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{
    "id": 1378856,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1378856/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 129,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Veronica Maina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "any party in the power purchase agreements from challenging the illegality that it has no exit clause. You cannot hold a whole nation at ransom, that whether one consumes power or not, they will continue to pay for it. The person paying for it could be earning less than a dollar in a day. There is no justice or fairness in that argument. I propose to this House that there should be an exit clause. All power purchase agreements are capable of being invalidated, have those terms reviewed and settled within the contract, and get Kenyans to the pricing of the power in a manner that is competitive and that meets the international standards. This nation should be willing to be subjected to international standards of pricing of power units. For all the time we have had discussions on why power is charged highly in Kenya because the cost of electricity is high, there is always the feeling that nothing can be done because of agreements that have bound us for 20 years. We have witnessed the fact that even when a law is made in this House or the National Assembly, if it is unconstitutional--- We have seen our courts declaring sections of laws illegal or unconstitutional and invalidating them. If a court can invalidate a whole Act of Parliament, what would stop a contract from being taken to the same court for a determination to be made on whether it meets the constitutional threshold of a contract that binds the public? Ultimately, when we have public entities entering into contracts with suppliers, the suppliers must understand the environment within which that contract has been made. Therefore, I rise to support the Report that has been brought to this House. I have looked at the recommendations. It is worrying that the Kenya Power Company (KPC) debt stands close to Kshs39 billion and they have consistently made sure if you do not pay your bill within two days, they disconnect you. Subsequently, they are collecting money. They should be able to find a way of paying off their debt. The system losses is something that they should handle. Whatever equipment they are using, if the lines are substandard or whatever it is that is causing system losses at 26 per cent, that is something they should address. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have also noted that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has failed to submit 27 regulations."
}