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{
    "id": 235674,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/235674/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 263,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Dr. Kibunguchy",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Health",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 294,
        "legal_name": "Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy",
        "slug": "enoch-kibunguchy"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir. I also rise to support this Motion before us, and say a number of things. First, as we are all aware, fuel prices have literally hit the roof. As the Motion rightly puts it, once fuel prices go up, virtually prices of all other products go up. Even though the world crude oil prices are steadily falling, oil companies in this country have not found it prudent, and are not mindful of the welfare of the majority of Kenyans who are poor, to lower the prices of petroleum products in tandem with the falling crude oil prices. In that kind of situation, as legislators and the people who represent Kenyans, we have no option but to use the power given to us to control the prices. Oil companies are behaving like cartels, which completely contravenes the spirit of competition. I have no doubt that oil companies in this country are working as a cartel to fix prices. As legislators and as a Government, we have no option but to step in and introduce oil price controls. I have always said that it was premature to liberalise markets of products that affect the November 8, 2006 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 3493 welfare of the common mwananchi, for instance, the prices of maize, wheat, and oil. We find that in such situations, it is those kind of things that make the poverty levels to keep rising. As we talk about poverty in this country, we should know that close to 60 per cent of our people live in absolute poverty. It is incumbent upon us, in this House, to put measures in place that will protect the majority of our people who live in absolute poverty. I would like to ask the Minister, whom I cannot see here, to move with speed and bring the amendment."
}