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{
    "id": 124621,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/124621/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 464,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Eng. Maina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 75,
        "legal_name": "Ephraim Mwangi Maina",
        "slug": "ephraim-maina"
    },
    "content": "Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I want the Members of this House to note that we, as Members of Parliament, were faced with many questions from our constituents regarding the availability of the Kshs52 packets of maize flour . It is unacceptable, inconceivable and intolerable for Kenyans to go hungry when the Government has made a promise that enough food would be supplied. Immediately thereafter, there was some reaction from the market and price had come down to about Kshs70. They started the upward trend with no reason or explanation. Today, we are back where we were. There is need for the Government to feed its own people. There is need for the Government to control the prices of essential commodities, so that the ordinary man can have a descent living and does not spend all his or her income on essential goods. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, let me state here that the development we are pursuing will be evasive, unless we do something to curb the rising cost of goods without justifiable grounds. My ideal target is the basic commodities which the common man needs for survival. It targets maize, maize flour, wheat, wheat flour, rice, cooking fat and oils, sugar, paraffin, diesel and petrol. Today, as a nation, we are all aware of the serious and dangerous situation the country is in because of these commodities. Therefore, the need for this Bill. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, let me start from the onset to inform this House that there are others who will tend to argue that this Bill is against what we call the law of supply and demand. I want to state here that our economy does not have the environment for the law of supply and demand. For example, once again going back to maize meal, sugar and fuel, we deal with a few individuals – 70 per cent of the maize flour is supplied by about three millers. The suppliers of oil are extremely few in number. We are aware of the attempts by the Minister for Energy where he has stated again and again that he may be forced to control fuel prices. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, talking of sugar, it is the same story. It is not excusable. This House will not be excused by our people if we allow our people to continue suffering from the exploitation that they are going through. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, just to throw a bit of piece to the critics, I want to state here that there is no country in the world that will allow the market forces or even capitalism to have a free day without regard to social responsibility. The only organ that can carry social responsibility is this House and the need for this Bill."
}