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{
    "id": 1265411,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1265411/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 391,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Funyula, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) Ojiambo Oundo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " For sure, I will. I am very well guided. Hon. Temporary Speaker, the harmful effects of mercury are known. I remember that in the 12th Parliament, there was an animated debate about sugar laced with mercury. The debate became very interesting. Of course, it turned out incorrect as the House threw out the Report. The general danger of mercury cannot be over-emphasized. As we stand here to support this convention, and as my colleagues have echoed, it is time to revisit how we negotiate and adopt these treaties. This is because the country and the National Assembly come at the tail-end when there is very little we can do to look at it. If you look at the Report, it has raised that the extensive use of artisanal gold mining has special significance in Kakamega, Tekera, Pokot, Transmara and Migori. On the face of it, adopting this convention will render those participating in artisanal gold mining jobless. We hope and pray that there are alternatives that we can use instead of mercury in respect of those jobs that will be lost. I hope the Executive will use the benefits like Global Environmental Facility, a financial instrument and the convention. We hope that when that facility is eventually availed, it will be used to address historical exposure to mercury and to find alternative ways for those miners to proceed with their work without necessarily losing their jobs. Hon. Temporary Speaker, one of the core requirements of this convention is to reduce or eliminate the use of mercury in whichever production process. I approve entirely or support the adoption. However, we need to re-look at the provisions of the Act to ensure adequate participation from the people of Kenya before we approve or ratify such a far-reaching piece of legislation that will affect the people of Kenya. Thank you."
}