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{
    "id": 803248,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/803248/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 135,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Olekina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 407,
        "legal_name": "Ledama Olekina",
        "slug": "ledama-olekina"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to comment on this particular issue of the water towers. During the debate on the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No. 14 of 2018), I raised my reservations. Even though I voted for the Bill, I did it with a very heavy heart because the Mau Forest was left out. I do not know why we become selective in protecting certain parts of the country and leaving other parts. We have a very serious problem in this country. Any time it rains, because of the destruction of the Mau Forest, Narok Town floods. The forest has been encroached. We have an opportunity to make amendments to the Division of Revenue Bill, but we have failed, as this House because we have been reduced by the National Treasury to rubberstamping. This is something which I hope we can amend. Although it is a little bit too late now, in future, it is something that this House should consider. We have really missed an opportunity to make changes and see what is happening. This is something that I take with a very heavy heart. I hope that next time when the National Treasury comes up with this Bill--- This is why I keep on saying that Parliament really ought to stamp its authority. We are being reduced to a rubberstamp. We do not even control our own budget. When are we ever going to be able to protect our water catchment areas? Mau forest has been left out. I have no problem with protecting Cherengani Hills or Mt. Elgon. However, Mau Forest is one of--- I know these are conditional grants that are in these amendments, but, seriously, when we think about these conditional grants, we ought to have prioritised the Mau Forest. There are over five rivers that drain their waters into Lake Victoria which is the source of River Nile. The way the forest has been encroached is shocking. A couple of months ago, we flew over the forest and noticed that it has been destroyed. I actually congratulate the 14 counties which have formed the Lake Victoria Economic Basin for having taken Mau Forest as their number one issue to be able to protect it. I hope that in future when the Division of Revenue Bill is brought before the Senate, we do not just simply vote for it. I had a very heavy heart voting for this. I knew we had a problem with numbers and I did not want to be blamed as a person who has refused to vote for the Bill for money not to go to counties. However, we should take notice. I am highly contemplating bringing in amendments so that the Mau Forest can be considered. 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."
}