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{
    "id": 1022031,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1022031/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 304,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Sakaja",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13131,
        "legal_name": "Johnson Arthur Sakaja",
        "slug": "johnson-arthur-sakaja"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is quite unfortunate that on such a matter, the Senate is constrained because it is a matter to deal with tax raising measures. If you look at the Senate Standing Order No. 224, it is possible for you, since these are very important issues. You should recommend that the Committee on Finance and Budget jointly sits with the corresponding Committee in the National Assembly to look at this issue. This issue is affecting not just the area where Sen. Halake was born, but even the urban areas. A lot of renewable energy is becoming the go-to because of the strain on the grid that we have. There is a lot of pressure on the national grid and urban dwellers are now focusing on alternative forms of energy, including the clean stoves and solar for heating. Madam Deputy Speaker, we had solar heating regulations on the Energy Regulation, 2012 that spurred the growth of solar in this country. That is something we are really proud of. The government of President Mwai Kibaki and the beginning of this government led the growth of renewable energy in this country. What we are seeing is a disconnect between policy that is long term with short term measures in the Finance Bill. People should put their money where their mouth is. It is easy to talk from one end of the mouth saying that we are supporting renewable energy, yet you are taxing each and every component in renewable energy and we will see further losses. We have invested a lot of money in the Turkana Wind Power Project, in the geothermal projects, on wind and other renewable forms that this country is hailed across the world as being a leader in renewable energy. If this tax is not dealt with, then that will disappear. Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki will tell you that the Constitution says that international treaties form part of our law. Kenya is a signatory to the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement pushes for reduction of carbon emissions and we have committed to it. It pushes to accelerating global efforts towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This law goes contrary to our commitments under the Paris Agreement. 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."
}