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{
    "id": 783552,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/783552/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 142,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Murugara",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13491,
        "legal_name": "George Gitonga Murugara",
        "slug": "george-gitonga-murugara"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to support this Bill and make some observations, which are quite different from what has been given by previous proponents and opposers. This Bill seeks to establish a metropolitan area which covers Nairobi County and four other counties that neighbour Nairobi. The object of the Bill is to ensure that there is an integral and sustainable public transport system that enables the county of Nairobi and its environs to be served well in terms of transport. There is no doubt whatsoever that the transport system in Nairobi is still in shambles in spite of the fact that the Government has done its best to ensure that that problem is eased. We have had quite some modern roads constructed in Nairobi but that does not cure, amongst other problems, traffic jams. No doubt, those jams extend from Nairobi to Kiambu, Kajiado and sometimes all the way to Murang’a. This is the reason why these counties have actually been included in the metropolitan area to be set up. It goes without saying that if the lives of the residents of Nairobi and its environs are to be eased, then we need a body that will regulate transport within these vicinities. The law is quite clear that for this to happen, Nairobi County alone is not enough to cater for the problem. This is why the Bill has transcended from Nairobi County to the other counties. It is also most important to note that this is an intergovernmental Bill that touches on the National Government and the county governments. The Constitution is clear that where the two governments have to operate jointly, a law has to be enacted. The law will enable the two governments to work seamlessly. This is one such Bill and this is why I rise to support it and urge this House to pass it. There is a proposal to establish a board which will take care of the enforcement of the Act. There is an argument that we are possibly introducing ulterior authorities with a view to undermining the County Government of Nairobi. Looking at this Act carefully, nothing of that sort is provided. Even if we were to do so with a good motive to ensure that the County Government of Nairobi works to perfection and another body comes and works to perfection, then there would be no objection whatsoever. We would all be working for the good of the people of Nairobi. We are residents of Nairobi. Others are residents of Kiambu, Kajiado and the other surrounding counties. We demand that we be served properly. If that service will come from both the County Government of Nairobi and the national Government of Kenya, so be it. This is a good Bill. It is here to assist the people of Kenya realise better lives while they live in Nairobi, and to ease the lives of those of us who come from rural areas. It is disheartening when one comes from a rural county like my county of Tharaka Nithi to arrive in Nairobi early enough, but you are stuck in traffic jam for more than two hours. It disheartens one and kills the morale of coming to do business in the City. That problem should be streamlined once and for all. With those remarks, I support this Bill."
}