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{
    "id": 157228,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/157228/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 301,
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    "speaker_name": "",
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    "content": "soon; we will introduce a Bill, in this House, to deal with climate change because it is an aspect that we cannot afford to overlook. The issue of water conservation is one that we also need to address. Water is becoming scarce in this country, throughout; even in the so-called high potential areas like western Kenya, most rivers have dried up. Where I come from in Emuhaya, we had rivers where people used to drown when crossing but today one can cross comfortably. It is, therefore, important that water conservation and soil conservation be addressed, particularly when we are addressing the issue of food security. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, with regard to food security, I think because of the problem of climate change, we must address this issue differently. We must change our food production from rain-fed irrigation. When it rains, we have a lot of water that runs into Lake Victoria and into the Indian Ocean. After the rains, there is no water anywhere. We must, therefore, come up with water conservation measures. I want to applaud the Presidential Speech that covered a lot on the construction of dams. This is the way we should go. We should construct as many dams as possible. We also need to establish irrigation schemes so that we can ensure food security in this country. The issue of infrastructure was well covered in the speech. I want to say that I was very happy when I noted that this area was given priority with regard to opening up new roads to Sudan and Ethiopia. This also includes the construction of a railway line of modern gauge so that we can access Uganda, the great lakes region as well as Sudan and Ethiopia. On the issue of Kazi Kwa Vijana, I think this is a very good initiative. I want to laud the two principals for introducing it. However, I am concerned that this programme may not have a lot of impact. This programme, in my view, should have been channelled through the constituencies for it to have some impact. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, when you channel this money through the Ministries and with the bureaucracies there, we expect little or no impact. There are so many programmes that have been channeled through the Ministries that are well intentioned but are not working. For example, the Government has provided money for fertilizer and seeds to improve food production among the poor but the procedure used is a big problem. For example, businessmen and women are not ready to tender for the supply of fertilizer and seeds and wait for payment after two or three months. The Minister for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 should consider channeling this money through constituencies. This is because the Constituencies Development Fund (CDF) has done very well. With only Kshs11 billion per annum a lot of development has been achieved in the constituency. So, we would like to see the KaziKwa Vijana initiative also creating jobs in the constituencies."
}