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{
    "id": 1546378,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1546378/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 147,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Keiyo North, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Adams Korir",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "is blessed to have a young population most of whom are unemployed. This is the only way they can be encouraged to join agribusiness, advance themselves economically and have something in their pockets. Secondly, it is about food safety. Currently in our country and in the world, we have many cases of diseases which are mainly caused by what we consume. Research shows that cancer is caused by what we consume as a population. Having a manufacturing firm that takes care of the interest of our population is very important. Farmers are making minimal profit margins because of the cost of fertiliser. If we have a manufacturing firm within our country, Kenyans will afford fertiliser because it will be cheap. This will enable them to break the margin. As a country, that is the only way that we will stabilise our economy and help our farmers grow themselves. Supporting and promoting local fertiliser manufacturing industries will also sort out short supply. At the moment, there are many farmers who are trying to beat deadlines. We have planting cycles, and if a farmer misses the first part of the year, especially in the North Rift and other parts of the country, it becomes extremely difficult to cultivate again. Despite the Government's significant effort in subsidising fertiliser, which has provided some relief to farmers, it has not fully addressed the longstanding issue affecting agriculture in this country. The problem is minimal supply. The initiative to establish a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Kenya will help us in resolving these challenges. However, as we discuss domestic fertiliser production as a country, we must reflect on a pertinent issue. The Jubilee Government initiated a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Uasin Gishu around 2014-2016, yet the project did not take off. When we asked questions, we were told that vested interests intervened, including cartels keen on maintaining the import supply chain of the fertiliser. Beyond these interests, the cost of production remains a significant deterrent. Many individuals are hesitant to establish farms in Kenya due to high electricity costs and the extensive list of business requirements, including numerous licences from county and national governments. It is imperative to streamline these bureaucratic demands for any investor keen on establishing a fertiliser manufacturing facility in our country. This would create employment opportunities for the youth, ensure timely fertiliser supply to farmers, and enhance national food security. I commend Hon. Atandi for bringing this important Motion. It will help in advancing our country’s agricultural sector. As I wind up, I want to acknowledge the Government's ongoing efforts to support farmers, despite the persistent challenges they face in crop production."
}