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{
    "id": 226465,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/226465/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 260,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kamotho",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 241,
        "legal_name": "Joseph John Kamotho",
        "slug": "joseph-kamotho"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, all the hon. Members who spoke on this particular subject spoke very positively. I am sure their contributions will be very useful to those Ministries which are responsible for tourism. It is unfortunate that nobody from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife was present in this House to hear what hon. Members were talking about. The second major topic was the issue of small arms, light weapons and sustainable development. We all agree that the influx of small arms and light weapons to our country has contributed to a lot of economic destruction; destruction of lives, property and general insecurity in the country. I am sure that the Minister in charge of security will agree that the principles of conflict resolution and management of insecurity are universal principles. Therefore, what others have been able to do elsewhere, we can also borrow a leaf and do likewise to manage the widespread insecurity in the country. Thirdly, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, hon. Members spoke very strongly on the review of negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and regional integration. Unless we take these matters seriously, as a country, we can be caught unawares. We are all aware that EPAs negotiations are going on and by the end of the year, the six regions of ACP are expected to sign a new agreement with the European Union (EU). This agreement will have very far reaching economic effects on our economy. During our debates and discussions in the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) we, from the ACP side, have maintained that EPAs have to be a tool for development and advancement; not just for trade. This is so because trade between unequal partners will make the weaker partner suffer a lot. We can end up becoming just consumers of goods imported from Europe. Therefore, the Government should take this matter seriously and at the same time involve this House, on behalf of the people of Kenya, to ensure that all the concerns are properly addressed. The other issue which was fairly well debated was water in developing countries. The hon. Members talked of the need to control pollution of water, our own water catchment areas and our environment for sustainable development. These are issues of great concern to us, as a country. Therefore, I would, particularly, take this opportunity to thank the Minister for Planning and National Development and the Minister for East African Community for having appeared yesterday, made their contributions and supported the Report on behalf of the Government. I would like to see in future those other Ministers connected with development co-operation between us and development partners coming here to participate in the discussions and debates on these matters of national importance. 608 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES April 12, 2007 Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in particular, the Minister for Trade and Industry should come here and table an update of the EPAs' negotiations so that the House is involved in the discussion as to where this country is going. With those few remarks, I would like to call upon the House to adopt the Report."
}