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"content": "Hon. Speaker, on agricultural transformation for food security, we have made significant progress in reducing our dependence on rain-fed agriculture. In order to realise our goals in this area, we shall continue investing in irrigated agriculture to build resilience in the economy and also improve our food security. We are pleased by the progress made in the implementation of the 10,000-acre pilot phase in Galana-Kulalu. Drawing from the lessons learned from that pilot phase, we shall roll out a programme covering at least 100,000 acres in Galana-Kulalu and other designated suitable schemes throughout the country under a viable business framework that involves the private sector. To implement the ongoing programmes under this sector, I have allocated Kshs20.8 billion for the on-going irrigation projects countrywide. They include the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Project interventions to transform agriculture from subsistence to productive commercial farming. The funds will also fund the Mwea Irrigation Project and the National Expanded Irrigation Programme. In order to improve yields and output for our farmers, I have set aside Kshs4.9 billion for subsidised fertilisers and seeds. Further, I have allocated Kshs1.6 billion for strategic food reserves. This is to enable the country maintain adequate food reserves. I have also allocated a total of Kshs8.4 billion for acquisition of the Offshore Patrol Vessel for the fisheries sub sector, modernization of the Kenya Meat Commission, the revival of the pyrethrum sector, livestock and crop insurance schemes, livestock value chain support and mechanisation of agriculture. I have also set aside Kshs1 billion for crop diversification programme in the Meru region for miraa farmers, and Kshs2.4 billion for coffee debt waiver and STABEX. Hon. Speaker, let me go to the promotion of industrialisation for export, growth and employment. The manufacturing sector is a key driver to economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector through growth of exports and job creation. For this reason, the Government is keen to establish industrial and technology parks to catalyse innovation and value addition. The Government will also establish green industrial parks under the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Mombasa to western Kenya. That includes the shores of Lake Victoria and within the proximity of geothermal wells to provide cheaper and faster transport and logistics, access to near free steam and water, cheaper geothermal power and leverage other by-products for industrial, livestock and agricultural development. As members are aware, the Pan Paper Mills, we sold under receivership. The new owners have promised to make the necessary investments to revive the company and revitalise the economy of its host community. We will monitor developments very closely to ensure that the undertakings provided by the new owner are, indeed, implemented. Hon. Speaker, so as to promote the development of industries and extractive sectors of the economy, we have allocated a total of Kshs7.7 billion to the National Airborne Geo-Physical Survey (NAGPS), the leather industrial park development, textile development, ease of doing business, modernisation of the Rift Valley Textiles (RIVATEX), and an ongoing modernisation and debt for the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC). On empowering the youth, the Government is cognisant of the fact that unless we invest in the potential of the youth, we will not achieve real demographic dividends in the future. Two years ago, we revamped the National Youth Service (NYS) as a vehicle for recruiting our young men and women into national service. That programme helped in inculcating the culture of patriotism, service, volunteerism, civic competence and social cohesion not only amongst the trainees, but also with other young people within their communities. This programme created a lot of hope to our youth by preparing them for the job market and other income generating 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."
}