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{
    "id": 1226912,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1226912/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 64,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kisang’",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to support the Statement by Hon. Sen. Osotsi. In the 11th Parliament, I presented a similar issue concerning Marakwet West in Elgeyo Marakwet County. In 1994, Marakwet District was carved out of Elgeyo Marakwet County. There is a community that gave out its land just like what has happened in Vihiga County. For over 20 or 25 years, the people of Vihiga who gave out their pieces of land to create space for the district headquarters are still staying in the forest without title deeds. I followed up on this matter between 2013 to 2017. I discovered about seven areas in the country that have a similar problem. The issue rests at the Cabinet. The Cabinet has not sat to approve the de-gazettement. I know the issue that Sen. Maanzo is talking about. According to the 2005 Forest Act, it is very difficult to do the de-gazettement of land. However, people have already given out the land. They do not have the title deeds because they have surrendered to the Government. They are living on the land without title deeds. It is a very difficult situation. The Committee needs to move with speed, and we resolve this thing once and for all. Some people fear that this might open up a Pandora’s Box for others to do illegal de- gazettement of other forest. However, this case is well documented from as early as late 80s. In Elgeyo Marakwet County, people gave up their land to pave way for the construction of Kapsor District headquarters for Marakwet West, they moved to an area called Chibara. Those people are now landless; they do not have anything. Their case is similar to what has happened in Vihiga County. The Committee needs to look at this matter holistically so that we come up with a solution to help our people once and for all. People are suffering yet they had land that they gave willingly after negotiating with the Government that was there then. We know that Government is in the perpetuity; the Government of the late President Moi who was there then and the current Government or any other are the same. These are our people; we need to help them to acquire relevant documents. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) should not push them out. I thank you. I beg to support this Statement."
}