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{
    "id": 241374,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/241374/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 220,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Muturi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 215,
        "legal_name": "Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi",
        "slug": "justin-muturi"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I assume that, that was on a light note. Nevertheless, I welcome the information. With regard to small-scale contractors, up to around 1982 or thereabout, there used to be a National Construction Company, which was a training ground for African entrepreneurs who were interested in the business of construction. As we speak, a lot of emphasis is being put on infrastructural development. I am afraid there is a danger of most of our public resources continuously going into the hands of multinationals or other foreigners who are trading in Kenya. There may be need for the Kenyan Industrial Research Development Institute (KIRDI) to think of ways of bringing together local entrepreneurs under one umbrella and teaching them some of these local business tactics. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to join my colleagues who have talked about the foundryworks, which is owned by a small parastatal called the Numerical Machining Complex (NMC). I know the Minister has had a very keen interest in the operations of NMC, but I would want to know from him what is happening in that small corporation. Perhaps, it is an area where, through collaboration between NMC and various universities and other research bodies, we could see some developments that could be of national importance. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, many of my colleagues have talked about the need for commercial attaches. But we must realise the fact that a lot of these people are seconded from mainstream Civil Service, and not all of them have got the acumen for commerce. Indeed, in a lot of places that I have visited outside this country, the so-called commercial attaches are mere joyriders enjoying allowances that go with postings outside the country. While I do not oppose that suggestion, there is need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to liaise with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure that the people they appoint are those of known track records in the area of commerce, and not just every civil servant that is available. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have seen in this country a lot of foreign trade exhibitions, 2326 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES July 25, 2006 say, Iranian Trade Exhibition at KICC. We have also seen exhibitions by Turkey. My friend, hon. Odoyo, has just talked about the Turks. Even Turks are exhibiting their goods here. If Kenya were to do a trade exhibition, at what venue will it be? I am trying to root for something called the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). In as much as I know people have said that Government should not trade, there are these emerging opportunities in areas such as Southern Sudan. How will Kenyan local Jua Kali artisans access the market in Southern Sudan if there is no umbrella body like the KNTC, through which whatever products they come up with, will access those areas? I am urging the Minister to think about how that can happen in order to promote Kenyan goods in our neighbouring countries."
}