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{
    "id": 608120,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/608120/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 305,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "a Permanent Secretary we visited a region in Japan. We found out that the Mayor of that region was working with the Governor of that region to come up with a product. They agreed that everybody in that county had to grow and process grapes. They agreed to create employment and come up with a product that they can market in the whole of Japan and anywhere in the world. The proceeds from the sale of the product would be used to take everybody from the county for a holiday to the best destination. It looked innocent but after a while, countries like Kenya had to go and benchmark. What came out was a slogan called “one village, one product.” Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, when I read this Bill, it reminded me about the slogan that was introduced here in Kenya in 2008. Now that we have gone into counties, every county must come up with a product that can sell that county. Further, every ward must distinguish itself by dealing in one product. We have so many youths who are idling in the streets, small towns and markets. Some have now become experts in playing a game called Pool. They waste their brains from dawn to dusk playing a game which cannot help them in anyway. But here is a product that we can concentrate in. I am happy that the people of Nyandarua are really thinking about this product and ways of marketing and making it better. However, this crop is not only grown in Nyandarua. I have seen in the First Schedule which talks about the list of major potato producing counties. I am surprised that some counties have been forgotten. During the Committee Stage, I will introduce an amendment to include other counties that grow potatoes. I am surprised that Sen. Karue thinks that Nyandarua is the only county that produces a lot of potatoes. Let him visit Lelan Hills which we share between West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet. A lot of potatoes are grown 14,000 feet above sea level. There was a common joke shared among the highland people who grow a lot of potatoes. They would tell their neighbours that they wanted to go to Kapenguria or Kitale Town to eat chips because they were tired of eating potatoes. They do not know that they can make maximum use of their produce. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill proposes the formation of a National Potato Council that can address the production of this crop. It is surprising that we are introducing this Bill now when we are in the process of “killing” other boards that deal with other crops very fast. One of them is the Cotton Development Authority, which is being thrown out. Where are people who used to depend on cotton in Siaya, Baringo, West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet? We are trying to address one crop when we actually should disband the committee that is moving around and doing away with other specialized boards that should make Kenya very strong. They have recommended that the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya must go. They have been enjoined in a huge board. When I saw the composition of the people who are recommending the disbandment of those boards, some come from Mandera where cotton and pyrethrum is not grown. How can you entrust somebody who has never seen a crop to be in a charge of it? He will only think about what he knows better. We should rethink the decision to abolish legislation that addresses one particular crop. Nyandarua depends on potatoes and milk. So, do not tell the people of Nyandarua that they should abandon their dairy cows and work on some other product. Coconut is found in the coastal region and we are now disbanding some parastatals. We will regret it 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."
}