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{
"id": 1552927,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1552927/?format=api",
"text_counter": 256,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Davis Chirchir",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
"speaker": null,
"content": "Regarding the Member’s concern for this or that airport, I indicated in my substantive answer that the Isiolo airport sits on a development corridor LAPSSET, which is the second development corridor for this country to move out of the congested northern corridor. That which puts Kenya in an anchor state through the port of Mombasa service in Uganda, servicing DRC Congo and the countries in the northern corridor. We are developing the northern corridor, not to be a regional corridor or a regional airport for that matter, but to open up a new development corridor and decongested current corridor. More importantly, it is to leverage on Kenya's geo-position to service Ethiopia and South Sudan. We all know what is currently happening between Djibouti, South Sudan and Ethiopia. This is not a regional airport per se, but an international one that sits on the LAPSSET corridor and that seeks to support Lamu. We have already developed Lamu on a deep water port that seeks to open up a whole corridor to service Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and part of northern Uganda. It is important, hon. Members, to distinguish the context of Kenya as an anchor state, primarily or secondarily benefiting the people of eastern and central Kenya because of the location of this airport. Since this was a regional, not just a national project, Isiolo will be built because we need to leverage on our geo-positioning. When I say regional, you understand. For example, this month we have just postponed summit meeting by the three head of States. This draws significant advantage to Kenya because when I said Kenya is an anchor state, it is basically leveraging and taking a competitive advantage of our geo-positioning. It is, therefore, not just about Isiolo, but Kenya. When I say Isiolo will be built, it is about Kenya leveraging on that corridor and ensuring we take that advantage. If we do not, there is currently the talk between the other three countries on forming another regional block. Kenya has to seize its position and be able to take advantage of that corridor and Isiolo, Lamu and the components on the LAPSSET Corridor will be developed. I confirm that and we should work together as leadership to ensure that we seize this opportunity and develop LAPSSET as a second development corridor for this country. We should that anchor position to basically open a corridor to service Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and a bit of northern Uganda. This is a regional project, not just a national project. We will work together to ensuring the whole of the LAPSSET corridor. The components, including Isiolo International Airport, is fully developed. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the secondary benefits which could be primary in terms of perishable goods such as miraa, not having to come to Nairobi, but flown out of the international airport of Isiolo. I think that basically covers what Sen. Kathuri raised concerning Isiolo being an asset that has not been fully developed. It is true it has not been fully developed, just like Lamu port and the whole corridor, because it is a huge regional project. If it was just for the purpose of building an airport in Isiolo, I do not think we would be putting in a disposition of about Kshs10 billion to fully develop it. The context is that we are opening a new corridor and we will develop Isiolo. With respect to Sen. Wambua’s question, we will really work very closely with all Members to ensure all our airstrips are functioning. We are working with the county The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}