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{
    "id": 233710,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/233710/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 259,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kiunjuri",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Energy",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 175,
        "legal_name": "Festus Mwangi Kiunjuri",
        "slug": "mwangi-kiunjuri"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, first, I would like to congratulate all the 17 hon. Members who contributed to this Bill, as well as urge those hon. Members who did not have a chance to contribute to do so. I would like to assure them that their concerns will be considered. We will ask hon. Members, before the Bill goes to the Committee Stage, to bring amendments they want included, which we will compare with what is in the Bill, so that we can have a law that cannot be challenged, and which will be for the good of Kenya. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am happy to note that all hon. Members appreciate the fact that there is no development which can take place in any country without being propelled by the energy sector. At the same time, we all appreciate that this is the only engine that can get the country moving. We really need this sector for the economic development of this country. I am happy to note that all of you would like this sector to be strengthened. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, there is an issue which was raised and I would like to go through it quickly. For example, the issue of tariffs by KPLC and KenGen, I would like to assure hon. Members that the Ministry of Energy will not allow anybody to tamper with the current tariffs. We cannot afford to raise the tariffs at this particular time. We know already that we can work out a formula and sustain what we have today. The two companies belong to the Government, and it is the majority shareholder in both of them. Even if some people are arguing that 52 per cent of the KPLC is owned by the private sector, what should also be taken into consideration is the Government input in the same company. Therefore, we are not going to allow KenGen to be paid more than they are getting today. So, the issue of giving them more than 60 cents does not arise. Secondly, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on the issue of supporting the institutions and other facilities around the generation plants and also where the KPLC is operating, we shall continue to help the institutions that are around us, for example, schools, roads and other facilities. We shall make sure that we shall be friendly to the communities so that we can co-exist with them well. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on the issue of private sector participation, in accordance with the Sessional Paper No.4 and in line with the Energy Bill that we are bringing in, November 22, 2006 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 3903 we will make sure that we enhance the private sector participation, both in generation, transmission and distribution. We shall make sure that those who are interested to venture in the field will be allowed and fair competition will be encouraged. Also, the KPLC will be ready to purchase any excess power that you will be able to produce. So, that one will be a thing of the past."
}