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"content": "Hon. Deputy Speaker, the reason I sought to move this particular Bill is that I promised myself something when I became a Member of Parliament. That I would leave a legacy before the end of the term. My legacy, in essence, is to save the rivers of this country, starting with my own home county of Nyamira. It had 11 rivers but, right now, only two have water. The reason for that is the extensive growth of eucalyptus trees along the wetland areas of our rivers. Hon. Deputy Speaker, to put this into context, I will mention some other counties that have also been affected by the growth of the eucalyptus trees along the wetland areas. They are Bomet, Narok, Nyamira as I have mentioned, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kisii, Vihiga, Nyandarua, Meru, Nyeri, Kericho and Kirinyaga. Almost half of the country is affected. Therefore, the aim of this proposal is to amend Section 147 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999, by introducing a clause that prohibits planting, growing or maintaining of the eucalyptus trees species in and along any rivers, lakes and wetlands. To add on to that, from the scientific research that has been done, that particular eucalyptus tree and its species consumes an average of up to 90 litres of water during the wet season, and draws up to 40 litres of water during the dry season. It is very intense in its activities. Also, the leaves of the eucalyptus tree do not degenerate. In essence, they do not dissolve to being manure for our soils. You have to burn them. This means that any life form that is found within the rivers cannot be sustained. The eucalyptus are the most widely cultivated trees in the world. The genus eucalyptus comprises more than 900 species and various hybrids and varieties. Most eucalyptus trees grow naturally in Australia and in Kenya. That particular tree was introduced in 1902 to provide fuel wood for the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the total area under eucalyptus in Kenya is about 150,000 hectares that is distributed in gazetted forests, land owned by large private companies, small scale farmers and local authorities. The area under eucalyptus is increasing at a very high rate because of its high demand for poles to be used for electrification, construction, fuel wood, and to increase the forest cover. A perceived ready market for eucalyptus product has motivated farmers to grow the species and yet, the extensive growing has led to the concern I am raising, especially along our wetland areas. Our country faces an escalating crisis of water security with major water towers such as the Mau Forest, the Mt. Kenya Aberdare ranges, Cherangany Hills, and Mt. Elgon that feed into vital catchment areas coming under severe threat. Climate change and human activities, particularly the cultivation of eucalyptus trees close to water bodies, contributes to the diminishing river flow and eventual drying of rivers. I mentioned that in my home county of Nyamira, 80 per cent of the rivers are nearly extinct. This amendment comes at a very opportune time for us as a country because we are currently discussing Cop29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Kenya is leading the African delegation in terms of: \"How do we convert climate change into climate action?\" This is relevant for us because we are not only talking about climate change, but also about an actual action that is being done by Members of this House to ensure that there is a posterity document in place. I am talking of an Act of Parliament that will ensure that we safeguard the rivers in this country. This is not only for us, but for generations to come as well. The young people of this country have to be made aware that, if we do not take action in terms of climate change for our country, then we are not helping the problem; neither are we helping the future generations. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the reality is that our growing water demand and water scarcity have become an utterable challenge. Climate change, population growth, urbanisation, water pollution and poor management of water resources have aggravated the water crisis; thus, affecting economic activities, food security, education and health. There has been an environmental and community outcry in many countries which are suffering the negative effects of eucalyptus trees that are planted along water resources. Environmental degradation,"
}