Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 1191942,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1191942/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 364,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Saboti, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Caleb Amisi",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I was contributing to this Motion clearly before I was rudely interrupted. Afforestation is a major contributor to reduction of carbon emissions. We really need to think about it as a nation. The Motion provides contractors with a way of handling trees when building roads. It gives them the responsibility of planting trees after their work. However, we should remember that the whole aspect of afforestation goes beyond regulations and giving people ultimatums to plant trees. It is also about ensuring that the planted trees grow to maturity. In that respect, we could go further and have a national programme on tree planting along our highways. Growing trees is not just about planting and leaving them to their fate. Contractors are most of the time into profit making. Once they are done with their work, which is more or less time bound, they leave the site and go to the next venture. What happens to the trees they planted? They will simply die if there is nobody to watch over them. We need to think about a nationwide programme. Hon. Temporary Speaker, while roads are being constructed, there should be a parallel programme to ensure that the planted trees are nurtured to grow to maturity. We should not just talk without a proper programme. If you drive along Thika Super Highway, for example, all you see are buildings. There are no trees. You only see an empty Nairobi. You can actually see Nairobi all the way to Githurai. You see buildings and buildings. We must find a way of ensuring that we have enough trees in this city. Many road projects in the countryside also destroy the ecosystem. Whenever there is a road project going on, the roads become impassable. Contractors have to cut trees to provide for diversions so that the road can be constructed. Trees and bushes are either trimmed or are cut all together. This is a very timely Motion, Hon. KJ. It is well thought out, and is very progressive. You have seen the interest that Members have in this matter. Once this Motion is passed, think of a Bill to actualise what we are discussing so that it is not just about talking and talking. Let us actualise the proposal by legislating on the matter. There are good programmes in this country. While roads are being constructed, young men and women from the National Youth Service (NYS) can be planting trees. The President should only be commissioning new roads when the trees planted alongside them have blossomed. We could incorporate some youth empowerment programmes in road construction. That way, we will progress from being a “talking nation” to an action-oriented nation. With those remarks, I support the Motion."
}