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{
    "id": 1476398,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1476398/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 311,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Belgut, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Nelson Koech",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "except very keen observers from the public, who will understand what is discussed in the Pan- African Parliament. Very few will relate to the Pan-African Parliament. Very few will even be keen on following what happens in the Pan-African Parliament. So, this Protocol will make it extremely simple for members of the public from all those African countries to follow up and understand the operations of Pan-African Parliament through this Protocol. As of the time of consideration, 15 AU member-States had deposited their instruments of ratification. Kenya signed the Protocol on 16th July 2023, and is yet to ratify it. Kenya's participation in the Pan-African Parliament enhances its influence in the region and fosters strong co-operation among the African nations. Normally, Kenya is one of the countries that is extremely active in our region. Already, 15 countries in the African Union have already appended their signature to this Protocol, but Kenya is yet to do that. We were lagging behind because of this process that has to be undertaken. By engaging with parliamentarians from across the Continent, Kenya can address and share the challenges and develop collective solutions. Furthermore, participation in the Pan-African Parliament enables Kenya to contribute to shaping regional policies that promote peace, security and socio-economic development. Enhanced regional co-operation provides Kenya with opportunities for trade, investment and knowledge exchange, all of which contribute to its economic growth and prosperity. Before I continue, I think it will be very important in the future that the Members who go to the Pan-African Parliament, particularly those from Kenya, address Parliament on exactly what they have discussed. If you just pay a little attention to what I have just said, there are too many opportunities that we lose because of our people not getting the knowledge of what is available across the borders. It is this Parliament and Members who are seconded to the Pan-African Parliament that should be able to provide the country with detailed information on opportunities across the borders of this country. Thus, enable this country to enhance its trade and even allow free trade and flow of information. This will make sure that even Kenya is able to participate beyond its borders, as well as open borders for trade, investments and opportunities for this country. The obligations of our Protocol fall under the jurisdiction of the national Government. Financial provisions for the Protocol's implementation, including administrative costs, will be factored into the regular budgetary estimates of the relevant institutions. Hon. Deputy Speaker, having reviewed the Protocol and considered the submissions made, the Committee recommends that, pursuant to Section 8 of the Treaty Making and Ratification Act Cap 4D, this House adopts and approves the ratification of the Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament. I beg to move and urge Hon. Major (Rtd) Sheikh Bashir, my Vice-Chairperson, to second."
}