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{
    "id": 1384781,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1384781/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 747,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Marsabit County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Naomi Waqo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for allowing me to give my input on this very important debate on the Natural Resources (Benefits Sharing) Bill (Senate Bill No.6 of 2022). We know that many counties in our country are blessed with natural resources that ought to benefit the local communities. However, in the past, people at the grassroots level have suffered because when resources are identified, the rich and the well-known take advantage of the locals, get hold of the resources, and benefit from them without considering the locals. That is the reason why I support this Bill. Part II of the Bill talks about the establishment and management of the Benefits Sharing Authority. From what I have seen, the proposed authority is a body that will help both parties to safeguard the interest of the local community at both county government and national Government levels. This House should support it so that the counties which have already identified natural resources can benefit. Under item Six (6), the functions of the Authority shall be to coordinate the preparation for the Benefit Sharing Agreement between affected counties and entities. This means that both parties would be well protected and hence, the issue of people having problems and suffering will not be there anymore. Under number 6(d), it oversees the administration of funds set aside for community projects to be implemented under the Benefit Sharing Agreement. This will help our people to elevate themselves, get out of poverty and also, educate the young people. And through this, the local community would benefit in a way that would help the entire country. Again, under (e), is to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the Benefit Sharing Agreement entered into between the county government and the affected entity. Number Eight (8) talks about the people who will be doing different work, and the appointment of Members and the General-Directors who would be holding the office for three years which is renewable once. I would like to stress on this because some people in the past would go back after every three years while others remained in those entities for like 12 years. We need to create space for others. It is renewed once. When it comes to employment and appointment of Chairpersons under number nine (9), one should hold a degree from a recognised university in Kenya, and (b), with knowledge and at least, seven years of experience. In the past, we had talked about 15 years, 20 years and lately, 10 years. Seven years will make it possible for our young people to hold these offices and bring their knowledge on board so that Kenyans can benefit from their creativity and innovation. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor"
}