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{
    "id": 1353609,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1353609/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 475,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Dorothy Muthoni",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I thank Hon. (Capt) Ruweida, Member for Lamu East, for bringing this very important Bill to the House. It is important for all of us to acknowledge that life is very precious. One life lost in whichever way is a loss to the family and country. This Bill seeks to amend the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 to include conservation and compensation as a result of death and injury from sharks, stonefish and whales, among other wildlife species. These are species that are found in our waters. We are talking about this Bill when this country is wading towards fishing in our deep seas and waters. All of us must appreciate the efforts that the Kenya Kwanza Government is putting up in fishing. We acknowledge that fishing contributes immensely to the economy of this country. This Bill will address the gaps that exist in matters of compensation. When we talk about compensation of fishermen, we do not talk about them in isolation; our waters are also used as a means of transport in areas like Lamu where people crisscross islands. They are also victims of these animals in the deep seas. We must, as a Government, invest in bringing confidence to our fishermen and all people using our waters to feel they are part and parcel of us. The Bill will also promote equality by providing remedy in the prevailing discriminatory compensation for attacks by wild animals in the sea. I say discriminatory because in other areas with wild animals people are compensated. In areas where there are elephants, people are compensated when attacked. This Bill is coming in handy. I recognise efforts that the Government is making in investing in our deep seas. The Government has come out to invest in 22 landing sites across the country. These sites cannot work without fishermen going into the deep seas. When that happens, it means more people will be used to this fishing trade. For that reason, it is high time the Government sought ways and means of ensuring fishermen are properly compensated. If possible, the Government should make sure that all bodies and persons involved have an insurance to ensure these people gain more confidence and work tirelessly towards improving the economy of the coastal people. I support this Motion. It is long overdue and timely. We should have this Bill like yesterday."
}