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{
    "id": 946078,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/946078/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 120,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Makueni, WDM-K",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Daniel Maanzo",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2197,
        "legal_name": "Daniel Kitonga Maanzo",
        "slug": "daniel-kitonga-maanzo"
    },
    "content": "The case of Mount Elgon presents a very unique situation. I believe what the Cabinet and the Executive considered before seeking the approval of this House on degazettement of part of the forest is so that Kenyans who have been living on that particular area for a long time can be settled. The historical perspective in this Report shows that it is a matter which started in the 1930s and went on until today. These particular circumstances are unique and, therefore, should not be used as precedent for any other squatters who are near forests to automatically get rights to have land alienated for them and keep on depleting our forest cover, which is already below the 10 per cent United Nations requirement. Recently, in this same House, we approved another settlement scheme in Kiambu, where people have lived for long following their displacement by clashes in the Rift Valley. It was for a good course when a Petition was presented here. However, on the way forward, we should be careful not to deplete our forest cover. There are very many similar situations still pending in this country, and land issues are very emotive. We also have such situations in the coastal area. There are many land disputes that are yet to be settled. We thank God now that we have a new National Land Commission which is able to look at these issues at this particular moment. Because of the history, the Government brought a Petition and Parliament is now dealing with it so that those particular people can be settled. As much as we agree with this one, we have seen the conclusions that the Committee has drawn. However, we have a standing rule that in every land, at least, there should be some forest cover. The agencies responsible for forests should ensure that the people who are going to get that particular piece of land should retain a certain level of forest cover because this is a water catchment area. Therefore, we still need trees. Now that the rains are here with us, Members of Parliament should urge their constituents to plant more trees. Our main target as a country is to retain forests and plant more trees. But every rule has exceptions, which applies in the case of the people living around Mount Elgon. Some of the residents even opposed, but the majority wanted the settlement so that many other social evils could be sorted out. That area has insecurity issues arising from fighting over pieces of land. We are aware that many lives have been lost. With this, we really want to agree with the Committee, the Executive and the Cabinet. But we want to challenge the Committee that, in future, they should be very keen when it comes to issues of forest depletion or settlement, unless a matter is historical or there are very special circumstances like in the case of Mount Elgon. In every other area we have a forest reserve, there are people encroaching on it. Rules should be made. Whoever encroaches on a forest reserve should leave the area for more trees to be planted to increase forest cover, so that we have good climate. Conservation of forests and environment is a concern world over. There are demonstrations in various parts of the world including London in the United Kingdom (UK) and in the United States of America (USA), on environmental conservation. Rivers should be cleaned. For example, we are now doing the Thwake Dam. The water that passes through Nairobi River and Athi River is so dirty that when we complete the Dam, we could give Kenyans water that is not clean. So, the environment and forests have become part of the world’s debate. As we pass this Motion, the rules should be clear. We want more forests in the country beside this exceptional circumstance. I support the Committee Chair and urge Members to support this Motion. In future, we must exercise caution. Thank you."
}