Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 776344,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/776344/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 267,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Kiaraho",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2648,
        "legal_name": "David Njuguna Kiaraho",
        "slug": "david-njuguna-kiaraho"
    },
    "content": "appreciate that there are characters who look ahead. They knew the roadmap of the railway line. So, they went ahead to acquire some land in that area and then sold it to the Government at exorbitant prices. Apart from that, we have areas where we have had numerous road accidents, like the Salgaa area. Also, if you look at somewhere like Naivasha, where we have a toll station, we have a lot of traffic snarl ups. That is one area this Bill has tried to look at. For instance, in Gilgil, where we have the toll station, the Ministry is trying to create extra lanes to take care of the traffic jam. I imagine a situation where the Government wanted to acquire that piece of land, but they did not have legal backing. If the Government feels that it is for the public good to acquire land that is privately owned, the Government should automatically have the right to acquire the land. That is also an area which this Bill has tried to take into consideration. In Part III, the Bill has recommended that the CS may, from time to time, review the classification of the national trunk roads and the county roads. This is a very important aspect because in the final analysis, we would want the CS in charge of infrastructure to be in charge. If such powers are conferred to him, some of the issues that crop up from time to time can be well taken care of. We would want the CS to ensure that road classification accurately reflects the functions served by each category of roads. For instance, no part of the country has reasonable access to national trunk roads or county roads. Another issue that I would like to touch on as far as this Bill is concerned is the establishment of the Public Roads Standards Board. This will basically be an advisory board to the CS on the standards of roads and bridge materials. It goes into ensuring that we have value for our money and we also take into consideration the issue of safety. If this Bill is passed as recommended, I am sure it will go to the extent of streamlining this particular sector which is very pivotal in the development of our country. With those few remarks, I would like to end here as far this is concerned. I hope the Members will look at the issues that have been raised and pass the Bill as it is. Before I sit down, I am a bit surprised because this is one Bill that touches almost every Member of Parliament. However, if you look at the attendance in the House both today and yesterday, it is wanting. I hope we will not go so far only for some Members to start saying that they had not seen this-and- that. I actually appeal to my colleagues that when such important Bills are on the Floor, we should make a point of looking at them critically and give our points so that we come up with a healthy Bill which will be good for us and for the people we represent. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker."
}