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{
    "id": 212334,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/212334/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 195,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. G.G. Kariuki",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 330,
        "legal_name": "Godfrey Gitahi Kariuki",
        "slug": "gg-kariuki"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. This is a very important debate and, I think, from there, we might start moving towards the right direction. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there is no need to express how roads are important. Roads are a major factor in the development of any country, in terms of communication and transportation of human beings and produce. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have listened to hon. Members who have spoken before me, and all we are doing is to complain about our roads. But I think time has come when hon. Members must assert their position and appear to be directing this country to where it should go, instead of appearing as if this is only a complaining House. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we must appreciate that the current political era--- All of us know that during the last 24 years, and even after Independence, the Governments of those days were expected to do quite a lot; more than what they have done. We are talking about rehabilitation, re- carpeting and murramming of roads because, for the last many years, this country stagnated in all spheres of development. We had stagnated in terms of education, roads and everything that you can think of. What we need to do is exploit the current political environment where civil servants and Ministers are given the authority to deal with their matters without much interference. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the era where a President or any other person could go to a particular area and promise that a road would be tarmacked has come to an end. It should be left to the people who have the technical know-how to deal with the situation, and not the technical know-how of building the roads. We must know the reason for building the roads. Why do you need a road in a particular area? Very many factors should be taken into account. We should not just construct roads to please politicians or just for political expedience. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think our problem here, and we have been saying it in our aspirations of development--- That is because where the Minister comes from, whether he is the Minister for Roads and Public Works or whoever--- Except hon. Nyachae! Within a very short time, you have shown the country that you can be independent and do the job in the right way. But it is because of the current political environment. Would you have done that during the first Government? Yes, I know! Would you have done that during Kenyatta's time, unless it was sanctioned by Kenyatta himself? It was not possible!"
}