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{
    "id": 1095687,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1095687/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 199,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mvita, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Abdullswamad Nassir",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2433,
        "legal_name": "Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir",
        "slug": "abdulswamad-sheriff-nassir"
    },
    "content": " Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker for indulging me. With all due respect to the leadership of this House, last week, there was a Motion that I had requested in regard to how Kenyans are being affected by the issues of lockdowns and the restrictions that have been there. I am saying this with a lot of humility to the leadership of this House. Needless to say, last week we were unable because of a technicality. This week, it has been placed on the Order Paper at such a time that it might not be feasible for us to reach there. I ask for your indulgence under Standing Order No. 1, considering that the Executive has pronounced itself by extending these restrictions further for another 60 days as of yesterday, considering as well that this House goes on recess from today for another 30 days. The Constitution of this country mandates this House, which includes every single person who is here, nominated and elected, to deliberate and come up with solutions that affect the people of this country. I just wish to state that the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has indicated that courtesy of these lockdowns, the number of Kenyans who are going without meals has gone up by more than four times. Those are figures provided by the KNBS. The 5.85 million people out there who include the mama mbogas, boda bodas and hawkers are the ones we need to come up with a solution for. Hon. Speaker, this Motion is to simply guide and indicate that the third arm of Government in this country is seeking an alternative that will be feasible and safer instead of the constant lockdowns. Eleven per cent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mid-market enterprises (MMEs) have closed down. Twenty per cent of businesses have shut down, not because of the disease itself, but because of the effect that the lockdowns and restrictions have had on Kenyans. With a lot of humility, I seek your guidance and that of the leadership of the House that we discuss this matter today rather than sitting back and saying that we want to discuss it at a time when more damage has already been done."
}