HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 728680,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/728680/?format=api",
"text_counter": 153,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Henry Rotich",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury",
"speaker": {
"id": 13142,
"legal_name": "Henry Rotich",
"slug": "henry-rotich"
},
"content": "VAT, reduced corporate tax rates for a defined period, access to quality infrastructure, and one stop shops for licenses. Once operational, the SEZs will further facilitate importation of necessary raw materials and exportation of finished goods, thriving of agro-industrial activities, and allow for access to regional markets. To add value to our agricultural produce, the Government will focus on the agro- processing industry that will brand our tea, coffee, floriculture, horticulture, dairy and fruit products and textile. This will not only create jobs, but will ensure our exports remain competitive in the global market. Furthermore, Kenya will increase her low-cost manufacture of basic industries and textiles for export to the region to exploit the opportunities within the AGOA initiative, as well as focus on new markets in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Hon. Speaker, as a result of the measures implemented in the recent past, Kenya has seen the return of investors into the automotive industry. These include Volkswagen, Peugeot, Toyota and others. Indeed, the establishment of technical training and technology transfer mechanisms as part of the re-invigoration of the sector is a key building block. We do not want to lose the momentum gained. In this regard, the Government, in close engagement with stakeholders, will complete the development of the Comprehensive Automotive Industry Development Policy for Kenya and finalise an actionable 10-year Automotive Industry Development Plan. With these interventions, the Government will be setting the automobile industry on a firm footing in order to enable it grow and create employment opportunities for the youth in Kenya and in the region at large. Hon. Speaker, the importance of agriculture in contributing to the growth of the economy and generation of jobs and income cannot be overstated. The Government also recognises that without a strong, vibrant agricultural sector, a critical component of our industrialisation strategy, namely, agro-processing, will not be achieved. Since 2013, the Jubilee Government has been initiating measures to cushion the agricultural sector, mechanise it and ensure it contributes to food security for all Kenyans. Hon. Speaker, to reduce the dependency on rain-fed agriculture and ensure food security, the Government has rehabilitated and expanded national irrigation schemes by more than 27,000 acres between 2013 and 2016. To further support the on-going irrigation projects countrywide, I have allocated a total of Kshs6.3 billion for that purpose. This includes Kshs0.9 billion towards Bura Irrigation Project, Kshs2.1 billion for the Mwea Irrigation Project, Kshs0.6 billion for Galana/Kulalu Irrigation Project; Kshs2.2 billion for the National Expanded Irrigation Programme; Kshs0.2 billion for Smallholder Irrigation Programme; and Kshs0.3 billion for community based irrigation projects. Hon. Speaker, to help our farmers’ hedge against adverse weather conditions, last year the Government piloted insurance schemes for crops and livestock in various counties. Indeed, thousands of farmers in those counties benefitted from the premium subsidy at a total cost of Kshs452 million. In addition, many livestock farmers received compensation under the scheme after their herds were depleted by the drought. To support the crop and livestock insurance schemes, I have allocated Kshs0.7 billion in this Budget. Our farmers now have access to fertilisers and other inputs at affordable rates. Since 2013, the Government has distributed more than half a million tonnes of subsidised fertilisers to our farmers, cutting prices and improving productivity. Two fertiliser-blending plants have been established with an annual capacity of 300,000 tonnes. 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."
}