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{
    "id": 1129841,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1129841/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 70,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Poghisio",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 202,
        "legal_name": "Samuel Losuron Poghisio",
        "slug": "samuel-poghisio"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Constitution of Kenya as cited, instructs the President to report to a Special Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament, on the measures taken and progress made in the realisation of the national values as stipulated in Article 10 of the Constitution: Status of fulfillment of the international obligations; the state of Kenya’s security; and, the general state of the nation. The President recognized the intrinsic support of Parliament and county governments in addressing the national crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. As protectors of interests of county governments, I commend the Senate for the support it gave to the President and county governments. As a result of the measures taken, especially on fiscal stimuli, the impact of COVID-19 on the economy was 14 times lesser than the global economy. Mr. Speaker, Sir, over and above the tax stimuli that were given that warranted the National Exchequer to forgo taxes amounting to Kshs176 billion. The President further rolled out the Buy Kenya Build Kenya policy and the Kazi Mtaani Programme, which secured over 750,000 gainful engagement for youth. Further, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) credit guarantee was given; teachers were hired in the education sector; Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was enhanced and is now in process; farm inputs were supplied; and, manufacturing was enhanced. These measures and interventions have reinforced resilience of our economy and grew the economy by at 10.1 per cent in one quarter. The third intervention unveiled in October focuses on the agricultural core sector, health and sanitation, energy and credit facilitation for business people. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the President is keen on the agenda of ease of doing business and to see the fulfillment of automation. In full automation and streamlining payment of taxes to redesign import and export processes impressively, Kenya becomes a global first to host the first European Investment Bank (EIB) outside Europe. We told that in the Address yesterday. The sentiments from the just concluded Annual Devolution Conference (ADC) have also been addressed by the President. He noted that the Government was committed to combat desertification, address climate change, increase forest cover and promote the blue economy. Hon. Senators, the tree cover has increased from six to 8.8 per cent. In the blue economy, the legal framework is intended to protect the fishing industry. Members who come from the coastal region will realise that it will be the first in Kenya for this to happen, after so many years of leaving people to come and fish illegally on our shores. This has now become something that is protected under a new organisation that has been set up for Kenya. Mr. Speaker, Sir, maybe we should say a little bit about the Big Four Agenda which the President focused on. The President is committed to ensure equality in Government services to evade poverty. In addition, the Government has made immense 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."
}