{"id":223335,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/223335/?format=json","text_counter":87,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Dr. Kituyi","speaker_title":"The Minister for Trade and Industry","speaker":{"id":293,"legal_name":"Mukhisa Kituyi","slug":"mukhisa-kituyi"},"content":" Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, first of all, I want to thank the hon. Member who has shown a substantial concern, beyond the call of duty, on matters relating to Kenya accessing markets in Europe. On the Question he has asked formerly, I am expected to give steps taken according to what regulations have come out of the European Union (EU). I have that answer, but I was not quite sure whether the hon. Member meant this or new inhibitions to market access, like carbon miles, which I cannot talk about. I beg to reply. Basically, there have been four broad regulations that have come out of the EU, which have an impact on limiting market access for Kenya's horticultural products. I have them enumerated, both regulations and the date they came into force, which will take very long for me to present. In summary, I would say that we have been taking the following measures in dealing with the EU regulations that affect market access for the Kenyan horticultural produce: 1024 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES May 2, 2007 Training farmers on issues related to the EU regulations and how to be compliant; putting into place export regulations that outline the minimum standards for horticultural export producers; establishing a national task force on horticulture that meets regularly with all relevant stakeholders, to discuss the issues related to the horticultural sub-sector; creating protective measures against the introduction of the EU organisms harmful to plants and plant products; and, designing lobbying mechanisms through which Kenya seeks to protect its interests in the EU. I have the comprehensive statement of each of the regulations and what specific actions we have taken. But I was late in getting this answer ready."}