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{
    "id": 282071,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/282071/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 470,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Njuguna",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 20,
        "legal_name": "Peter Njuguna Gitau",
        "slug": "peter-gitau"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity again to make a small contribution on this very important Motion. Let me reflect on a few observations and recall that the former EAC was destroyed by suspicions among our leaders in the region at that time. Some of the political leaders or presidents in our region took different ideological positions. Some went to the East and others went to the West and that philosophical alignment destroyed the co-operation of the EAC. Therefore, it is important that this new Assembly will work towards regaining that harmony and co-operation in East Africa. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, we note that the present EAC was formulated by the current political leadership in the region. Without their goodwill and dedication, that co-operation would not have been formed. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the East African region is endowed with a lot of resources and these must be exploited for the well-being of the East Africans. In Tanzania we have gas. Uganda has oil and in Kenya we have huge resources of crude oil that is likely to be exploited soon. The hon. Members that we are likely to send to the Assembly will be expected to address some of the major problems that have been hindering economic growth in this region. You will recall there have been trade barriers when our trucks take goods to Tanzania and Uganda. These barriers have hindered growth of transport. We need to revive rail and road transport to create the necessary employment opportunities for our youth in this region. Generally, East Africa has experienced a common threat. Not very long ago Kenya, Tanzania and even Uganda were attacked by terrorists. This is an issue that the new Assembly must be able to address. They must strive to make sure that the East African region is secure and peaceful. The political leaders in East Africa must again try and make sure that South Sudan is already liberated. We need to enhance and expand education opportunities for our students in the region. Bursaries must be extended for our students who learn in Uganda and Tanzania. Exchange programmes must be allowed to thrive. It is, therefore, important that we recognize the good work that has been done by the Departmental Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations under the steady leadership of Mr. Keynan and hope that the rules that have been developed will provide the necessary environment for the most qualified Members of Parliament to be offered these opportunities to go to the Assembly to represent the interests of this country. These rules will enhance bond of unity in the African region. With those few remarks, I fully support the Motion."
}