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{
    "id": 205891,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/205891/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 169,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Lesrima",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 178,
        "legal_name": "Simon Saimanga Lesirma",
        "slug": "simon-lesirma"
    },
    "content": "The other point that I want to talk about is the issue that was raised by the previous speaker, hon. Kagwe, that is, road carnage. We do not know what is going on in the road transport sector. The discipline seems to be collapsing again. There were days of the \"Michuki\" rules. I do not know why those rules should not be brought back to save the lives of many Kenyans. I know that some medical officers; bone specialists, lost quite a bit of business when the \"Michuki\" rules were applied. Last week, we lost 30 people in the accident which took place in Kisii. There was also the carnage of Nyamninia where we lost 21 Kenyans. I do not believe that it was an act of God. I 3656 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES September 4, 2007 wonder whether that trailer that was coming down the hill was not speeding or if it was in good condition. I also wonder whether the driver was not drunk or properly trained. I also wonder if our driving schools are producing good students and if they are inspected and accountable. In addition, I wonder if our roads are in good shape and if the policemen are accountable. We cannot keep on saying that it is an act of God, as we usually say in funerals. We need to introduce deterrent measures. It is not enough to say Kenyans are not disciplined. There must be a law. The law must be as stiff as it is in Canada and other countries. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the other issue that I want to raise is axle load. This Ministry implements axle load regulations. Our neighbouring countries are very strict on axle load. I believe the vehicles that are sent away from neighbouring countries find their way to Kenya. One needs to drive on the beautiful new Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, which is being constructed at a cost of Kshs60 million per kilometre, to realise that there are signs of sagging on it. I know that it is a very big challenge. Again, this is an area of implementation of the rules which are already in place. We would like the Ministry to look at that. With regard to the Nairobi transport system, I think the Ministry needs to set aside land--- It is not enough to put these plans on paper; that by the year 2030, we shall have a large number of trains in Nairobi. Where will we construct those railway lines when there is no space anymore in Nairobi? One just needs to drive around Kitisuru Area to see that Kenyans are now putting up buildings on the river banks. Just like in the case of airports or future aerodromes, I think it is time that the Ministry planned. With regard to the security of our ports, the Ministry also needs to invest in some kind of vessels. I do not know whether it is the Kenya Navy which now takes care of our 200-kilometre exclusive economic zones in terms of patrolling to ensure that one aspect of crime does not take place, that is, the dumping of toxic materials from other countries. I believe that should be part of Port security. I congratulate the Minister for the plans to expand airports. These plans have always been in the drawing boards for very many years. I really do not know when this country will ever take off in terms of expanding the airports, like the Malindi Airport, or the ferry services in the Port of Mombasa. I do not know when the Ministry will ever, really, improve these things. It is very nice to hear very high-sounding investment terminology like Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT). But when will we actually start to build? Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is very gratifying to note that, finally, the Government is recognizing the importance of the Kenya-Sudan railway line. I think four years ago, the Sudanese were getting a bit frustrated because we were moving a little slow in encouraging the construction of a railway line from Mombasa to Sudan, and also upgrading the gauge from 12 tonnes to 20 tonnes. With those few remarks, I beg to support."
}