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{
    "id": 1411345,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1411345/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 93,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Gichugu, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Gichimu Githinji",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to second the Motion and at the outset, let me say that the EU market is the largest in the world. In seconding this Motion, Hon. Members ought to know that initially this Economic Partnership Agreement was meant to cover East African countries. Kenya is rated higher internationally and therefore the other countries drag their feet in accepting to sign the EPA between East Africa and the European Union (EU). Kenya had to devise a mechanism to access this market noting that the other East African countries have access to the worldwide market of goods except arms. Kenya found itself in a very tricky situation hence devising a mechanism agreeable to the other East African countries. This route was taken for Kenya to sign and seek ratification of this agreement in Parliament. It is also worth noting that the market open for Kenya will benefit Kenyans for 25 years before the EU gets reciprocity and benefits from the Kenyan market. This provides a good opportunity for Kenyan export goods to attract and earn Kenya foreign exchange that is required. This will go a long way in stabilising the Kenya Shilling. From the submissions that were made during public participation, the Law Society of Kenya and all the participants agreed with the State Department for Trade under the Ministry which presented this EPA before the Committee. The Mover of the Motion has adequately covered all the areas of this EPA in brief. I join the Vice-Chairperson, who has moved the Motion, in urging Members of this Parliament to agree with the report of the committee to ratify this agreement for the benefit of Kenyans. This will also ensure we are not left behind by the other East African countries which have unlimited access to all the markets including African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), except in matters of arms. Without belabouring the point, I beg to second. Thank you."
}