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{
    "id": 634069,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/634069/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 150,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wamunyinyi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 291,
        "legal_name": "Athanas Misiko Wafula Wamunyinyi",
        "slug": "athanas-wamunyinyi"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for giving me the chance to speak on this very important Bill that touches on the people’s livelihood. I have had a look at this Bill. While the Bill seeks to consolidate the laws that relate to energy and align the legal and regulatory framework of the sector to the Constitution, it also attempts to deal with issues which would otherwise result into conflict. It also attempts to deal with issues which would otherwise lead to confusion and wastage. This is addressed by the integration of agencies responsible for various activities to deal with energy. This country has had a number of challenges in the past that led to the fight for the new Constitution and a new system of governance. For this reason, this Bill is very important because it seeks to put in place mechanisms, frameworks and measures which will ensure compliance with the Constitution. I have looked at Part II of this Bill which deals with energy policy and integrated energy plan. The obligations provided in all these areas are some of the important steps which will ensure adequate service to Kenyans is provided. There is also clear provision, under Clause 249 to the powers and functions of the national Government and county governments. This is very important. While we appreciate devolved government as being the units responsible for issues directly touching people’s lives, some of the devolved units have not undertaken their mandates in accordance with the law. Clear provisions like the ones given in this Bill will ensure that policies of the national Government that are required to be implemented by the county governments are implemented. There is clarity and every effort to ensure that these functions are known and the county governments are facilitated to implement them because of the relationship that is provided in the Constitution. These requirements will ensure that wherever the agencies are found, be they in charge of petroleum or renewable energy, they are clearly provided for in the Bill and there is no room for confusion. We have had a problem with rural electrification. It was only until recently that there was a requirement for the electrification of all primary and secondary schools in the country. In the past, it was very expensive. Rural electrification was never “rural”. I only hope there will be strict implementation of this law when it is eventually passed so that the new rural electrification agency can serve the people in the rural areas to ensure that they access electricity. Access to electricity is very expensive and even people who are close to where electricity lines pass cannot be supplied with electricity. The Rural Electrification Programme was meant for a certain category of people who are well endowed with resources. This is what has caused conflict in our country. Some people can access services easily while others cannot and yet we are all Kenyans and are entitled to Government services. It is a constitutional requirement for all Kenyans to The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}