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{
    "id": 1477238,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1477238/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 308,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kikuyu, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Kimani Kuria",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "will advance the participation of African people in matters of governance. It will uphold democratic principles, protect human rights, and promote good governance across the African continent. This is by listening to the voice of the African people and those in the diaspora. Kenya stands to enjoy a plethora of benefits through the ratification of this Protocol. This will include the following: the demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to democracy and the principle of achieving inclusivity and active citizen participation. It will make Kenya to contribute to the broader objectives of African integration, legislation, and forging of unity. The protocol will also give Kenya and its Parliament a voice and influence in shaping the continental policies and initiatives. This active participation in PAP will raise Kenya’s voice profile in the African Union and also on the continental stage. It is a great privilege that we have one gentleman in the name of Hon. Raila Odinga whom Kenya has fronted to be the Chairperson of the African Union. We are hoping this will be a successful bid for Kenya and we will be proud holders of the chairmanship of the position. This, in a way, will show gratitude to the many years of fighting for multi-party democracy or what we call ugatuzi. When we were young people, we used to hear Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga talk about ugatuzi or majimbo. We thought ugatuzi or devolution was a very bad thing and it would divide this country. Many years later, after the enactment of the 2010 Constitution and establishment of the 47 counties, we have seen development going to the people. They are now involved in the way their Government is run. I have had the privilege of travelling across this country. It is sad when you go to some constituencies that have never seen an inch of tarmac road while others have less than 10 per cent of power connectivity. Our hope was that this devolution which we fought for would cure these challenges. It is great to see many governors working extremely hard to bring change in their counties. We should use devolution to bring not just development to the people, but also enable them to participate in governance to the lowest units. There is one great Pan-Africanist and sociologist who said that the habit of democracy must be learned by practise. The people must learn by experience how to govern themselves. I really hope that the practice of the power of the people to govern themselves, both at the national and county forums will bring out the best experience and leadership. Also, it will enable the electorate or voters in every five-year election cycle to have a chance to evaluate their leaders’ words and development. It will give us the best people to run this country and continent. That way, we can continue being one continent, one people, and, hopefully in future, one nation. Some of the challenges we face like fluctuations in our currencies is because we all have our small currencies. If you are in Busia, for you to cross over to Uganda you can hardly use the Kenya Shilling to purchase something there. If you cross the other border to Tanzania, you have to change your currency to Tanzania Shilling. Worst of all, is if you are dealing with huge transactions. You have to change the money to United States Dollar first, then convert it to the local currency. As you know, with a huge population in Africa, we have a huge market for products. Despite us passing different protocols to allow free trade movement across Africa, we still face bureaucracies and many barriers to trade. Until recently, even travelling to South Africa you needed a visa. We hope the collaboration in both free movement of people and goods across the continent and the establishment of an African bank in the African continent will make us to live together as one people - the African people. I beg to support this ratification and congratulate the Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs for doing such a brilliant job in this report. Lastly, I want to comment on what my friend, the Member from Marakwet said on public participation. Every piece of legislation that comes to this House goes through public participation. Many times, despite publishing in local dailies, website, even parties directly involved or affected by these decisions do not send a memorandum to Parliament. It is high The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}