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{
    "id": 239416,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/239416/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 268,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Ukur Yattani",
    "speaker_title": "The Member for North Horr",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 369,
        "legal_name": "Ukur Yattani",
        "slug": "ukur-yattani"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am talking about the late Dr. Godana's seat. Security issues are paramount in this country. Provision of security is the responsibility of the Government. It is the responsibility of the Government to provide security in the northern part of Kenya. Northern Kenya has encountered many incidences of insecurity, being perpetrated by the Ethiopian militia. Since the Ethiopian Government ceased to be in control of its people, the free August 3, 2006 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 2623 criss-crossing of the border as if Kenya is not a Sovereign State is increasing. It is important for the Government to come to the aid of the people of northern Kenya by stopping the invaders from killing our people and taking their animals. I am an hon. Member from a minority group. It is important that everyone in this country be given an opportunity to serve in the Government, and to enjoy equal share of the national cake. During the reign of the past Government, which was in place for 40 years, the minority groups were put on the periphery of development to their disadvantage. Those people who have managed to study very hard and go to school and earn degrees do not still get chances to advance themselves. I am happy that the NARC Government, for the three years it has been in power, has recognised the position of the minority groups. I urge the Government to continue following affirmative action so that minority groups can catch up with the rest of Kenyans. One major disadvantage we have is failure to get identify cards, which is against democracy. It is against democracy when people are expected to vote, yet 90 per cent of my constituents who are below the age of 30, do not have identity cards. That is a clear indication that they cannot vote and exercise their democratic rights. It is important that the relevant Ministry addresses the issue so that people can freely participate in the democratic exercise. I am happy with our Government because of the creation of the new Ministry of State for Youth Affairs. I am optimistic that something good will come out of it. Youth empowerment is important because many of them are unemployed and have no decent source of income. They have a lot of energy which, if not utilised, can be directed to wrong-doing. So, we hope that the Ministry will address all issues regarding the youth. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on the issue of meat market, KMC was opened recently. However, I do not think that its existence in Athi River is being felt by the people of northern Kenya. I hope the relevant Ministry will take action to ensure that special quotas are awarded to people of northern Kenya, even if it is by setting up mobile abattoirs. Northern Kenya has been suffering from perennial famine. Year in, year out, we have a vicious cycle of famine where people are dying from lack of food. Having been a District Commissioner in the past, I know how wasteful distribution of famine relief can be. You can spend over Kshs100 million in one year, yet in the following year, the situation will still be the same. I hope the problem will be replaced by long lasting and sustainable development. I support."
}