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{
    "id": 491262,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/491262/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 135,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, this legislative proposal framework intends to capacitate all counties that have proximity to natural resources. We have realised lately that we have made many discoveries that we never imagined in this country. We have made discoveries in the field of oil and other minerals like in Kwale County. We have also made discoveries in water. There are enormous discoveries going on with respect to gas. Other counties that have been disenfranchised for many years since Independence have just been found to be enjoying enormous wealth in terms of natural resources. Therefore, this regime of law will help us to create a framework where these resources benefit the affected communities. Very often, we find communities that are disenfranchised feeling dispossessed and become quite turbulent in terms of creating social instability because people become dissatisfied in terms of equitability in the distribution of natural resources. This Committee is visionary. The person who proposed this Motion, Sen. Agnes Zani was visionary in terms of ensuring that we institutionalise a framework so that counties benefit from exploitation of resources that are closest to them. Attached to this very benefit, the companies exploiting natural resources must also benefit the human resource of the areas. Time and again, we have had companies that are engaged in the exploration or exploitation facing hostile publics. In one County of Turkana, we have heard that fortunes will be turned around so that it becomes one of the richest counties based on oil discoveries and water. We hear massive allegations that the Turkana people are not the principal beneficiaries. As we try to provide a framework in terms of Division of Revenue or sharing of royalties, it is incumbent upon these companies to exercise some level of equity. They should ensure that those communities and the societies that live closest to these natural resources become their first line of employment. This is absurd and it is the question that critically informed the devolution and the resources debate. It is also the reason why this country is polarised ethnically. Whoever sits in power appears to either benefit a certain group of people who are closest to power. When the resources are exploited, this becomes a direct manifestation of the wealth of a particular county. The county must be the principal beneficiary when it comes to employment. I make this particular assertion on the basis of my own experience in Mombasa County. Mombasa County may not explore gas and oil, but the offshore explorations will make Mombasa County a resource rich county. The natural resources that have existed in Mombasa, for instance, the Port of Mombasa and other areas of wealth have not necessarily benefited the people of that county. Mr. Speaker, Sir, you have heard the people of Mombasa making hue and cry around the fact that they have not benefited from employment opportunities. This is not just about royalties. The human resource must also be the first avenue to benefit. We should, in our subsequent legislative proposal, put a caveat on any organization or institution that is exploring natural resources or certain wealth in certain counties. Some are employing people beyond the given quota, particularly in formal employment. 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."
}