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{
    "id": 1104474,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1104474/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 224,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Prof.) Jacqueline Oduol",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13514,
        "legal_name": "Jacquiline Adhiambo Oduol",
        "slug": "jacqueline-adhiambo-oduol"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. As I logged in, I had wondered why both the intervention slot and the other button were on. However, I really appreciate the opportunity. Allow me to also add my voice in support of the Bill. When we look at the object and the main reasons that Hon. (Dr.) Pukose saw as important in moving this Bill, it is clear that the Kenya Food and Drugs Authority Bill, 2019 seeks to ensure that we have an Authority established so that the fragmented legislations in place are pulled together. I want to agree with Members that this is a very important Bill which seeks to ensure that we have a framework that will safeguard public health. So, we are looking at a cross array of very important parameters. We are looking at issues that relate to medicines, pharmaceuticals, food, drugs and therapeutic cosmetics. Other than looking at the very specific aspects addressing public health, there is also the key issue of how to deal with Authorities already in existence and how this will come together. I agree with what Members have said that we do not want to lump food and drugs together. I am of the view that it is important to determine what aspects of food we are dealing with. Looking at the main reasons presented in the object of the Bill, my understanding is that it is leaning more towards issues relating to health and pharmaceuticals. We are dealing with national health products, regulating them and safeguarding public health. This might not necessarily imply that we cannot have issues relating to food and drugs in the same Bill. I think what is important is to determine whether it is the food aspects that are particularly important when dealing with regulating health. As I support, I want to urge that as we go to the Committee of the whole House through the respective committees and particularly the Departmental Committee on Health, we should have a clearer indication, report and exposition. This will help us to see the obtaining situation with regard to legislation, existing Authorities, the kind of overlaps and relationships that we have between food and drugs in this regulatory system."
}