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{
    "id": 774927,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/774927/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 191,
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    "content": "In doing so, irrigation has a big role to play. We can no longer rely on rain-fed agriculture to feed our population; be it the people or livestock. It has become such a problem that irrigation must now take center stage due to the unpredictable rainfall pattern we have in this country. We have seen farmers not only lose their crops, seeds or fertilizers, but also end up with zero harvests after they have planted. Due to the very large population in the country that continues to grow, feeding the population has become an issue. This is a great Bill that will help us make sure that we have a country that is food sufficient. Under Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, every Kenyan has a right to be free from hunger and have adequate food of acceptable quality. When we look around, we see from statistics and data that only about 161,840 hectares, which is only about 12 percent of the total potential area of about 1.3 million hectares, are under irrigation in this country. If we only have 12 percent at this point, I am hopeful that with the Implementation of this Bill, we shall create a framework that will allow the full exploitation and sustainability of an increased food production in our country. As my colleagues who have spoken before me, I would also like to point out my concerns with regard to this Irrigation Bill. We are all aware that agriculture is a devolved function. After reviewing the Bill, I want to note from the outset that the spirit of structuring the Irrigation Bill, 2017, seems to negate the fact that agriculture is a devolved function under the county governments. I am obviously aware and can tell that it is the objective of the Bill to bring about better management of water resource in boosting food production. However, in doing so, we must also be cognizant that agriculture is devolved and, as such, we must empower the counties to conduct a lot of these functions. Even if the Senate appreciates that the new National Irrigation Development Authority (NIDA) will take over the national offices and facilities of the current National Irrigation Board (NIB), the reservations are due to the time and resources that will be lost by the movement from Nairobi to the operational areas under irrigation. Obviously, we are aware that the irrigation will happen at the county level. My concern is that a lot of the facilities and resources seem to remain in Nairobi, which then negates the devolved agricultural function. As the Bill continues to go through the process, I am hopeful that maybe we will take a look at it a bit more closely and have some amendments that will make sure that we do not leave a lot of the powers, facilities and resources in Nairobi. We should set these up at the counties. I will give an example. We can set up the irrigation headquarters 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."
}