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{
    "id": 1353030,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1353030/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 246,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cheruiyot",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13165,
        "legal_name": "Aaron Kipkirui Cheruiyot",
        "slug": "aaron-cheruiyot"
    },
    "content": "This then brings challenges because all their inefficiencies and incompetences are shared across all these other institutions as opposed to you having maybe the people in charge of the drugs, if there are institutional weaknesses or incompetence in the person of leading that institution, at least it does not affect the food. However, I still contend and hold the view that the benefits of having all of them housed under one roof far outweighs what would be the advantages of having them separated. I will be pursuing these thoughts later with the responsible and competent authorities, so that we can find a way of bringing together all these institutions that take care of what we eat in terms of food and medicine in this country so that there is better coordination. I can confidently say before the House that this is a step in the right direction. You will notice that Section 4 of the Act speaks of providing for a competent authority and every person who is coordinating food business and feeding business. This Act speaks to those who are involved in this trade and industry. This bill states what needs to be done in that sector and how the office of food safety will be devolved and provide the necessary provisions to ensure that what Kenyans are eating is tested, safe and sound. For example, part of the institutions that has been cited as being a competent authority is the fertilizer control authority. That is something we have spoken about severally. In the last Parliament, one of our colleagues in the National Assembly tried to push us to discuss the issues surrounding the use of Roundup. That is something that has been discussed in many parliaments around the world and its effects. Unfortunately, there are no studies of what that drug has done here in Africa. It is a very common drug in our villages. Sen. (Dr) Khalwale, if you just walk to any agro vet in Malinya and ask for Roundup, chances are that you will get it, yet, in other jurisdictions that product, there have been challenges and questions on the approval that have gone to have it used. When we eventually put together one coordinating body for all these institutions, we shall answer these questions. We want to put our best scientists to guide us and tell us whether it is on the food or the drug part. We need to know whether what we are eating is safe for consumption. Let them have a debate in that in that institution. Let them challenge each other, and even deny certain certifications. Let us eventually have just one license when we achieve it. We should know that if you have food and drug safety certification, you have gone through all the checks as a product and you can be on shelves and Kenyans can buy. I like Clause 7(1) of the Bill, which states that- “There shall be a Food Safety Controller who shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of Parliament”. That is a step in the right direction. I appreciate when certain Bills come in this format. Madam Temporary Speaker, the drafters of our Constitution made and omission in its architecture. You find certain offices need to be approved by the National Assembly, and in other places by Parliament. Up to date, the only Presidential appointees"
}