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{
    "id": 1492055,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1492055/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 189,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Abdul Haji",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, and I will try to be quick in moving this Bill. I beg to move that the Environment Laws (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 23 of 2024) be now read a Second Time, pursuant to Standing Order No. 146 of the Senate Standing Orders. The Environment Laws (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.23 of 2024) seeks to amend the Forest Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 385, and the Climate Change Act, Cap 387(a). The amendment aims to enhance afforestation, reforestation and carbon sequestration efforts across Kenya. This includes promoting tree planting on public land, establishing nurseries with seeds suitable for different regions, and introducing tax incentives for private sector participation in forest conservation. As we are all aware, climate change poses one of the greatest challenges of our time. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns and extreme droughts have become more frequent and severe. While many discussions around climate change often focus on reducing emissions or shifting to renewable energy, today, I was hoping that this Bill would highlight a solution that is sometimes overlooked; that is, that is, vegetating the vast arid and semi-arid regions that cover a significant portion of our country. The amendment Bill itself is not specific about how to vegetate and plant trees in arid and semi-arid areas. It is not only limited to these areas; the Bill encompasses ensuring that this initiative is carried out across Kenya and covers all regions of Kenya. Kenya is a country significantly impacted by climate change with its arid and semi- arid region covering approximately 89 per cent of the land. These areas are home to nearly 38 per cent of Kenya's population, and the livelihoods of the communities in these regions rely heavily on pastoralism and agriculture, both of which are increasingly under threat and face an existential risk. Although arid and semi-arid areas may seem barren and inhospitable, they hold immense potential in the fight against climate change. Not to mention, the availability of vast pieces of land is a reason why the Kenyan Government should take the initiative to revegetate the arid and semi-arid areas. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only.A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and Audio Services,Senate."
}