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{
    "id": 316662,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/316662/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 393,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. C. Kilonzo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 46,
        "legal_name": "Charles Mutavi Kilonzo",
        "slug": "charles-kilonzo"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I second this particular Motion as amended, I want to put it very clear that the Committee, as far as we are concerned, did its work. However, what I find a little bit intriguing is to tell us that we commit public funds and buy a 40 per cent stake from De La Rue. I find that a little bit uncomfortable and yet you claim that the equipment in De La Rue is obsolete. You cannot have it either way. You either tell us as a Committee, “Do not invest in De La Rue!” Secondly, you need to tell us, “After you invest in De La Rue, do not trade with them for the next ten years.” That is what it means when you read in between the lines. We are not saying that they be given an automatic tender. It will be open to the public. You cannot, however, tell us that after the Government buys 40 per cent in De La Rue, then they should not at all trade with Government for the next ten years. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, we do not need to be shy. When it comes to a company which has invested in this country and it is manufacturing, we must ensure that we encourage other companies. The only way we can do that is to ensure that we come up with policies which favour companies that are already established here – these companies are employing people - as opposed to companies which are established outside Kenya. It is common knowledge that these companies have many benefits. There is direct and indirect employment. They also pay taxes to the Government. We are not saying that if this particular amendment is removed, then De La Rue will be getting direct procurement. When you read between the lines, you cannot tell us that after buying 40 per cent, then De La Rue should not trade. When you look at the standard criteria which is used in procurement, the awarding of marks, perhaps, should be revised to ensure that companies which are trading and manufacturing here in Kenya and they have employed people are given a high scope in evaluation. That way, we will come up with policies which encourage people to set up companies here. We should not get so convinced about--- It might look cheap when you go to buy out there, but when you look at a company which has employed people here and it is paying taxes, we really need to be carefully. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I support this particular amendment, I want to plead and make it very clear that it is not asking for special treatment. What we are saying is: Do not deny them the opportunity to trade because no Government officer will ever agree to sign any agreement for ten years even if there is a fair tender out there and the word De La Rue is there. This is because we have been referring to this particular Report. I wish to support."
}