HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 210064,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/210064/?format=api",
"text_counter": 140,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Kipchumba",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 313,
"legal_name": "Joseph Kipchumba Lagat",
"slug": "joseph-lagat"
},
"content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, there should be substantial competition, so that other companies can access this product at the KPC, because right now there is monopoly in the importation of the LPG because only a few companies have the handling facilities for this product. If the KPC can handle it on behalf of everybody else, I can assure you that the same results will be achieved in terms of reduction in price, just as it was witnessed in western Kenya. When all the multinational companies operated in western Kenya, the prices of products were very high, but when the market was opened, courtesy of the KPC, which then provided an outlet for all companies to get products from it, it became very easy. There were no handling fees, there were so many companies, and so the economies of large scale, which can be enjoyed through use by many companies of the same source, were realised. One issue that we have been grappling with for a very long time is the fact that many Kenyans have paid a lot of money to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). We stand accused, as a country, and the KPLC stands accused for having, probably, conned us - you will excuse me; it is for lack of another word. Kenyans were told to pay 10 per cent, so that they could be considered for supply of electricity. So many Kenyans 3066 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES August 8, 2007 enthusiastically went and paid 10 per cent. Some of the problems that we are experiencing in our constituencies are that many of our constituents come and say:' \"We have already paid the 10 per cent. We have done very well! The KPLC wanted only 10 per cent of the Kshs2 million, which is Kshs200,000. In fact, we paid Kshs300,000; therefore, we need power like yesterday\". The KPLC, at that time, did not explain to the people properly that they were paying that amount, so they would get serious consideration in terms of design, survey and other things. I know that is understandable, but the people were not told that. Nobody told them: \"You will pay this much so that serious consideration can be given to your project\". So, what has happened? The 10 per cent, to date, is being held by the KPLC illegally. When you demand your money, they will tell you that, first, you have to forego a certain amount of money. If you paid Kshs100,000, they will tell you that they will only pay you Kshs90,000. As if that is not enough, and given that there has been inflation, you have been holding my money for ten years. Therefore, accordingly, simple economics demands that you should pay me interest. What they are telling you is that they will pay you less. Even the amount being paid takes two years. That money has not been paid! Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to request the Minister in this House that he gives an undertaking that anybody who paid money to the KPLC, if you want to be given your money, you should be paid. We are not asking for the interest, but that you be paid your money as it was. Secondly, you should be paid immediately, without undue delays. There is no reason for delays, because some of the power connections have since been done. If somebody who required power ten years ago has used other means and now has power, why would you want to continue holding his money when he already, through his other means, has power. I think it is important to do what is right. I know the KPLC is doing a very good job, and they have started very many programmes like the Customer Creation, which is doing very well. The Umeme Pamoja scheme is also doing well. I know costs are prohibitive but, at least, there is hope. Previously, power was being given to a few people, and only if you were known, probably, to the Minister or somebody else. However, nowadays it is a free resource. It is up to the KPLC to maximise on this resource by ensuring that they give it to as many people as possible. But it is important for the KPLC to stagger the payments. To tell a poor Kenyan, who earns Kshs5,000 a month, to pay Kshs34,000 is not practical. Tell them: \"In the next one year, we will connect you. Pay a commitment fee of Kshs5,000 but make sure that for the next one year, you pay as follows\". Then very many Kenyans will manage it, because they come to us and we are unable to provide help even using our Constituencies Development Fund (CDF) or our own resources. We are unable to assist them to their satisfaction. Therefore, I want to request the KPLC to find a formula on how they can assist. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I know that without this energy, the Information Technology (IT) sector, which is envisaged to, in future, create many jobs, will not succeed. Every Ministry should, in fact, partner with the Ministry of Energy. The Ministry of Health should in its budget for example, have a certain amount of money, which is paid directly either to the KPLC, or other company, for connection of power to all the health centres. A health centre without power is as good as dead. Therefore, every Ministry should, in its budget, ensure that a certain portion of its funds is set aside, so that power can be connected to their dispensaries. The IT sector is very critical. In fact, when people say they want to look at the IT sector, which is going to provide many jobs, without power it is a waste of time. It is important that, while we look into the expansion of IT and improvement of schools, a lot of money should be put into the power sector. When I was looking at this budget, I saw that quite a substantial amount of money has been provided for research and a feasibility study for geothermal activities. I wonder why we should August 8, 2007 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 3067 have such a substantial amount of money for research and feasibility studies. In fact, it is to the tune of about Kshs2.29 billion. I do not know whether that is for construction or feasibility studies. I do not understand that. I want the Minister, when he will be responding, to explain to us why we should put such a substantial amount of money to the tune of Kshs2.29 billion for feasibility studies. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those few remarks, I beg to support."
}