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{
    "id": 763965,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/763965/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 258,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "content": "Diseases that emerge from unmanaged environment have really affected our towns and cities. As I listened to Sen. Kihika, I was happy that she was able to pick on the real issues. It is very easy to develop a town into a garbage town. It is very easy to have a neighborhood that is completely full of garbage and yet, in our own Constitution every Kenyan is entitled to a good environment. As Kenyans, it is very clear that every Kenyan is entitled to clean air and a clean environment. It, therefore, means that the tax that Kenyans pay should translate into providing a clean environment for the Kenyans to live in. The unfortunate situation that we are in as a country is the fact that the poorer population creates a slum for themselves. If nobody pays attention we can create a lot of slums even within the City of Nairobi. Even as we debate this important Motion, it is important that we bear in mind that as populations move towards cities, our cities should be planned in such a manner that we have areas for garbage recycling. We are very happy now that the issue of managing plastic papers has been resolved. We are glad that we have reached that level where we can say no to plastics in Kenya. However, there is also a lot of other garbage that can create a terrible environment, including smell which a nuisance. At the same time, there is garbage that could actually be recycled into fertilizer, but it is being left idle in places, resulting into many diseases that affect our population. Today, we heard the Urban Areas and Cities Bill being read a First Time. Therefore, it is important that as we think of our cities and towns, we think of planning. This is because most of the affected areas are never planned for anything. If we do not plan properly, then any place can be a dumping site. I also hope that even as we call upon the national Government to take immediate steps to develop effective waste management regulations, these regulations must spell out penalties for people who dump outside designated places. I am glad that the Senator who brought this Motion comes from Nakuru. It is a pity that as you exit Nakuru on your way to Eldoret, people have created dumping sites. All you see are flying papers and plastics. I believe these people dump waste at night because they cannot dare do so during the day when everybody is seeing them. We are facing the same challenge in Eldoret Town in Uasin Gishu County. There is a dumping ground that was started in the days of the late Minister for Environment, Hon. Michuki. I was his assistant then. Even though we created that area, we still find people dumping at night. Business people transport their garbage in the middle of the night. If they find a spot where they are not seen, they dump it by the roadside. It is important that when we formulate these regulations, business people be compelled to say where and when they dump their garbage. The other thing I hope the regulation will do is to sort out the garbage. The problem that we have now after the use of plastic was regulated, is glass that is mixed with organic waste. When you mix the two, it is only the organic waste that rots and can be recycled into fertilizer. However, the glass within it, causes a lot of damage. We have not yet finished the issue of our street children and street families. These people are affected and their health is wanting. The Constitution says every Kenyan has a right to good health. So, for us to be able to implement that part of the Constitution, it is important that we ensure that this is implemented by way of utilizing our tax to spread"
}