Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1524222,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524222/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 159,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Homa Bay County, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Atieno Bensuda",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Orders 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining regarding the destruction of forest in Magadi for charcoal production. Forests play a crucial role in sustaining life and maintaining climate stability. However, in recent years, Lake Magadi region has experienced severe destruction due to a high demand for charcoal. Indigenous tree species are being harvested to meet the high demand for charcoal. The environmental impact of this trend is alarming, with effects such as increased vulnerability to climate change. To regulate charcoal production, The Forests (Charcoal) Regulations, 2009 were introduced. Additionally, in 2016, this House passed the Climate Change Act (Cap. 387A) which provides a framework for the promotion of climate-resilient, low-carbon economic development. However, their enforcement remains a challenge, with a significant portion of charcoal production remaining unregulated, further contributing to adverse effects of climate change. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining on the following: 1. Immediate measures that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry is putting in place to curb the ongoing destruction of forests in Magadi region for charcoal production; 2. Steps that the Ministry is taking to enforce the Charcoal Regulations of 2009 and the Climate Change Act to ensure compliance with sustainable forestry practices; 3. Strategies to promote use and uptake of alternative energy sources so as to reduce dependency on charcoal to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of deforestation; and 4. Long-term strategies to enhance forest conservation in Magadi and other affected regions. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}