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{
    "id": 720097,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/720097/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 128,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Bunyasi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2511,
        "legal_name": "John Sakwa Bunyasi",
        "slug": "john-sakwa-bunyasi"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to support this Motion on the adoption of the ratification of the Agreement between the Governments of Kenya and the USA on threat reduction biological engagement programmes. It is very important, indeed, that we are able to hook onto the capacity like that of larger countries like the US. In the entire world, the custodians of these most dangerous pathogens are countries like the US, Russia and China. They have the will to destroy the entire world if they so choose. I guess it is in our interest that we have some cooperation. One of the things we must look at is how to enhance our capacity, not just to protect, but to produce and protect. These pathogens are useful in scientific research. They can also be used as biological weapons, but they are also inherently useful in scientific research that improves human condition. So, we must become pretty selfish in seeking to extract out of it the most that we can get to support our countries. Two, I think one of the things we need to gain from this kind of agreement is to be able to develop centres of excellence in the research, management and many aspects of these dangerous pathogens, so that we do not inherently rely on what the US Government will do or give us. What happens in this unequal arrangement between powerful countries and poorer countries is that you become data generators of the richer countries and they carry all the information. You do not see the analysis except what they want you to see. So, we should use these kinds of facilities in accessing higher level training in the US and building capacity here for higher level training and learning by using resources that we gain from the Treaty. It is extremely important that we think ahead and say, “What if it comes a time when we stand on our own?” What will happen if we have to identify these problems, perhaps imposed by rogue groups? And we are at risk from rogue groups. The third area that I am concerned about and I would urge the implementers of the Agreement to look into, is that we should expand the capacity in the country. We need this capacity within our universities through a centre of excellence. We also need it in law enforcement and in research establishments, and not concentrated in one corner of Nairobi or some forest station somewhere alone. For example, the law enforcement agencies in the counties can recognise these kinds of threats and can become first responders. The capacity building we are going to do will also enhance the capacity within our counties, particularly in law enforcement. Now that Kenya is blessed with multiple universities in various areas, we can get those that can provide support on some aspects of this threat chain that we are talking about. Most importantly, I would like to see our police officers one day, with these kinds of threats, standing up and speaking knowledgeably, not in the way we have seen them react. In some cases, before they look at something they make a judgment which can compromise investigations."
}