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{
    "id": 482437,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/482437/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 237,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Kang’ata",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1826,
        "legal_name": "Irungu Kang'ata",
        "slug": "irungu-kangata"
    },
    "content": "supported by the society. It should not be left to the parents or to pupils to pay. Therefore, taking into account the amendments relating to the Income Tax, I am of the view that it is possible for one to include such kind of clauses under this new law. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, allow me to comment on the proposed amendments to the Competition Act, 2010. The Competition Act creates what we call a Competition Authority whose work is to check or ensure that Kenya moves towards what we call a perfect competitive income; or the perfect conditions for a free market. Of course, we do not have, anywhere in the world, a completely free economy. You will still see the distortions. But be that as it may, I am of the view that the Authority has not been working well over the years. I have looked at the amendments and I have been trying to see whether those amendments are sufficient to ensure that we have a better and competitive economy in this country. But I am doubtful as to whether the amendments contained herein are enough. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, allow me to give an example of how I think market power has been dominated by a company to the detriment of the society. One example is in the telecommunication industry. Presently, it is only one company in that industry that makes profits and that is Safaricom Limited. It is now the largest company in Kenya and it has a very huge market share. It has been dominant in the market for so many years. Of course, some people may argue that the other companies like Yu, Orange and Airtel need to up their game. Yes, that is true. But when you have a market that is so disjointed, and where market power is concentrated in one company, it is impossible for a new upstart or a newcomer to catch up with Safaricom. Therefore, the Competition Authority should come in and ensure that, that segment of economy is competitive. That is the whole rationale for us to have a Competition Authority. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I am of the view that the clause that has been provided for by this new law, which is intended to be Section 30--- I am going to read it. It provides as follows, in Part II:- “The Authority may, with the approval of the Cabinet Secretary (CS) and by notice in the gazette, exclude any category of decisions, practices, and agreements by or between undertakings from the application of the provision of this part.” The whole essence of this clause is to give the power to the Authority, acting in consonant to the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Industrialization The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}