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{
    "id": 654197,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/654197/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 139,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. J.K. Bett",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1765,
        "legal_name": "James Kimaru Bett",
        "slug": "james-kimaru-bett"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for giving me this opportunity to give my input on the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2015. At the outset, I support this Bill. I thank the National Assembly for coming up with such a progressive Bill that will assist to maintain the eco-system of this country. The object of this Bill is to recognise and protect indigenous seeds and plants. Africa has one of the most bio- diversified climates. It is a continent where you will see a wide range of environmental climatic conditions, ranging from the savannah grasslands to the equatorial regions, desert climates and semi-arid areas. That is replicated in Kenya. Over time, climatic conditions, which have direct implication on plant and seed varieties, have faced serious challenges ranging from human activities like deforestation and the spraying of pesticides and climatic change. That explains why some medicinal trees that we knew in the past are on the verge of being depleted. When we were growing up and you had a cold, you could easily boil leaves of some plants, take the mixture and get better. We could boil the roots and get treated faster than today. The introduction of this Bill and, in particular, the envisaged establishment of the National Plant Genetic Resources Research Centre will be, in itself, a game changer with regard to conserving plants and seeds that will be used by the present and the future generations. Once that resource centre is introduced, we want it to cooperate with other institutions of higher learning so that they can give policy guidelines regarding seeds and plants that are not only medicinal, but can also provide foodstuffs to this country. The effect on the environment has a direct correlation to other animals. Because of deforestation and destruction of many plants, many animals have also been affected. There is a relationship between vegetation, animals and the entire eco-system. Because of deforestation and the destruction of many plants, our lakes and rivers get silt. Lake Victoria has experienced a lot of siltation. This has a direct effect on the aquatic life and many fish either die or do not find a natural environment or a natural habitat where they can grow in their own natural way. I support this Bill. I will support it when it comes to the Committee of the whole House stage."
}