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{
"id": 493874,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/493874/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Chea",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 1694,
"legal_name": "Mwinga Gunga Chea",
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"content": "Thank you, hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for this opportunity. Briefly, I wish to support this Motion by hon. Omar Mwinyi. From the outset, I wish to state that it is no longer a question of status, as has already been said by hon. Members nor is it a question of luxury. These are issue of necessity. This Motion seeks to assist both sides; the consumer and the airlines that will be operating. On several occasions we have flown in our national carrier; Kenya Airways and even realized that the Business Class which is considered prestigious is entirely empty. When you look at the Economy Class where majority of the hon. Members fly, you realize that the plane is basically half. We ask ourselves why this is the case. If the fares were affordable, so many people would have an opportunity to fly. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, as of today, if one was given an opportunity between taking a flight and taking a bus; for instance, to Mombasa, I can attest to the fact that a good number will be ready to probably get the cash and take a bus to Mombasa. As we go along, there will apathy even in flying in this place. Therefore, if this Motion succeeds, and the relevant authorities take action, it is likely to boost business of airlines in Kenya. As I support this Motion, there are several advantages that come along with the passage of this Motion. First, if it is passed, it is likely to boost domestic tourism. For instance, for those who come from the Coast, it is actually difficult to get a flight to Malindi. It is known world over that Malindi is a tourist destination; but you can only fly at the convenience of Kenya Airways. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, if other airlines are licensed to operate; most likely we will have flights taking that route and tourism will get a major boost. As it has just been said, licensing of other airlines will create employment. Indeed, there are so many young men and women outside there looking for employment and there are so many airlines ready to work within the country. Therefore, if other airlines are given an opportunity, then jobs will be created for our men and women and the issue of unemployment amongst our youth will not be recurring every time and again. As I support this Motion, I equally urge that we get prepared in terms of the counties. For a fact, there are some counties which do not even have an airstrip. Suppose this Motion passes, and the relevant Government authorities proceed to do as requested in this Motion; then there is a question of preparedness. These counties and the governors for that matter need to sit down and think about the issues of transport so that, at least, each and every county in the Republic of Kenya is accessible. That is a day I really long for. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I wish to conclude by saying that, certainly, the issue of fare has been raised and it is difficult for one to budget. As has been said, fares keep on changing depending on the time of the day. This confusion creates trouble in terms of budgeting whenever we want to travel. I honestly believe that once this industry is liberalized and other airlines are allowed to operate, flying will be accessible to every Kenya and that is quite important. With those few remarks, I wish to support."
}