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{
    "id": 364513,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/364513/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 281,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "of releasing the Budget to avoid aspects of speculation. Indeed, it confirms that we are an Upper House for that matter. Hon. Speaker, Sir, agriculture is very critical and we know very well that the backbone of this country is agriculture. Indeed, I am happy that we have allocated some money to agriculture. When you look at the Maputo Declaration the member countries agreed that 10 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should go towards food security. Unfortunately, for now, we have not managed to reach 10 per cent. But in future, while on the right course, we can increase allocation on agriculture. Hon. Speaker, more importantly, fertilizer is more critical as far as increasing the yields of our farmers and food security are concerned. I am happy the Committee recognized the importance of setting up a plant to manufacture fertilizer in this country. That is commendable job and I think it will add value in terms of enhancing food security in this country in line with the first goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which is elimination of extreme poverty and hunger. Hon. Speaker, Sir, research has shown that 70 per cent of the unemployed people in this country are the youth. Indeed, I am happy the Budget has directed a lot of attention to youth empowerment and employment. We can see that the youth fund is going to be channeled through other intermediaries like the SACCO, but not through the normal commercial banks. We have had issues when the money goes to these commercial banks, there are a lot of restrictions and the youth cannot access the money on time. Those are wasted opportunities. So, indeed, we support the aspect of SACCO and I am happy SASA is there enhancing governance when it comes to SACCOs. The SACCOs are very important in this country. Research has shown that in terms of deposit, it contributes about Kshs400 billion and it is important that we must give a lot of attention when it comes to SACCOs."
}