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{
    "id": 469152,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/469152/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 183,
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    "speaker_name": "",
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    "content": "truck drivers were on strike, they were demonstrating against the regulations that have been put in place. These regulations are cumbersome in terms of how the trucks will be vetted as they pass by Mariakani Weighbridge. What has happened since is that it has created a cumulative jam for both commercial and private vehicles. The reason I rise on this matter of topical concern is the fact that this road, the Mombasa-Nairobi Road, is undoubtedly the artery of the economy of this country. This is the road that transfers whatever is imported into Kenya to other parts of the country and other parts of the region. I believe that it is time the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Transportation and the Committee of this House in charge of transport addresses themselves in terms of improving the efficiency and unlocking this grid of inconvenience where millions of shillings are lost through delays and a lot of time is wasted. I was just informed by a Senator that the last time he tried to drive to Nairobi, he spent about six hours at the Mariakani Weighbridge. I think it is time for us to deal with this matter conclusively. The Nairobi-Mombasa Road is what River Nile is to Egypt. It is therefore inherent for us as the Senate and as political leaders that we must address this issue conclusively in a manner that offers real resolution so that this endless traffic jams, endless strikes and endless capacity issues are no longer the mainstay of Mariakani Weighbridge. Madam Temporary Speaker, I think we need to also propose certain important suggestions to the Government so that they can effect these recommendations. I believe it is incumbent upon the new Cabinet Secretary to immediately look into this matter because it deals with the economy of this country and the transportation systems of this country. I have just been advised by the engineers in this House, that there is need to multiply the capacity. I think the capacity at the weighbridge is far less than the kind of traffic that we are handling in terms of transfer of goods. What you need to address yourself to even as we debate this matter, is the fact that our counter parts from Uganda and Rwanda are constantly trying to explore creative ways of avoiding the Mombasa Port. This has a direct impact on Mombasa and the economy of Kenya in general. The entire country wants efficiency in terms of the transfer of goods from the port to their destination. Therefore, I am asking this Senate to assert itself and resolve this matter which appears to be endemic and unending so that a resolution of this Senate can address effectively matters around the weighbridge and which touch on the economy. By way of conclusion, I also propose that part of this Senate leadership together with the leadership of Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa Counties which are directly affected in terms of the transport system to come up with effective ways of solving the problem. They should visit the scene and have a fact finding mission that can better advise this Senate on the way forward. This should also culminate in the actual initiative which we can undertake with the Cabinet Secretary now in charge of transportation. Lastly, sooner rather than later, Kenyans must also be given recourse to seek compensation from their Government on matters of this nature. Until and unless these matters are made punitive, we will never find a resolution. I have been hinging on this point since day one in this Senate that there should be accountability on the part of those who have to bear responsibility. Today, I was also informed that the power of the civil society joined striking truck drivers to protest part of the oppressive regulations that have been put in place and again the heavy hand of the Government security apparatus was seen in breaking the demonstration. I think the protestors’ demands are genuine because they The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}