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{
    "id": 1490613,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1490613/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 107,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Ogola",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "From my observation and from common knowledge, there are no private citizens in this country. Even the farmers that are served by these industries are not private. So, with the good practice that we propagate and in the spirit of good governance and inclusivity, I would have liked a situation where the farmers have a portion of representation in the private companies' boards because then they will be talking on behalf of the farmers that are being served by the sugar industries. Otherwise, I support this mediated committee report. We look forward to the economic empowerment of our communities. All we want from the sugar industries is that they operate within the laws and rules of this country. Where is the position of our farmers in the sugar industry or the sugar sector activities in this mediated Bill? Where is the position of our farmers? Our farmers should benefit from their sweat. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it was very unfortunate. I have a woman farmer from a ward called Kabuoch North in Ndhiwa Constituency. This is a lady who had taken her time to get into the farming of sugarcane. However, when it came to harvesting and with all the investment the lady had put into her farms, there was nothing she could show for it. That brings me to the issue of taxation. Are we encouraging our farmers to sweat, to farm, to take their time and at the end of it, get nothing for it? We want a situation where the sugar industry is streamlined, so that when our farmers get into sugarcane farming, they can get something from their sweat; they get returns, can take their children to school, put food on the table and have money in their pockets. This will bring up empowered societies. All I call for is that the research department that will be serving this sector should be strengthened because in other countries, we know that there are species of seeds that grow faster and have major benefits to the farmers. As I support this, I encourage the Ndhiwa Sukari Industry to keep to the ideals of the late Joshua Orwa Ojode, Ndhiwa community, all we fought for and let our farmers benefit from their sweat. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I support."
}