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{
    "id": 1347447,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1347447/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 319,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Tabitha Mutinda",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "powers of the board. We should have minimized that and increased the percentage for the research institute and the infrastructure. I have also looked at Clause15(b) of this Bill. It talks about all immovable assets of the former Tea Board of Kenya and tea research, which were vested in the Food Authority of Kenya and the livestock research, shall by this paragraph vest in the board of the foundation, respectively. This is very important, keeping in mind that agriculture is devolved and transfer of assets is key. Nonetheless, the Bill should also have given a timeline; after it is assented to and when it should take full effect. Otherwise, when it is left open, it becomes unclear in terms of what should happen or what it states. In regards to the timeline, that needs to be in place to ensure that all these assets are moved fast and effectively to the right institution, to ensure it achieves what needs to be achieved. If it is left open, it might take longer. I am talking in terms of where we are coming from and what we have seen. This is where the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGTRC) had challenges such as delays in transferring some of the assets and equipment that used to be there when counties were first established. As I speak right now, you will find that there are still challenges because most of the assets have never been transferred. A case example is the water companies where we have realised that they are still being held by the water companies. They have not been absorbed by the counties knowing very well that counties are the biggest shareholders in the different water companies that are in place. I have also been keen to note that the Bill in Part Four says- “A person shall not be appointed to be a Chair of the Board or Director unless that person holds at least a degree.” This is an issue that I have always been very keen on where we, as a country, have so many degrees. If the position is left open to any degree holder, then a clinical officer or an Information Technology (IT) officer can be chairperson of the board. Where do we leave all those who have graduated with degrees in the agricultural field if they are not narrowed to this opportunity? This Bill should specify that one should possess an equivalent degree in the field of agriculture to create an opportunity for students or experts in the agricultural sector. With all due respect, you can imagine someone who has a degree in theology being the chairperson of this board. Which experience, knowledge, experience and skills do they bring aboard as far as the tea sector is concerned? It is very important to specify the different learning levels and fields so that we encourage our people when such openings come up. If we leave the requirements open, we might not get maximum value as required. Madam Temporary Speaker, I conclude by saying that this is the way to go. We are going to support this Bill. I have heard one of our colleagues talk about cartels out there who are calculating how they are going to sabotage this. As members of this House, together with our counterparts in the National Assembly, we have done our part."
}