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{
    "id": 1495993,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1495993/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 378,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Funyula, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) Ojiambo Oundo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "All of us know that Kenya is a tree-scarce country. We have not yet gotten the 10 per cent forest cover that we desire. We always hope and pray the initiatives that are being rolled out by the current regime will result in adequate forest cover so that we can solve climatic changes and be in a position to deal with the adverse effects of the same. There are very many tree species in this country, exotic, indigenous and some hybrid. They have different implications and effects on the environment and the general welfare and well-being of the people of Kenya. There have been numerous researches and reports that have indicated eucalyptus species are heavy consumers of water and, therefore, whenever they are planted near water sources, along riverbeds or any other water board masses, they have some negative effect on the water availability in that particular area. I do not want to dispute the researches because that is not my area of specialisation and being somebody who has consumed research reports, I want to take it as it is and that is the correct position. If there is adequate research, and I believe scientists in this House, scientists at Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and all over, will be able to inform this debate before we conclude. Let me also echo the sentiment that have been raised by the Member of Parliament for Nyeri Town, who has clearly indicated that because of their early maturing and fast growing, eucalyptus trees have become very popular, especially in the construction industry. That is because they are used as props and for many things. I am also aware they are important in the tea sector. That is now a debate that Hon. Irene needs to engage those particular Members of Parliament from tea growing areas who use eucalyptus trees for tea processing and other uses in their areas. It might also be important that, as we ban eucalyptus trees, she must also engage, probably with association of contractors or builders, to see the substitute to be brought in this case. Probably with time, it might be important for Hon. Irene Mayaka, again, to look at a segregated way of applying that prohibition. There are some areas that eucalyptus trees have grown for many years and their adverse effects have been mitigated by adequate rainfall. There have been areas that are semi-arid or do not receive adequate rainfall like Funyula Constituency. Obviously, growing eucalyptus trees poses a very big danger on the survival of the few seasonal streams and water masses. This is a debate we cannot conclude today. I request that she engages further so that we are in a position to resolve this matter."
}