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{
    "id": 1192375,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1192375/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 109,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Belgut, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Nelson Koech",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": ", Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am learning the ropes. Hon. Deputy Speaker, on Thursday 3rd November 2022, you conveyed a Message to the House, requesting the approval of the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), to the East African Community Regional Force to the Democratic Republic of Congo pursuant to Standing Order 42(4), provisions of Article 240 (8) of the Constitution; and Sections18(c) and 36(2)(a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, 2012. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Committee has considered the request by the Executive for approval of deployment of KDF to the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) to DRC pursuant to the provisions of Article 240(8) of the Constitution and Sections 18(c) and 36(2)(a) of the KDF Act, 2012. Article 240 of the Constitution establishes the National Security Council whose functions under the Constitution relating to the matter of deployment is with the approval of Parliament; and allows deployment of National forces out of Kenya for regional or international peace support operations or other support. The Commission takes cognisant of the fact that Kenya is a Member of the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC) and being aware that DRC joined EAC this year in April, 2022, and it is now a fully-fledged member, and partner of the EAC. The mandate of the envisaged regional force is jointly planned and conducts operations with armed forces of DRC that has further, enjoined the area of operation to defeat the local and foreign armed groups in Eastern DRC, and support further, in maintenance of law and order. The mandate will enable the regional force to support DRC in collaborating with humanitarian agencies to continue humanitarian relief to the population affected by activities of armed groups including IDPs and support the programs of disarmament, community re- integration and stabilisation of peace. Lack of peace in DRC is because of instability. Kenya being an anchor of the African state, and part of the peace process, must be involved in bringing stability and peace in the DRC. When the Ministry of Defence appeared before us, we took time to interrogate why we really need our officers to go to DRC. I am sure many in this House will continue to ask: Why do we continue to send our officers for Mission? What will this country benefit from sending them for missions abroad? The DRC is a key partner in the East African Community, and as Kenyans, we have several interests in DRC. We have banks for example, and we continue to open bilateral agreements that will enable some of the arguments that we have in the EAC be domesticated in DRC. For instance, in the current Constitution of the DRC, you cannot lease land if you are not a Congolese. 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."
}