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{
    "id": 774367,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/774367/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 214,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "To start with the background, we have warehouse receipts systems in place in this country. Unfortunately, we do not have a legal framework that guides and implements the procedures and ways of how this particular warehouse can be utilised. The Bill clearly creates a legal framework for utilizing the warehouses properly. In part 1, the Bill establishes the Council which comprises of nine persons from independent entities including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is appointed by the Council and is responsible for the day to day activities of the Council warehouse, whereas the Council members are appointed by the Cabinet Secretary. I believe this will be able to put structures in place. As clearly indicated, the Council shall be responsible for oversight and the functioning of the warehouse receipts systems which establishes a central registry system for the management of warehouses and receipts transaction. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this also promotes the establishment of warehouses to develop commodity weighing and grading system and to issue licenses proposed under the Bill which was not there in the first place. Part III of the Bill sets out the prices of licensing warehouse operators by the Council. It also sets out the circumstances under the process of revocation of such licenses by the Council. This will assist if things are not done properly. Further, it provides for the appointment of an independent warehouse manager to operate the warehouse pending the resolution of the matter. Whenever there is a matter that is pending before the Council, there should be a way of dealing with issues pending resolution. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Bill also provides for an appeal process through the establishment of the warehouse where the committees can hear and determine appeals relating to decision by the Council refusing to grant licenses, revoking, suspension or varying licenses or conditions for licensing. Clearly, we must have mechanisms in place. Whenever there is a revocation, there must be an appeal mechanism to make sure that things are moving and people have an appellate system in place. Again, there must be an Appeals Committee that consists of the chairperson to the Council and two other persons appointed by the Cabinet Secretary with experience in dispute resolution. All these mechanisms will assist the Council to run. This part also provides for the inspection of the stored produce by authorized officers of the Council in order to guarantee that the stored commodities meet the standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS). If we do not introduce those standards, we will have a big problem where sub-standard commodities might end up in the warehouses. This Bill will ensure that commodities are weighed using equipment certified in accordance with Weights and Measures Act and graded by the certified commodities graders. The Bill requires the publication of the outcome of the inspection from time to time which is a better way of dealing with this particular matter. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Part IV of the Bill imposes obligation on the warehouse operator to issue warehouse receipts either in hard or electronic form with respect to any agricultural commodities deposited in the respective warehouse and provide for the form of receipts and information that should be contained in that particular receipt. This is a better way of keeping records so that things are shown clearly that procedures are 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."
}