GET /api/v0.1/hansard/entries/240977/?format=api
HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 240977,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/240977/?format=api",
"text_counter": 171,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Ms. Karua",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs",
"speaker": {
"id": 166,
"legal_name": "Martha Wangari Karua",
"slug": "martha-karua"
},
"content": " Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to support this Vote and commend the Ministry for the good work that it has done. We know that, like most Government Ministries, before 2003, this Ministry had no profile. Kenyans did not know what the Ministry of Trade and Industry was supposed to do. The reason is simple: Previously, Ministers were there ceremoniously. Their work was being done by others. The majority of Ministers were not able to steer their Ministries as per the Government policy. The policy was on paper, and not in action. Ever since Dr. Kituyi took over the leadership of this Ministry, now Kenyans understand the Ministry of Trade and Industry. They know that its role is to promote investments, both local and foreign; look for more trade opportunities, negotiate trade internationally, et cetera . We have seen the input of this Ministry and it is only fair that we vote in funds to enable it to continue giving services. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is very easy to criticise. Running a Government or a Ministry is not an academic exercise. It requires a practical approach. Therefore, I want to appreciate the work of this Ministry and indicate that it is surprising that those who have had opportunity to serve in Government, and have only been out barely six months, now find fault in the way things are being run. I am not suggesting that they should appreciate and applaud everything that we do, but it sounds rather funny when policies that one has been party to are well implemented and the same policies are criticised because one is not in the driver's seat. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am urging colleagues in this House to offer constructive criticism that is above board to enable us to move forward. In that respect, I want to appreciate the very many hon. Members who have offered practical and good suggestions on how this Ministry should move forward. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to applaud the Minister and his staff for the revival of Uchumi Supermarkets Limited. When we support our local enterprises to flourish, we are not only encouraging Kenyans, but we are also ensuring that our money circulates within the country for the development of our country. July 26, 2006 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 2405"
}