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{
    "id": 802841,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/802841/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 13,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Nyamunga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 738,
        "legal_name": "Rose Nyamunga Ogendo",
        "slug": "rose-nyamunga-ogendo"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order 46(2)(a), I rise to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern. This is with regard to the alleged plan by the Government of Kenya to import buses for the State Bus Rapid Transit Services from South Africa, instead of manufacturing them locally. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is not right for the Government to rally Kenyans around the ‘Buy Kenya, build Kenya’ initiative and the Big Four Agenda, especially the manufacturing pillar, while at the same time being seen to be undermining the initiatives. It is in the public domain that the Government of Kenya is alleged to have placed an order for 30 buses from South Africa at a cost of Kshs500 million for the State Bus Rapid Transit Services, despite there being companies that have capacity to assemble the buses locally. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Kenya has more than six motor vehicle assemblers and around 12 body builders. Therefore, importing the buses when they can be manufactured locally does not only hurt the individual businesses, but amounts to exporting jobs at a time when local companies are reeling from the effects of economic slowdown and when there is a very high unemployment rate in the country. Mr. Speaker, Sir, manufacturing locally would benefit many companies, including companies that manufacture batteries, springs, gaskets, lubricants, iron bars and sheets, among many other items. The vibrant supply chain would directly benefit over 6,000 people employed across the industries. The local firms have the capacity to meet any demand within and outside Kenya and have built adequate factories and trained manpower over the years. They have already built over 104 high capacity buses currently being piloted on the Kenyan roads. They have, in the past, also been engaged in building double-decker buses that operate on Kenyan roads. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I observe that while Kenya is importing buses from South Africa, other countries like Tanzania are having their buses for the Bus Rapid Transit Services manufactured and assembled here in Kenya. 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."
}