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{
    "id": 770032,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/770032/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 255,
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    "content": "I agree that in as much as we are experiencing change of weather patterns in this country- especially in the region where I come from, which is referred to as the grain or Ugali basket - we need to diversify to ensure that we sustain and create a proper approach. Even as we adopt this Policy, we hope that the Ministry and the stakeholders will be in agreement so that Kenyans get the value for this Policy. We need to ensure that we develop the infrastructure both in the national Government and county governments. It is important to note that most counties have been struggling to develop their infrastructure, capacity and the policies as they develop irrigation projects in their areas. This will be a guiding principle and a direction for the counties so that as they develop their irrigation programmes, it becomes a multi-sectoral approach and a partnership between the national Government, the county governments and the private sector. As we adopt this Policy, we urge the Ministry to sit with the stakeholders to ensure that even as we practise irrigation, we should also ensure that we protect the environment. We need to avoid environmental degradation and ensure that in as much as we create dams, water pans and harvest water for irrigation, we also protect the flora and fauna of our country. At the moment, the country is affected by de-forestation. As we practise irrigation to ensure food sustainability, we should protect the environment from environmental degradation and ensure that our counties understand this. This is a basis for the national Government, county governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to develop a strong national irrigation policy infrastructure that will allow our people to have sustainable food production. I know that it will create jobs for our young people and address the issue of unemployment. If it is implemented properly, it will create more opportunities for the young people in our villages and in our counties to access water for irrigation which will enable them to grow vegetables, rear chicken, dairy cows among others. This will enable them to sustain themselves economically. It will also create opportunities to ensure the youth do not just depend on the county and national governments for employment opportunities. If we properly implement this Policy, we will create an avenue and an opportunity for the young people. We also have so many groups in our villages, sub-counties, counties and in this great country that will benefit from this Policy, for example, if they want to start a seedling project. This will enable them to earn a living and be self-employed. Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri has said this Policy needs a lot of goodwill especially with the concerns of stakeholders. As we implement this Policy, we might not use money - as he had indicated - for just paper work. As we move ahead, we should bring an infrastructure that is affordable, practicable and that can be bought by the people. Article 43 on Economic and Social rights, as enshrined in the Constitution, is intertwined with such a Policy. We should also follow the tenets of Article 10 of the Constitution on National Values and principles of Good Governance in terms of public participation. As the concerned stakeholders go to the villages, our people can borrow this idea. They can internalize and ensure that it is affordable, practical and the results can be seen. We should not use money for trial and error. If we fully implement the National Irrigation Policy fully, it will ensure that the main stakeholders take centre stage and our country moves forward. We should develop a proper infrastructure. I also want to thank the The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes"
}