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{
    "id": 1202322,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1202322/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 213,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kajiado North, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "to make sure that the country stood out. When you look at the country today, Singapore remains a country that has made steps because of decisions made by great leaders that have served the country. The President made a short and sweet speech, just like Sauti Soul would sing ‘short and sweet’. There are several issues that he raised. One was the issue on transparency. You realise that the Westminster Parliament is what it is because of the Prime Minister’s Hour, where one is able to query government on any issue. The nature of Parliament is that you raise issues and get answers on the Floor of the House. This Parliament was once very alive when Ministers would come to this House. Therefore, the President’s intention to have Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) answer to this Parliament is such a great honour. It is also a trust that is given to this House, and not only that, he also wants to address the issue of transparency. He leads the Government and he wants to put it on check. Nothing would be greater than that, especially at such times when you hear that decisions that were made in the previous Government were not appropriate and have exposed this country to the issues we are dealing with at present. On the issue of environment, the President is very clear that he wants to do something about it, being a global issue. It is an issue that some of us are sensitive to and believe in the environment. I am an environmental impact assessment analyst. They say nature is very unforgiving. The late hon. Wangari Maathai said that if you do not take care of nature, nature does not take care of you. Therefore, as an MP, I would want to see my Government take care of the environment during my time as an MP. On the issue of CDF, it does not need emphasising that it has had an impact, more so the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). The President said that he believes it can work. I also believe it can work without undermining the Constitution or declaration of the courts. On the issue of affordable housing, the best example that every one of us should look at is what Singapore has done. Eighty-five per cent of Singaporeans own their houses. It is part of the reasons why their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew. Most importantly, the affordable housing programme provided all Singaporeans an opportunity to own houses. Therefore, part of what they call decency and giving people homes is provided by the government. The first and current Prime Ministers of Singapore made efforts towards making affordable housing a reality to everyone. As I wind up, Hon. Deputy Speaker, having worked in a county government as an MCA, there is nothing that has affected our society as the issue of health. The reason county governments cannot manage health is because some of the issues they handle cannot be handled by county governments alone. We did a pilot programme in Kajiado County and His Excellency the Deputy President then was one of our guests. We tried to ensure that every home has an NHIF card, and the result was amazing. Just imagine the impact if everyone is treated in hospital using NHIF cards. This is one of the issues that I would personally want to see achieved while serving this Parliament. The UHC affects all of us. We are members of one fundraising group or another because of health. I am sure with right linkages, we will be able to leverage on UHC. Hon. Deputy Speaker, following your advice, I do not want to belabour the point. The people of Kajiado North believed in me to be here. I am also grateful to my colleagues who are here. I look forward to fruitful and constructive engagements. I believe in learning which begins when you decide. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}