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{
    "id": 194809,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/194809/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 151,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Chanzu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 11,
        "legal_name": "Yusuf Kifuma Chanzu",
        "slug": "yusuf-chanzu"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to support this very important Motion. As we all know, agriculture is the mainstay of our economy. The agriculture sector is very elastic. So, bad weather affects production in agriculture. It affects the entire economy. Majority of Kenyans depend on agriculture. So, for that reason, I support the Motion as amended. However, I have been looking forward to a time when we can look into the issue of writing off AFC loans not wholesomely or across the board. Those who are affected mostly by the severe drought and the post-election violence that we have witnessed are the small-scale farmers. We have large-scale farmers who borrowed money many years back. Maybe, because of their political connections, they have not repaid those loans. So, as we pass this Motion, I would like us to look into the possibility of identifying those who deserve write-offs. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Government must play its role of protecting its citizens. One of the problems we suffered even before we got into the post-election crisis and the severe drought that has affected the country, is that of management. Years back, the sector was well managed. However, that cannot be said to be so today. We used to have motorcycles on which field officers used to ride to go and give technical advice to farmers. Today, I do not see that happening. I would like to suggest that the Government should set aside more money for extension services, so that whatever is done to salvage the situation is well-managed. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, yesterday the Minister for Agriculture said that the Government had set aside some money to support small-scale farmers. I support that move. But there is no point in increasing the amount, if it is not going to be well-managed. I would like to make a recommendation to the Ministry; that they should tighten their controls, so that Kenyans can benefit from the sector once we put in place measures that are being suggested via this Motion. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the post-election violence and the severe drought affected farmers, particularly in the Rift Valley Province. But, in neighbouring areas such as Western Province"
}