Motion to place limits on carbon emission passed

Parliament has passed a Motion asking the Government to originate policies and legislative measures to set emission standards of greenhouse gases.

The move would see effects of gases emitted by factories and machines reduced to shield Kenyans from the health dangers associated with pollution.

North Horr MP Chachu Ganya, who sponsored the Motion, said a death knell lies in the massive number of cars acquired by Kenyans each year and called for the introduction of electric trains to cut down the level of carbon dioxide emissions.

Dujis MP Aden Dualle said Kenyans are at high risk of succumbing to respiratory diseases occasioned by the carbon dioxide emissions from the cars.

"According to World Health Organisation, 800,000 people die globally as a result of air pollution-related diseases, and 85 per cent of these deaths are in developing countries, yet little has been done to control air pollution in Kenya," said Dualle.

While supporting the Motion, Emuhaya MP Wilbur Ottichilo called for higher levies on private cars to discourage their usage, saying the transport sector is the major source of air pollution.

"The State needs to introduce a policy where people are forced to share cars or pool them. It should also impose fuel levies to discourage usage of private cars," said Ottichilo.

He called for the introduction of carbon tax for those who pollute the environment as Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa urged the Government to regulate the importation of used cars, saying they contribute to pollution.

Nominated MP Rachael Shebesh said environmental pollution should be treated seriously as it concerns health of individuals.