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{
    "id": 1569447,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1569447/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 402,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Marakwet West, Independent",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Timothy Kipchumba",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " I was actually looking for it, Hon. Temporary Speaker. This Report by Hon. Kangogo Bowen’s Committee captures clearly that they conducted public participation. That is in clear spirit with the Constitution, which provides that the people of this country must have a say in any document that Parliament passes. As Members of Parliament, we speak for and on behalf of the Republic of Kenya. We must also get the public’s views before passing any document in this House. This document has, therefore, qualified as far as public participation is concerned. Hon. Murugara, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, has raised a very fundamental issue, which I wish to associate myself with. I am happy that there is a pending amendment to the Treaty Making and Ratification Act, so that matters of public participation can be addressed by this House. Sometimes, we find it awkward when we encounter these documents for the first time on the Floor of this House. The current provisions of the Treaty Making and Ratification Act provide that Parliament has a limited role, either to accede in full or provide reservations. That is not enough. The amendment to the Act is very important, so that Members of Parliament can have a say on these treaties before the Chairperson of the Committee brings them to the Floor of this House. I have also read the report of the Committee. It is important for this House to ratify this treaty so as to guarantee security to our fishermen. Many times, our fishermen have been harassed in the high seas, which affects them in one way or another. It is incumbent upon this House to protect our fishermen. That is an area in which we must invest as a country so that we can earn revenue. The Report also states that it will promote sustainable fisheries, support food security, help with poverty alleviation and aid in the preservation of marine biodiversity. If there is any form of biodiversity that has been left out in law and must now be protected, is marine biodiversity. I believe that ratification of this particular treaty will promote the issue of marine biodiversity in this country and it will be progressive if we ratify the same as a House. The treaty will also provide a level playing field for fishermen and fishery-related industries. This is so that we compete as a global community and progress as a country, we must be part and parcel of the international community, especially in terms of establishing proper frameworks for sustainable fishing."
}