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{
    "id": 138719,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/138719/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 449,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Dr. Wekesa",
    "speaker_title": "The Minister for Forestry and Wildlife",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 209,
        "legal_name": "Noah Mahalang'ang'a Wekesa",
        "slug": "noah-wekesa"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to present the estimates of Vote 55 for the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife for the 2009/2010. The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife’s mandate is to protect, conserve and sustainably manage forestry and wildlife resources in the country. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the Budget Speech for 2009/2010 Fiscal Year, agriculture, tourism, energy, fishing and manufacturing among others were identified as the key sectors for our country’s economic development. As you will note, the above mentioned sectors have fundamental issues relating to environment, climate change and food security, all of which have direct relationship with my Ministry. The success of these sectors will, therefore, depend heavily on how we address conservation and management matters pertaining to forestry and wildlife resources and the challenges arising from prevailing ecological circumstances. This scenario is dictated by the following factors: 1. Forests are of critical importance for conservation of our country’s biodiversity. The percentage of forest cover in the country directly affects the intensity and extent of rainfall. Protecting our forests, therefore, has immense practical value to secure regular supply of water. It is notable that gradual depletion of the country’s forest cover through human encroachment has resulted in gross reduction in river flow. Consequently, there has been significant drop in water levels in our lakes and reservoirs. In Kenya, the five major water towers, namely; Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, Cherengany, Mt. Elgon and of course, Mau Forest Complex, are the lifeline of agriculture, energy, water and tourism and fish farming sectors. These water towers have to be protected at all costs. Through Vote 55, my Ministry intends to undertake serious campaigns to increase the forest cover from the current 1.7 per cent to 2.5 per cent. We shall also undertake to rehabilitate the water towers as flagship projects. In return, this will be expected to boost agriculture, energy, water and tourism sectors and propel the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the realization of Vision 2030. 2. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, food security in the country depends on the availability of rains. These rains heavily depend on forest cover. Since the forest cover in the country is under serious threat, less rain is being received, thus leading to continued food insecurity. It is imperative that all efforts are made to increase, protect and conserve our forest in a bid to enhance rain and ground water retention. The country’s intention to use irrigation agriculture as an option can only be sustainable with reliable rainfall."
}