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"speaker_name": "Mr. Obwocha",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Planning and National Development",
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"legal_name": "Henry Onyancha Obwocha",
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"content": " Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to support this Motion. I want to start by congratulating the African Union for establishing a legislative arm. I was one of the founder Members from this House. I had the privilege to serve in the Pan African Parliament. I also had the privilege to be the first Chairman of the Budget Committee which made the first Budget of the Pan African Parliament approved by the Heads of State in Abuja, Nigeria. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also want to join my colleagues in congratulating the Republic of South Africa for accepting to host the Pan African Parliament. Indeed, we commend them for the resources they put in place to build the physical facilities of the Pan African Parliament. I think those countries in the continent that are able to assist other African countries to assist the African Union, to further the interests of Africans, should also follow the example of South Africa. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, having said that, I would like to caution that the agenda of those African countries that are ahead of many of us, should consider our advantages and disadvantages. For example, the South African Government has said that it has US$60 billion available for investment in Africa for their pension fund. But, at what cost are they giving us that money? They are giving us that money at a very high cost. For long-term investment, we cannot borrow at 16 per cent. That kind of investment, I do not think, would repay. The rate of return for many good investments is about 13 per cent. So, although we are talking as Africans, I think we should go one mile further to assist our brothers and sisters. If we have money, let us lend it at reasonable rates. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also want to join my colleagues in saying that when the Pan African Parliament (PAP) was set up the African Union (AU) did not set a legislative agenda; whether what is discussed in that Parliament has any effect on any of the African countries. As it is now, PAP is just advisory. It can just advise the African countries and governments. So, I think we, as the Kenyan Parliament, should sent a message that we would like the AU to make that organ effective. Heads of States should come together and agree on a programme on how we can change from the advisory role to the role of making certain legislations. Otherwise, if we do not do 1384 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES June 14, 2006 this, it will be a talking shop. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the second issue that I want to raise is about budgets. As I know, the budget is prepared by the Budget Committee and then they present it to Parliament. Then, the President presents it to the Heads of States. We are lucky that the President of the PAP is from the East African region. Kenya played a part to make sure she was elected. Amb. Getrude Mongella, as President, has done this region proud. But when this budget is being presented to the Heads of States, many African countries do not come forward to give their part of the contribution. The AU, as we all know it, with its activities; peace-keeping, operation and maintenance costs, cannot provide enough money to the PAP. So, a way should be found on how countries can be requested to give more money to run it. Otherwise, I do not think it will be effective. During the AU Summit meeting in Khartoum, there were a lot of problems put on the way for the PAP to get its money. The African countries were not contributing enough of their share. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also want to join my colleagues in saying that the Members of the PAP should take a message back to their countries about peer review. Peer review basically is about the Heads of States comparing notes on how governance issues are tackled; both political, economic and social. This is an area which already the Africans have agreed on; that to make our continent a better continent to live in, we must self-assess ourselves continuously. The issue which is mostly dominant is that of the Heads of States seeking a third term in office. I think those who have sought a third term have made a bad precedent. We, as Africans, want to agree on how to conduct our affairs. Secondly, those who have been in office should be able to give direction and open the way. In South Africa, for example, the retired President was very good. He gave hope to the retiring Presidents that nothing will happen to them and that their normal life will continue. They also get hope that they will continue enjoying their benefits and that their countries will proceed in the normal manner. However, if we keep on frightening them, I think this is the issue that brings a lot of problems. Therefore, I would like to join my colleagues in saying that Africans should review their issues constantly. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the other point I would like to make is that as we roll on, we would like Members to this PAP being elected, rather than being nominated by their national parliaments. This will ensure that if we are sending five or ten people from Kenya, they will represent the interests of this country. So, as we continue, the AU should find a way of making the representation elective rather than nomination. This will go a long way to assist the working of PAP. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, finally, I would like to say that our Parliament should assist the Members of the PAP. This is because if the budget does not cater for them when they are in Midrand, South Africa, they find it very hard to live there. So, our Parliament should make sure that they take care of our Members when they are in the PAP in South Africa. I would like to congratulate the Members from the Kenyan Parliament who are in the PAP for the good work for presenting these two reports to this House. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those few remarks, I beg to support."
}