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    "id": 58896,
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    "content": "(Prof. Saitoti): Mr. Speaker, Sir, let me at the very outset register my total support for this Motion, which is essentially to provide extra resources over and above those that we had passed. I should also at the same time prefix my remarks by really commending the Minister and the Treasury for the very sound micro-economic management of the economy of this country. It is now very clear that the economy has been growing very steadily. As a matter of fact by the end of last year this economy was able to register slightly more than five per cent growth. I think the precise figure would be in the order of 5.4 per cent. This is not a very easy achievement, especially when one considers the challenges that have arisen in quite a number of economies. Even developed countries are going through a very major problem. A number of them have had to default on their commitments; others have been bailed out. We are not there. We are not a totally developed country, but we are able to meet our obligations and this economy is going to grow. There is no doubt at all that hope is now bigger that, indeed, we can move ahead. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the finances that have been set out here clearly--- Much of it will go into the implementation of our Constitution, which was promulgated in August last year. Resources are required. Several commissions have to be set up, and it is important that we move speedily because the people are waiting to see the results of the new Constitution. This cannot be done without the passage of the necessary implementation legislation. I am very happy that this money has been set aside. We also know that indeed there has been drought and several parts of this country have been affected. Again, these Supplementary Estimates also target that. On the areas of security, I think it behooves me to inform the House, given my position as the Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security, that there are several security challenges that are facing us in this country. We have seen the explosion of grenades here in Nairobi. We have also seen our police officers being killed in explosions of grenades. We have also seen that some of these grenades come from across the border. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, last year the Treasury did factor in resources for the Government to address the security challenges emanating from the neighbouring country of Somalia. At that particular time, the situation was not as bad as it is today. Currently, I am sure hon. Members are aware that there is infighting taking place in Somalia between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops and the Al Shabaab. What we are seeing as a result of that is several refugees on a daily basis who are crossing the border to come to this country. We cannot be able to tell without checking very carefully whether these ones that are coming are genuine refugees or not. It may be very well that they are Al Qaida elements, because Al Shabaab and Al Qaida work together. In Somalia, there are also foreign fighters. This is the kind of situation we are dealing with. It has, therefore, become necessary that we must enhance patrols on the border between Kenya and Somalia."
}