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"speaker_name": "Sen. Khaniri",
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"legal_name": "George Munyasa Khaniri",
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"content": "taxis and boda bodas have greatly suffered during the pandemic and are now exposed to even more suffering as a result of reduced profits. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, a comparison of pump prices of petroleum products across the region reveal that prices in Kenya are the highest in East Africa, higher than even landlocked countries. This scenario has two immediate implications. One is the economic hardship to the general public and, two, closure of industries and capital flight. This will in turn lead to slower growth of the economy. It does not make any economic sense to invest in a country that has very high costs of production that will eventually eat into profits. The sum total of this capital flight is worsening of the unemployment rates. In addition, this increase in prices might also lead to an increase in circulation of adulterated fuel; a mixture of the relatively cheaper kerosene with diesel or super petrol, so as to push up volumes of the latter two products at cheaper prices. Adulterated fuel is not only harmful to engines, but also to the environment at large. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I believe our Speaker’s sentiments that we should not always read from the book of lamentations. I also understand the dilemma we are in as a country, bearing in mind that the EPRA is performing its statutory duty in publishing the maximum pump price for petroleum products in strict adherence to the legislation enacted by Parliament, notwithstanding the current revenue shortfalls in the country. However, we still must have this conversation, as it is what the people we represent expect from us. Nobody should gag or reprimand Kenyans in this discourse as we seek solutions. Mr. Temporary Speaker, one of the core roles of Parliament is legislation by amending parts of the law that require change. Given the nature of money Bills, I believe the other House should make necessary changes on the Petroleum Act, 2019, the Legal Notice No.196 of 2010 and the Legal Notice No.26 of 2012 as soon as possible to provide a caveat to cushion Kenyans from extreme high price increase. I thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir."
}