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{
    "id": 233425,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/233425/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 280,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Ochilo-Ayacko",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 347,
        "legal_name": "Ochilo George Mbogo Ayacko",
        "slug": "ochilo-ayacko"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me an opportunity to contribute to this very important Motion. You had correctly pointed out that the amendment was negating the spirit of the Motion. I gather from the Minister that what this Motion is seeking is already in progress. I want to underscore the importance of the Ministry and also this Motion. It is a known fact that many Kenyans live in rural areas and fall under the docket of this Ministry. This is a Ministry that is very important to the development of many Kenyans. Many Kenyans do not live in urban areas. In fact, the percentage of Kenyans in urban areas is minimal. So, if we are to squarely tackle poverty then this is the Ministry that should receive sufficient funding. Kenyans affected by poverty, disease and other problems live in rural areas. If we do not sufficiently budget for these Kenyans then the economic growth that we talk about remains superfluous. It remains a theory that is hanging in the air, and that benefits particularly the urban elite. It does not trickle down to Kenyans who inhabit rural areas. The Yala Swamp, before the initiation project, was a place that was inhabited by mosquitoes and many anti-life living things. I think this project has put Yala Swamp into productive use. I believe that both sides of the House appreciate the fact that a lot of food, employment and wealth is created in Yala Swamp. This is a project that we must support. The previous and current Governments have always indicated that investors should be attracted to all parts of this country. Dominion Farms Ltd is an example of a courageous investor who has invested over Kshs2 million in a rural area of this country. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have been to this part of the world and the challenges people there seem to be facing include bad roads, lack of electricity and other things related to infrastructure. As a country and a Government, it would be incumbent upon us to encourage the investment to go on. If we discourage the investment, I wonder how other areas will attract investors. I heard Mr. Mungatana talk about the Tana River Basin and how they are trying to attract investors to that part of the world. It is important for investors to go to rural areas. The area I represent, which is Rongo Constituency, grows sugar-cane. Our biggest challenge is how we can arrest and conquer peasantry. You know that peasants are people who engage in economic activities just for the purpose of eating or looking after their stomachs. They are unable to generate sufficient wealth to look after other needs. So, the first thing in conquering peasantry is to attract investors who bring in cash crops, or create forms of husbandry that can generate wealth, so that people living in such areas will then be able to earn something. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in the constituency I represent, Rongo in Migori District, our challenge to this Ministry and LBDA in general, is how to expand the milling capacity of the sugar company there. If they can attract other investors in the guise and style of Dominion November 22, 2006 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 3853 Farms Ltd to come and help expand that factory, as people living in rural areas, we will say"
}