Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 503392,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/503392/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 165,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. M’uthari",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1576,
        "legal_name": "Joseph M'eruaki M'uthari",
        "slug": "joseph-meruaki-muthari"
    },
    "content": "question of application. When we come up with these amendments, it is important to raise the awareness of Kenyans, so that they understand what needs to be done. When you look at the land and its allocation--- When growing up in my area in Igembe North, we had forests but that have now been cleared. Even where we have new areas under survey, people end up taking the hilly areas and then environmental destruction takes place. It all happened yet we have laws that are supposed to be enforced to stop it. There is also the question of destruction of the environment and participation of the public. We have had some institutions and committees that were established under the existing Act removed; that in my opinion is a bit retrogressive. We can talk about participation, but what are the mechanisms for participation, and how effective are the ones that have been proposed? Many times we may have the question of participation ending up as a way of just doing things to make sure that we fulfill the law, and not do what we are supposed to do. There are several things also to applaud in this particular amendment; there is some clarity, as in the question of coming up with a national environmental action plan. There is also the plan to come up with the county environment action plans. These are some of the things that are good in this Bill. There is also the question of coming up with quality and recommending standards. When you look at Clause 53, and amendments which make it clear when we talk about water quality, what is the best quality of water for drinking, industrial use, agriculture and even irrigation purposes? This clarification is important. Again, when you also look at the Second Schedule, it clarifies the elements that we need to consider for environmental audit or assessment. When you look at these areas, they are important because they make things clear and clarify whatever is required. All in all, I want to support this Bill, but we will come up with some amendments to strengthen, and bring back, some of the issues that are left out that may be very important as far as management of our environment is concerned. Failure to take care of our environment will have consequences. Taking care of our environment has to begin with me, you and everybody. If we want to have a clean environment, then we must clean the environment where we are. If we want to have more trees, then this is the rainy season and everybody must participate in tree planting, so that we can have enough forest cover. With those remarks, thank you."
}