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{
    "id": 1456786,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1456786/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 34,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Maanzo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13589,
        "legal_name": "Maanzo Daniel Kitonga",
        "slug": "maanzo-daniel-kitonga"
    },
    "content": "This land is good for public use because it helps in preservation of water to keep the rivers downstream running. Secondly, ordinarily, wetlands are riparian areas under the control of counties. Though the public may have access, it is not to be alienated or subdivided for further human activity. Therefore, an effort to preserve the environment is important. This should serve as an example to many other wetlands in Kenya and many parts of the world. You will find wetlands even in dry areas in many parts of the world. There are areas where water does not move. You will find natural ponds or small lakes there. God had his own way of making sure that water is preserved in those areas, so that animals and human beings can find some water somewhere as they migrate. I am sure many Members here will bear me witness that this is very common even in dry lands. It is even more important in a wetland like Kisii. When there is drought in the country, these are important water and forest conservation areas, with natural habitation and natural trees growing there. Certain animals like pythons survive there. They could be a source of tourist attraction, despite the dangers they may cause to other animals and human beings. A wetland is important. That particular one is quite substantial. Therefore, preservation of the environment is important. This is a sort of responsibility we expect from Kenyans, just like what the people of Nyamira did. Wherever there is land to be preserved, it is not upon human activity around the area to cover up the wetland by putting more soil into it, like it happens in many parts of the country. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I had the privilege of making regulations in this area as a Member of the Committee on Delegated Legislation. Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) brought regulations to this effect. It got the committee and the Senate to think how best they can be preserved with the best regulations and public participation to make sure that the public is aware. Public participation has been abused. Many times, ideas come from the public, but they are never adopted or taken into consideration when it comes to making of laws. I would like to reiterate that views from the public could be helpful to lawmaking because there are quite a number of specialists out there who may not be in this House, but their input in public participation is important. We insisted that public participation is important whenever you are dealing with the issue of riparian areas or wetlands. Surprisingly, you will find the same members of the public settling in those wetland areas. When there are floods, they have to be removed at the public expense. Even deaths ensue quite unnecessarily. Therefore, county and national governments have to take precautions much earlier. I like it that the matter has been taken to court. The committee has encouraged public participation and a bipartisan approach by the people, including Government institutions in those areas. In fact, this area should be protected by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to make sure that wildlife in that particular place is preserved for purposes of natural resources. 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."
}