Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1446080,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1446080/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 214,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "The second workshop was on gender quotas in Parliament, an issue that touches us to the core in this country. The issue was: “Gender Quotas in Parliament, Are Their Means to an End?”. The workshop provided a platform where panellists and participants explored the multifaceted nature of gender quotas in parliamentary representation, recognising their potential to address gender disparities in politics, while also acknowledging the challenges and importance of a broader, more inclusive approach to promoting gender equality in governance. As I said, this is still an issue in our own Parliaments. We know the importance of the quota. It is stated in our Constitution. However, this time, we looked at other approaches of implementing it, because that is extremely important for nation building. The third workshop was a round table on the role of the Commonwealth in international security and peace building. One of the key matters in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is peace building and security. The workshop provided a platform for young leaders and stakeholders to engage in discussions related to global security and peace efforts, with a specific focus on the Commonwealth's role. Participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, with a view to contribute to the broader conversation on global security and peace efforts, as well as the Commonwealth's part in promoting these goals. It was a very vibrant group and they gave us a wonderful report in the plenary. The fourth workshop was on environmental approaches in tackling energy poverty. It provided a platform for panellists and participants to discuss and explore various strategies and solutions for addressing the challenge of energy poverty, while also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practises. I was a Member of this panel. I have heard that tackling energy poverty is a combined effort from the Government and its citizens. Environmental conservation cannot be done by the Government alone. It must be done by the public too. We know that communities that live next to forests are the chief conservators of those forests. Before the Government comes in, it is the community that comes in. We looked at how energy poverty can be married to both agricultural and environmental practises by communities that live around forests. I further stated in that meeting that the major challenge to tackling energy poverty has been communities in rural areas to transition from fossil fuel to clean energy as charcoal continues to be a cheaper option. Again, we need to ask ourselves--- I pointed out some of the solutions that have been initiated to contain energy poverty in Kenya. They include- (1) Rural electrification that has taken place over many years in Kenya. (2) Diversification of electricity as a source of power to include wind power, like the wind firm we have in Turkana and Ngong Hills. (3) Creation of national energy policies. (4) Compulsory use of solar for water heating in cities, including Nairobi. These policies go a long way in ensuring that we have enough energy because energy poverty is a disaster. If people do not have enough energy for their normal daily food cooking, that becomes a major problem. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}