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{
    "id": 1558804,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1558804/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 44,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Igembe Central, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Daniel Karitho",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1574,
        "legal_name": "Cyprian Kubai Iringo",
        "slug": "cyprian-kubai-iringo"
    },
    "content": " Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the provision of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding a ban by Ethiopian Airlines on cargo transportation of miraa. Hon. Deputy Speaker, on March 23rd 2025, Ethiopian Airlines issued a directive banning miraa cargo on its flight from Nairobi, citing unspecified security and aircraft safety concerns. This decision has caused significant disruption to the miraa exchange, particularly affecting key export markets such as Israel and Sierra Leone. Despite confirmation of the ban by Ethiopian Airlines cargo service in Nairobi, the precise nature of the security and safety risks prompting this action remains unclear. Given that Ethiopian Airlines is a crucial carrier for export from Kenya, particularly miraa exports, this ban poses a severe threat to the livelihood of farmers and traders, especially in Igembe Central Constituency where miraa farming is the primary economic activity. The ripple effects of this decision highlight the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to ensure the safety of Kenya's airspace, safeguard Kenya's miraa trade, and explore alternative market opportunities in regions such as Djibouti, Mozambique and Somalia to ensure a sustainable solution and protect the economic stability of miraa dependent communities. Hon. Deputy Speaker, it is against this background that I seek a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on the following: 1. Circumstances that led to the Ethiopian Airlines' ban on miraa cargo on its flights from Nairobi. 2. Measures being taken by the Ministry to urgently engage the Ethiopian Airlines on the specific security concerns that led to the ban on miraa cargo to ensure the safety and security of cargo transportation generally assume transmission of miraa cargo. 3. Efforts being made by the Ministry to explore alternative airlines or routes for miraa exports. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker."
}