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{
    "id": 1279885,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1279885/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 330,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Marakwet East, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Kangogo Bowen",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Bill also seeks to increase efficiency in water distribution and management in the sense that when counties are supplied water in bulk, it is their responsibility to make sure that they make the last mile connection to the last person so that they can increase their revenue and pay loans which were used on the water infrastructure. The Bill went through the First Reading, and we are now doing the Second Reading. It is good and important to say that today, a few minutes ago, the time for public participation elapsed, but we are still receiving some memoranda. By this evening, we had received ten memoranda, which the Committee has been considering. We met the Ministry, and they proposed some amendments. We have also received a number from water service providers, and their concerns were on bulk water supply. Many of them were concerned about whether we would have water development agencies as the water service providers. Let me make it clear that water development agencies will only develop water infrastructure, especially those that cut across two counties. They will develop and sign the agreement with private investors on behalf of the Government. We have water service providers in the counties, and this Bill concerns counties, so it will be taken to the Senate. The water development agencies are not after the last mile connectivity or to work as water service providers. We are amending the Water Act 2016 to bring in the Water Tribunal in this Water (Amendment) Bill, 2023. All tribunals are now in the Judiciary. Yesterday, the Judiciary appeared before us and submitted that they want the Water Tribunal to be put under the Water Amendment Bill, 2023. Currently, what is mentioned in the Water Tribunal is only the chair without the membership. We are seeking to define the composition and the terms of the Tribunal members. The National Treasury also appeared before us because of the issue of PPP. The Attorney-General also appeared before us. The Ministry submitted some proposed amendments a few minutes ago. With the passing of this Bill, we will increase water connectivity to the people of Kenya, especially through the last mile, and make sure we are not only developing dams for hydro alone but multipurpose dams so that they have hydro, irrigation, and domestic components. Many dams, like the one in Masinga or Turkwel, are only for hydro. We want to ensure that as we develop dams, they have three components: hydro, irrigation, and domestic. I second the Bill. I ask my colleagues to support and pass this amendment Bill so that we make sure water, especially as provided for under Article 43 of our Constitution, is taken to every Kenyan in this country. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker."
}