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{
    "id": 346228,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/346228/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 185,
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    "content": "(v) Deepening infrastructure development and in particular full implementation of LAPSET projects. (vi) The creation of an ICT hub of the region; especially the development of Konza Techno City. (vii) Reducing the cost of energy particularly through investment in green energy sources. (viii) Full integration of the EAC. (ix) Ensuring a Peaceful Somalia and South Sudan. (x) Ensuring food security for the country. We are leaving this House at a moment in our history when Kenya faces daunting challenges. Some of our problems seem greater than our Government’s ability to solve them. Poverty, massive youth unemployment, insecurity and tribalism stand out among the challenges. But I remain deeply optimistic about our country’s future. It is my view that all those challenges are surmountable. I am optimistic largely because of what I have experienced and witnessed in the last five years. I am especially encouraged by what we have been able to achieve after beginning so low five years ago. With hindsight and experience under the Grand Coalition Government, I can state without fear that the greatest obstacle that stands between us and the brighter Kenyan future that we all want is right here among us. It is the polarization of our politics along tribal and party lines. This is what is preventing us from making the principled compromises this country desires and deserves. In a democracy, moving forward depends on making compromises. We need a bipartisan understanding in our politics if we are to unleash all the potential of the Kenyan people. And so, I want to respectfully appeal to you, my colleagues, as you go out there to embark on campaigns. I know how hard each of us is going to work to get elected to the various seats that we are seeking. It is so engrossing that we may be tempted to forget that it is not about us; it is about Kenya. As we campaign out there and as we return to this House next year, for those who will be successful, let us be prepared to reach across the party, tribal and regional divide. Let us be prepared that for the sake of Kenya, when we gather in this House this year, each of us will reach across the aisle and party divide. Let us strive to and find partners from the opposite party. Let us put the interests of the country and constituents ahead of the dictates of party ideology. I was not here a few days ago when His Excellency the President addressed this House for the last time. I want to join Members in thanking President Kibaki for his service to our nation. I also want to record my full appreciation for his co-operation within the Grand Coalition Government which has made it possible for us to reach this far. It has not always been easy. There has been all the time partisan pressure on both sides of the divide, that is, on President Kibaki and also on myself. However, through the spirit of compromise and tolerance, we have been able to make this Government move this far. I, therefore, want to wish him well as he prepares to retire and hope that the remaining days, until he hands over to whoever is going to be elected, are going to be smooth so that we do not experience what we saw in 2008. I thank you very much, hon. Members of Parliament."
}