HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 831547,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/831547/?format=api",
"text_counter": 305,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Kihika",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13216,
"legal_name": "Susan Wakarura Kihika",
"slug": "susan-wakarura-kihika"
},
"content": "in the planning so that we are able to ensure safety and bring order to our communities across the board. Madam Temporary Speaker, the Bill has clearly stipulated the manner in which commercial buildings will be accessed from major roads. This is important because in most of the towns and cities everywhere across the board, there is no order. Some of the buildings are accessed from one side of the road, others from the other side and some in a way that does not make sense. If a vehicle is turning, another one that is on the road could easily crash it. There is no order. Therefore, we need a law that will provide a framework so that when the planning of commercial buildings is done, this is taken into account. It is extremely necessary and important so that we see the great growth across our counties and in the whole country. Without having proper planning in place, we will continue to be a lawless country. I say this because it is quite obvious. For example, matatus on the road seem to make their own laws. They stop anywhere, for example, in the middle of the road where they either pick up or drop passengers without regard to parking bays or the designated place where they are supposed to stop and safely have the road users exit or enter the vehicles in a safe manner. Madam Temporary Speaker, this Bill shows the necessity of having parking bays across the cities and towns in the counties. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country is rising and with that, many people are able to afford vehicles. Therefore, there are many vehicles, for example, for public transport which are owned by individuals or whatever the case may be. So, the number has really risen. With that, as a country, we have not taken into account where these vehicles are parked once they get to town. Therefore, vehicles are parked in all manner of places blocking access to buildings and if there is a fire or any form or accident, it becomes hazardous. This Bill streamlines parking bays and requires county governments to have them across the counties. Where there is no public land available, the Bill can do compulsory acquisition of such land so that parking bays are availed across our cities and towns. The Mover of the Bill, Sen. Olekina, has talked about how we can create another stream of income by making sure that the parking bays are charged. With that in place, counties or communities can have another source of revenue. We need to maximize on revenue collection so that counties can run productively. Madam Temporary Speaker, one major issue that we have seen across the board is the lack of pavements in many areas such as towns, cities or even in the congested areas. As a result, somebody on a motorcycle or a bicycle finds himself or herself on the same road with vehicles, which do not seem to give way or to be friendly to other road users. Without the pavements, they do not have any other place where they can ride. As we move towards being a green economy, going forward to the future, we are also encouraging people to use their bicycles because it will help them to keep fit. It will also help to reduce congestion of vehicles on our roads and, consequently, it will be a very good thinking for our environment since it reduces pollution. Therefore, as we encourage that, we must provide an alternative part of the road where those on bicycles or motorcycles can ride safely without being run over by vehicles. It seems as if the drivers of the vehicles seem to feel as if they are the kings of the roads; that they have more The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}