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{
    "id": 1555167,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1555167/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 27,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Osotsi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I wish to comment on the Statement by Sen. (Prof.) Ojienda regarding the dualling of the Kisumu-Busia Road, which happens also to pass through my county; between Maseno and Yala. Mr. Speaker, Sir, you know Uganda is a key trading partner of Kenya. In fact, in terms of trade volume, Uganda is a number one trading partner for Kenya. Therefore, all roads or transport systems connecting Kenya to Uganda must be enhanced. We have a serious problem because this road was last repaired more than 15 years. This road carries all cargo traffic from Mombasa to Uganda and all manner of transport processes that are involved in transporting goods from Mombasa to Uganda. Something has to be done and I know it has been in the plans. Even in Vision 2030, there was a plan to dual this road, but nothing much is happening, not even repairs. This is why we are very concerned about the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF). The RMLF should be used to repair such strategic roads. Unfortunately, we are unable to access RMLF because of the conduct of the National Assembly trying to ensure that this money remains with them. It must come out very clearly that if we are not maintaining roads in this country, the reason is Members of the National Assembly. If you are driving on a muddy road, just blame the MP of the area where you are driving through. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this weekend I had a lot of problems going through my county because the roads are in a bad shape and Members of the National Assembly are fighting to control this money. Why are Kenyans not seeing what these people are doing; the kind of injustice they are doing to the people of Kenya? I had brought a Motion of adjournment on this matter, but unfortunately, my Motion has been denied. I will not complain about that, but I think we need time to discuss about the fight against devolution in this country. We cannot continue living like this. Devolution is the best thing that ever happened in this country since Independence, but we are seeing that the Members of the National Assembly want to control county roads, markets and they are even constructing hospitals. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as a Senate, under Article 96 of the Constitution, we have the powers to protect devolution. We will do that protection with all the strength that we have, anywhere we are; whether we are in a baraza or in this House. We will protect devolution. I am asking Members that we have to come out and fight. I know this 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."
}