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{
    "id": 822523,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/822523/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 74,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "August 9, 2018 SENATE DEBATES 10 Sen. (Eng.) Maina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I will start with Sen. Khaniri’s sentiments. I would say that he has brought a subject that we are already tackling. I will enumerate the things that the Committee on Energy is doing to address those issues. As to my brother who has just finished speaking, I want to say that he is a lawyer and ignorance does not allow anybody to make unwarranted remarks and accusations. One is supposed to seek knowledge. Having said that, Kenyans are interested in knowing what will happen with regard to energy. My Committee has been concerned about the high cost of power and has held a couple of meetings. The Ministry of Energy has promised us that power charges will come down. However, looking at this country, I would wish to inform this House why issues sometimes have to be what they are. This country has had to rely on the engines for thermal power on periods when our dams are at a lower level. In the past, our power was based on hydro-electricity. As we have noticed, with the global warming, the rains have not been as perennial and reliable as they were before. Therefore, the country had to rely on actual diesel engines to try and close the gap, rather not having power. That has been an expensive venture and the Government has noted this. There is huge investment in geothermal energy and wind power. In addition, there is a programme on solar energy all over the country, where the Government gives power to people in the rural areas through a simple solar energy equipment. Secondly, we have had an unfortunate situation with the line from Lake Turkana, which is supposed to feed 300 kilovolts into the grid. There has been about a year’s delay, but we have been reliably informed that it should be commissioned by the end of this month. Therefore, there is need and the Government is aware that power costs must be brought down, and all measures are being taken. It has taken time, but let us not lose sight of the fact that a lot of energy and time was wasted in this country by some people demonstrating and wasting a lot of energy on the streets. Some of the people who speak here could have done much better by letting this country address issues. I am glad to say that after the handshake, issues are now being addressed by all sides and we should work towards that. However, let us not forget the people who are responsible. I do not want to name them because they are obviously known. They should not stand here to complain, when they know that they let this country waste a lot of energy and resources. They distracted the management of this country through unnecessarily demonstrations. Fortunately, we are now in a new chapter and we will all move together. My Committee will be meeting officials from the Ministry of Energy and Kenya Power in a week’s time and I will report to this House. They have undertaken that power costs have to come down. I am more concerned than some of the Members who have spoken because my heart is with the common people. I look forward to a time when Kenya can give free energy to the low consumers. The country should even provide free water to some of our unfortunate citizens. It is happening in countries like Egypt. However, this will take time to be achieved. Let us also fight corruption. Sen. Khaniri has brought up the issue of corruption and the usage of concrete electric poles. I support him on this. Kenya Power was known 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."
}