Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 513306,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/513306/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 307,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the whole idea of ensuring that there is control of funds and corruption was stipulated very clearly by Sen. Muthama because this Bill is going to create wealth in the counties. For as long as we do not seal corruption loopholes, then we are going to have a situation where we are only going to benefit some people and not those who we are targeting. At the end of the day, we will have something that has failed. One of the ways to ensure this is to have those same communities speak to what they exactly expect to be the direction of the funds. In the various discussions we have had, some communities thought about it in terms of monetary value being given to them directly, but we told them that it was impossible because finally, if we allow those resources to trickle down where everybody gets, for example, Kshs2, it is not going to help. There should be a mechanism to ensure that social development projects are put in place and this seemed to be the way forward. If different communities realise that this money is for specific use coming from various resources within our counties, they themselves can be in charge and ensure that those schools and hospitals are built and well run. One of the disappointing aspects in terms of the implementation of the Constitution is the part about public participation. That is the greatest oversight that we can ever have in this country and, therefore, it is very important to put that into place. Sen. (Prof.) Lesan also talked about the importance of ensuring that corruption is curtailed but also moved to what Sen. Mugo and Sen. Ndiema have talked about and that is reconstruction or reforestation of the natural resources. When this Committee visited Australia, we got to a super pit where a lot of mining had taken place and now it had been laid bare, but plans were being put in place to rehabilitate it including constructing a fishing pond in that place so that it can still be of use. Sen. (Prof.) Lesan also warned against the oil curse which can be very unfortunate. In areas such as Turkana where oil has been discovered, the hope and dream that finally this is going to change the whole community is very real. I know many people have rushed to Turkana County to buy land and benefit from the gains of oil extraction. It is very important that at the end of the day, we do not allow this to become an oil curse like in the case of Nigeria. The issue about management and ensuring that everything is streamlined in an appropriate way is going to be very critical. At least, we are warned that it is critical to ensure---We have examples of countries like Nigeria and so, we can avoid that. Avoiding conflicts becomes very critical. Sen. Omondi indicated that some of the groups; specifically the youths and people with disabilities had been left out, that is important. The necessary knowledge and where people are going to generate and gains from this Bill have to be expanded to all sectors. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, issues of transparency and accountability were raised by Sen. Kanainza. Sen. Mungai also talked about corporate social responsibility (CSR) and communities benefiting. They also talked about geothermal and wind power as aspects that we need to include. Sen. Nabwala emphasized the issue of marginalization and ensuring that as a result of marginalization, communities do not end up being disadvantaged. Most of the Senators who spoke; including Sen. Mugo, Sen. Ndiema, Sen. Hargura, Sen. Mositet, Sen. Billow and Sen. Melly, focused and refocused on the whole 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."
}