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{
"id": 1259150,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1259150/?format=api",
"text_counter": 52,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13599,
"legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
"slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
},
"content": "It is estimated that about 200,000 tonnes of second-hand clothes are imported into the country annually. Gikomba Market alone, is reputed to generate nearly Kshs300 million a month and almost Kshs4 billion annually. When you spread this out into all the other markets across Nairobi, you have a multi-billion-shilling informal industry, that not only sells clothes, but also many other items relevant to the common mwananchi . Essentially, this industry remains a huge employer of the Nairobi County masses, creating livelihoods for millions of families. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we, however, have had to contend with the cancer of arson targeting these markets for a very long time. In the last ten years alone, there have been at least 20 fires in Nairobi markets. Part of the problem is a populist politics shadows the path to real solutions. This is because politicians and Government officials have formed the habit of giving long speeches, donating food and building materials to victims, then moving on until the next fire. It is my considered opinion that the root cause of these fires must be urgently addressed, and perpetrators brought to book once and for all. Otherwise, these fires stand to destroy a critical economic base of the poor and struggling Nairobi traders. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have seen how the police can act decisively when dealing with an issue they choose to, such as the recent Azimio Coalition protests. We are also aware that we have a very robust intelligence gathering institution in the form of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). There is, therefore, no excuse on the failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for these economic crimes. I wish to add that citizens in this country are currently grappling with a myriad of issues, including income losses, high cost of essential goods and a difficult business environment caused by high taxation and a weak Shilling. To add arson to that, targeting the property of small businesses, is the highest form of insensitivity. In no uncertain terms, this is economic genocide. Mr. Speaker, I would, therefore, like the relevant authorities to guarantee the following- (1) That, security will be enhanced in Gikomba Market and other markets Nairobi to avoid the arsonists targeting it next. The Nairobi City County Government and the Kenya Police Service must now post permanent security at Gikomba, Toi, Mutindwa, and all major markets within the City, to safeguard the businesses and guarantee the incomes of thousands of people who rely on these markets. (2) That, the Governor of Nairobi City County must, as a matter of urgency, state the plans he has put in place to ensure firefighting equipment is available near these markets. He is on record for having promised to build a fire station inside Gikomba Market.; a promise that has not been kept to date."
}