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{
    "id": 798133,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/798133/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 15,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kasanga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13185,
        "legal_name": "Sylvia Mueni Kasanga",
        "slug": "sylvia-mueni-kasanga"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No. 46 (2) (a), I rise to make a Statement regarding the ban on charcoal burning and timber harvesting in Kenya, following the imposition by the Government of a moratorium on timber harvesting in all public and community forests to allow re-assessment and rationalization of the entire forest cover in Kenya. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I make this Statement because many Kenyans whose livelihoods are dependent upon small-scale charcoal and timber selling business have began to be adversely affected by the ban. Additionally, low income earners who depend on charcoal for cooking - because they cannot afford any other forms of energy for domestic use - have also been affected. There have been reports of some hotels scaling down their businesses, while some have expressed fears of being kicked out of their premises for using smoky firewood because they can no longer access charcoal. Indeed, some hotel operators have complained that they have completely been driven out of business. Mr. Speaker, Sir, maize roasters, many schools, prisons and hospitals have also complained that they have to look for alternative sources of energy which are too costly. Worst still, the ban has created an avenue for smugglers who are now trafficking charcoal from Uganda and Tanzania. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I, therefore, wish to draw the attention of the Senate to this and appeal to the national Government, in conjunction with the county governments, to assess the situation and consider addressing the plight of poor Kenyans who have been subjected to a lot of suffering by the ban. I thank you. 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."
}