Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 701521,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/701521/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 363,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Orengo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 129,
        "legal_name": "Aggrey James Orengo",
        "slug": "james-orengo"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. This is a very important Motion for Adjournment. The starting point is the Constitution of Kenya. This Constitution enthroned issues of environment to the Chapter dealing with the Bill of Rights. When we talk of environmental matters and resources of this country, they are not held in any other Chapter of the Constitution, but in the Chapter that is dealing with the Bill of Rights and that is Chapter five of the Constitution. The Constitution itself devotes the second part of that Chapter on issues dealing with environment and natural resources. How the State is required and is obligated to deal with matters to do with environment and resources. With regard to the Motion that is before us, there are the twin issues which have been articulated very well by Sen. (Prof.) Anyang’-Nyong’o in relation to the protection and conservation of the environment and the utilization of water as a resource. The Constitution requires that we should not only ensure sustainable exploitation and utilization of those resources while protecting the environment, but that we should also monitor and audit the impact of any project that we carry out that may affect the environment. When utilizing the natural resources which include water, we must ensure that it is for the benefit of all the people. The other important pillar of these provisions that affect resources and environment is the issue of public participation. We should never have a conversation or a discussion about our resources in secret. It is not a lie - if I may use that word though I may be subjected to its being unparliamentary - but it is true that the conception and implementation of this project has been done in secrecy. We have seen the government going all over when implementing projects even those by the counties, which include opening of water points and water kiosks. We have seen the Head of State going to such projects. However, this project was being held and implemented in private and outside the conversation of the important issues that concern the people of this country until the former Prime Minister, hon. Raila Odinga came out with this discussion in public. It is not lost on the people of Kenya and that is something that we must deal with.The local leadership in Murang’a including the Members of Parliament were not sufficiently involved and it is now that they are being made aware of the impact of this project. 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"
}