues because I have seen, particularly near the Department of Defence, how the shades of some trees were creating confusion, making imaginary bumps and causing accidents. I was limiting my line of thought to that line only but when I read this Motion, I must commend the Member. Hon. Temporary Speaker, the cost of infrastructure is too high in this country and, more so, on drainage especially in some counties like Kericho in the Rift Valley where there are heavy rains. The drainage, even if it is constructed very well, clogs with water time and again. So, afforestation along the road will help us to maintain our drainage system because the water will be consumed by the trees. Hon. Temporary Speaker, we will also reduce the noise pollution. Members, you may not know that trees can also curb noise, which is also a climate factor. In the current life, we are so overwhelmed by lifestyle. Afforestation will bring health wellness; particularly mental healthcare. This is like a psychotherapy. When one is driving along a very green highway, you will enjoy driving on a beautiful highway and seeing a beautiful city. With the current overwhelming lifestyle, you will find yourself getting healed. Today, mental health is a threat and we are having many cases. This will be a way of facilitating free therapy. We may remember the Nakuru Highway before the Expressway road was constructed from Nakuru all the way to Nakuru Town. It was so beautiful. There could be some who never saw Nairobi City without this Expressway. The many examples we give cannot be imagined. We can only imagine driving in a green highway and getting psychological therapy. We cannot deliberate more but support this Motion. But we must be cautious. We have seen that the Standard Gauge Railway’s (SGR) contract is having a hide and seek game, but we know there were specifications on growing grass. The contractor has finished the work, but we are yet to see the grass. I think going forward, Hon. Members may consider amending the PFM Act so that some tenders can be brought before this House. When there is a big tender, the Members can ensure what we have legislated well. We can ensure this one of tree planting is put together. When Members will be travelling - especially the new Members - see if you can visit a country like Finland, which I happened to have visited. It has very beautiful green trees for thousands of kilometres. They get income from afforestation. As I support, I urge Members to come up with innovative ways to curb climate change, which is a serious threat to humankind today. With those few remarks, I support this Motion."
}