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{
    "id": 508228,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/508228/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 335,
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    "content": "done to please “us versus them.” This is the Republic of Kenya versus the local communities. I dare say that without this kind of legislation, it will be dangerous for this country to go blindly and exploit resources, particularly in marginalized areas; the arid and semi arid (ASAL) lands which are full of bandits. These places have been left out for a long time. There is danger that those who live in Nairobi or those who come from Kenya, have gone there to take away their resources. Telling them that we have a way to solve this problem will assist us a great deal. Sometime last year, I had the privilege and honour to escort President Goodluck Jonathan who hails from the Delta region in Nigeria. In our discussion, he happened to read a newspaper article that showed that we had struck a lot of oil in Turkana. He asked me what we were doing about it. He told me that in Nigeria, they had a similar law. He said that the law came about long after there had been a lot of fights in the Delta Region. So, it is important that before we exploit resources like oil or any other natural resource, we need to have a law. We need to have a law prior to exploitation of any natural resource in this country. Globally, it is necessary for locals to feel appreciated and that they also benefit. Their children should use the resources that are exploited from their area. The roads used by the community should be developed. The roads and electricity should also be installed and investments of high magnitude done. That is why I am very happy. There are proposals in this Bill about establishment of the BSA. They talk about its functions. However, the critical part that will interest Senators as they prepare to make contributions is Part IV which talks about collection of Royalties and Fees and how these will be shared in Part V. Sharing is very important. The resources that have been left are about 80 per cent. When the Mover was moving this Bill, many people felt that this was a complex mathematical formula. However, it is important that we have something that breaks down the resources to an amount that is determinable by the locals so that we continue negotiating on the Floor of this House as we debate as to what exact figure would be necessary in assisting our communities to move forward. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, a lot has been said this week about security. Security largely emanates from marginalization. Some areas are becoming a thorn in the flesh of the Republic. These are areas like Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit and others which we have abandoned for a long time. They are becoming a pain because they are part and parcel of this Republic. If we want those areas to become safe, the solution is in this Bill. It is the manner in which we share resources and make the locals feel good and owners of the system. We want to see universities in Turkana, Tana River, Wajir and Mandera. We want to see Kenyans flocking there to study because it is safe. We need to invest in infrastructure and the things that make an area safe. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I conclude, this Bill is also critical in terms of our security. We saw some changes in the security sector. We saw my compatriot; village mate and ward mate, Mr. Kimaiyo retire early; two years in his term. He is a very honest, hardworking gentleman and a great citizen of this Republic. This is a man who has done what has never been done in this nation. It is important that men and women of this country become patriotic enough to follow the example of Mr. Kimaiyo. Even where 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."
}