{"count":1608389,"next":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=150604","previous":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=150602","results":[{"id":1524222,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524222/?format=json","text_counter":159,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Homa Bay County, ODM","speaker_title":"Hon. Atieno Bensuda","speaker":null,"content":" Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Orders 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining regarding the destruction of forest in Magadi for charcoal production. Forests play a crucial role in sustaining life and maintaining climate stability. However, in recent years, Lake Magadi region has experienced severe destruction due to a high demand for charcoal. Indigenous tree species are being harvested to meet the high demand for charcoal. The environmental impact of this trend is alarming, with effects such as increased vulnerability to climate change. To regulate charcoal production, The Forests (Charcoal) Regulations, 2009 were introduced. Additionally, in 2016, this House passed the Climate Change Act (Cap. 387A) which provides a framework for the promotion of climate-resilient, low-carbon economic development. However, their enforcement remains a challenge, with a significant portion of charcoal production remaining unregulated, further contributing to adverse effects of climate change. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining on the following: 1. Immediate measures that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry is putting in place to curb the ongoing destruction of forests in Magadi region for charcoal production; 2. Steps that the Ministry is taking to enforce the Charcoal Regulations of 2009 and the Climate Change Act to ensure compliance with sustainable forestry practices; 3. Strategies to promote use and uptake of alternative energy sources so as to reduce dependency on charcoal to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of deforestation; and 4. Long-term strategies to enhance forest conservation in Magadi and other affected regions. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."},{"id":1524223,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524223/?format=json","text_counter":160,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Speaker","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Thank you, Hon. Atieno Bensuda. Who is the Chair for the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining? Hon. Owen Baya, is that Hon. Gikaria's committee?"},{"id":1524224,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524224/?format=json","text_counter":161,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Kiifi North, UDA","speaker_title":"Hon. Owen Baya","speaker":null,"content":" Yes."},{"id":1524225,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524225/?format=json","text_counter":162,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Speaker","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Ensure they bring a response in two weeks."},{"id":1524226,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524226/?format=json","text_counter":163,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Kiifi North, UDA","speaker_title":"Hon. Owen Baya","speaker":null,"content":" Much obliged, Hon. Speaker."},{"id":1524227,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524227/?format=json","text_counter":164,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Speaker","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Hon. John Namoit, Turkana South."},{"id":1524228,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524228/?format=json","text_counter":165,"type":"heading","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"GOLD MINING IN TURKANA SOUTH"},{"id":1524229,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524229/?format=json","text_counter":166,"type":"other","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."},{"id":1524230,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524230/?format=json","text_counter":167,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Turkana South, ODM","speaker_title":"Hon. John Namoit","speaker":null,"content":" Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining regarding Gold Mining in Turkana South Constituency. Hon. Speaker, there are mining activities currently being undertaken in Lamu Nyeusi, on the border of Sigor and Turkana South Constituencies, Lorogon village in Kaptir ward, Lobakat Division and Kalomwae in Turkana South Constituency. Mineral wealth in Turkana presents significant economic potential. However, there is need to ensure mining activities are conducted safely and legally, complying with public safety and environmental standards. These activities, which commenced without the involvement of the residents, have exposed them to hazardous chemicals and have caused destruction of farm produce and pollution of water in the area. Notably, the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (Cap 387), provides that projects related to mining ought to have an environmental impact assessment study report submitted prior to the issuance of a mining licence. In addition, the natural resource is located within disputed land and could possibly compound existing conflict among communities in the area. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining regarding the following: 1. Report on the steps taken by the Government, including a report on public participation conducted, if any, prior to issuance of mining licences in Lamu Nyeusi, Lorogon village and Kalomwae in Turkana South Constituency; 2. List of the mining licences issued in Turkana County in the last three years, and the operational requirements issued to the licencees; 3. Steps taken to prevent any conflict among the communities bordering the sites, including consultations with the leaders within the area; and 4. Report on the benefit-sharing formula agreed on to guarantee residents’ returns from gold mining in the County. I, thank you, Hon. Speaker."},{"id":1524231,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524231/?format=json","text_counter":168,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Speaker","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Thank you. There was a Member who requested to joy ride on this. Hon. Lochakapong, go ahead."}]}