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{
    "id": 508900,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/508900/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 224,
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    "content": "speaker. I have not been in Government for too long, but I have been hearing a bit of vibes here and there particularly within the agricultural sector. Those who understand it very well will realize that the area of fertiliser is an area that offers enormous opportunity in terms of wealth creation. I am aware of several people from various countries including Turkey who are interested in opening fertiliser factories in this country. My own view, the way to go in Kenya is to liberalize the market rather than to try and control it so that we get competitive rates for the farmers and the best deals for the Kenyan people. I also associate with the views expressed by Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale where this Senate has the obligation to protect devolution. Agriculture as a function has been devolved. That being the case, the Board will retain a level of control on matters agriculture at the national level. I know that the national Government at this point in time is really struggling not to debunk some of the functions that are inherent in it, but I think even as Hon. Chris Wamalwa proposes this kind of legislation, he must take into cognizance of the fact that the Constitution has devolved certain functions in total. Therefore, it would be a travesty for Parliament, either through the National Assembly or the Senate, to propose a legislation that then tends to still retain some level of control at the national level. Madam Temporary Speaker, what I find unfortunate is to try in this country to create boards, agencies or authorities for every little thing. I am saying that a board to handle matters fertiliser is not important. But let us give county governments that leeway to determine with respect to part of the demands and opportunities that are offered, on how they can encourage investment in areas of fertiliser factories and importation of fertiliser. We do not need a national agency or regulatory authority at the national level. This is because we have already seen in this country, everytime we centralize issues and create agencies of these nature, they open doors for corruption and create monopolistic tendencies. They also open doors for barons. Very soon with this kind of an agency or board, as much as we have sugar and oil barons, we will now have fertiliser barons. This board and its regulatory machinery will be creating certain advantages for individuals. These tiers of personalities will benefit or be facilitated to award certain contracts or incentives to some investors. Madam Temporary Speaker, I concur with the views that have been made by previous speakers opposing this Bill, essentially on the fact that even if you look at some of the functions that have been suggested, they are extremely nebulous and unnecessary. They are functions that are trying on the overdrive to create opportunities for a cartel to preside over the fertiliser industry in the country. This is because the national Government has realized that they will be losing control very soon on certain elements that have been cash-drivers or have benefitted certain individuals enormously. Madam Temporary Speaker, I remember once upon a time when one wanted to engage in matters of fertiliser, you had to go to an individual and seek their authority and try to get the Government to buy fertiliser at cheap rates. Then, the Government would award the tender to one person who would bring it and before you realize it, there would be a billionaire based on one fertiliser contract. We should desist from creating avenues The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}