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{
    "id": 1464767,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1464767/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 195,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Garsen, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Ali Wario",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife regarding the indefinite closure of Malka-Halaku Corridor that runs between Tsavo East National Park and Galana Kulalu. Hon. Speaker, we appreciate that natural resources are a cornerstone for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Indeed, it is imperative that dispersal areas ought to be secured to allow wildlife to move freely across landscapes while, at the same time, protecting other key land use activities such as agriculture, settlements and infrastructure development. Over the years, residents of Garsen Constituency and neighbouring communities have faced constant human-wildlife conflicts which have affected their livelihoods. While residents have had to adjust their activities, recent directives have negatively impacted on the normal lifestyle in the region. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) recently closed the corridor connecting Tsavo East National Park and Galana River with claims of area residents trespassing in the park. This has impaired the movement of persons in the area. Additionally, reports of harassment of residents have been made where persons are arrested and arraigned in Kitui and Voi courts, instead of Garsen court. Residents have suffered in the hands of KWS officers who beat and injure the alleged trespassers. For instance, in July 2024, a Mr Hussein Dandi and Mr Hassan Galge Gobu were badly beaten by KWS officers and robbed of approximately Ksh250,000. That harassment has continued despite the Presidential Directive of 29th July 2024 in Kone area, Garsen Constituency. It is against this background that I request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Department Committee on Tourism and Wildlife on the following: 1. The status of the implementation of the Directive by His Excellency the President of 29th July 2024 regarding the opening of the corridor to ensure residents access water at Galana River; 2. The number and particulars of people that have been arrested by KWS officers for alleged trespass since the beginning of this year; 3. The reason for arrested persons being arraigned in Kitui and Voi and not being taken to the nearest court, which is Malindi/Garsen Law Court; 4. The number of human-wildlife conflicts cases reported within Tana River County in the last one year, and the compensation provided by KWS to the residents around the Tsavo East Park at Kone, Assa and Garsen Central, Kipini West; and, 5. Steps that the KWS is taking to cultivate good relations with communities who are the largest host of wildlife. Thank you"
}