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{
    "id": 479778,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/479778/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 183,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. M’uthari",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1576,
        "legal_name": "Joseph M'eruaki M'uthari",
        "slug": "joseph-meruaki-muthari"
    },
    "content": "that today in Kenya we are discovering new minerals, which are important for stimulating development. Therefore, once we have proper leadership and management of these resources, they will be our important source of revenue. They also create the possibility that the Cabinet Secretary (CS) and the bodies created in this particular Bill to co- ordinate the exploitation of the mineral resources--- This will also stimulate mapping out of the whole country, so that we discover where minerals are. This can be exploited and managed in accordance with the aspirations of the communities and also the country. Hon. Speaker, for a long time, there has been exploitation of mineral resources. But local people, who are involved in areas where even gold is mined, are in deplorable condition. I think this sector should be managed in a way that even the local people, the small miners, are also supported. Investors can exploit natural resources around the locals, so that those locals benefit have their living standards uplifted. Hon. Speaker, we have big corporations that come and exploit minerals, destroy the environment, and by the end of the day what is given to the local people is very little. Their operations end up being a cost to the local community because the environment is polluted. In this case, we need to, at least, be clear to ensure that by the end of the day people benefit. Some of the problems are as a result of some of the people who are entrusted with authority, like NEMA, who do not do what is expected of them. They are supposed to protect the rights of people by way of protecting the environment; NEMA is entrusted with the duty of protecting the environment. So, given the possibilities availed here through the Bill especially the fact that the Cabinet Secretary responsible, before giving the rights to prospectors or miners has to go through a number of interested individuals or bodies is a good move. I think that will give us a possibility where various agencies will have a word before mining takes place or before a body is given the right to exploit these resources. In the same breath, it is good that the Cabinet Secretary is given an okay to acquire the land compulsorily. This is because some of these bodies may be given the opportunity for the concept, but through the concept they may deny the opportunity to mine or exploit the resources. Once the resources are not exploited they have no benefit to the local people or even contribute to national development or economy. Through the mapping of areas where we have minerals--- In the country, for example, in Igembe North we have iron ore but nothing has happened. There are other areas which have salt. This will give an opportunity through the directorate responsible for surveying to survey various parts of the country and then determine what we have in terms of minerals. This will also encourage the processing of the same. That way, the products from these materials can be exported at a higher value. This will create job opportunities for our people. When we add value, at the end of the day there is the possibility of technology transfer and diversifying what can be got from our wealth. We export these minerals as raw materials and then we import them back. Exporters must be encouraged to do the processing of the minerals for the greater benefit of the country. I support this Bill because it is going to bring harmony and also greater exploitation which will support the development of this country."
}