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{
    "id": 1283086,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1283086/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 103,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mumma",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "We all agree that this country needs policies and regulations to assist in governing issues relating to carbon credits. Therefore, laws to deal with this issue are welcome. However, you must allow me to point out the anomalies that we have had beginning with the procedure that one day, public participation cannot be meaningful to something that is as important as this. I know we are trying to ensure that we look good to the international community next week and it is good for us to look good, but we have flouted the rule when it comes to meaningful public participation. We have also flouted the common rule that policy precedes legislation. Sen. Chute has raised it in this House before that we do not have a national policy guiding matters relating to carbon credits. In fact, we have foreign companies and some locals who are benefitting seriously over our natural resources on matters carbon credit. Usually, we begin with the policy then you bring in the law and regulations. Mr. Speaker, Sir, having said that, I hope that even if this law is passed, we will agree on the need to come back and regularise some of the issues. Since I have very few minutes, I suggest that we relook at some of the things. This law has largely focused on carbon credits and it has provided a lot more that will benefit the international and local communities. This law has limited the role of county governments and communities. Even though it makes reference to communities, it is a vague reference. Any community member reading this law will not be clear what this means for them as a community. We will need to revisit this in order for us to do justice particularly for our communities. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we need the people of Kakamega County to know whether we have people earning from Kakamega Forest, which they are working day and night to conserve; but somebody from somewhere will all of a sudden take chunks of it and start earning. That is the new style of land grabbing and we need to protect our communities. Clause 23(a) refers to Section 6(f)(a) which does not exist in this Bill. I do not know what that is. The technical people need to look at it and see how to address that issue."
}