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{
    "id": 812778,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/812778/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 33,
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    "content": "that once these goods are sold they will repay the loans. This is compromised when the clearance procedures at the ports of entry take too long, meaning that these traders default on their loans and are subjected to auctioning of their goods and closure of businesses. (f) Requirement for separate Bills of Lading for each trader – due to the small volumes that each trader imports, majority of traders are forced to share containers, in which case a single Bill of Lading is issued for all the goods in the container. The introduction of a requirement that each trader must produce a separate Bill of Lading would push small scale importers and traders out of business. (g) Timeframe for implementation of new policies, regulations and requirements – on most occasions, small scale importers and traders are not consulted during development of new policies and regulations. They only see KEPSA (Kenya Private Sector Alliance) and big organisations being represented. Further, when these are published, traders are not given sufficient time to comply with the new requirements, thus incurring great losses. There should be a window period of at least one year for implementation of new policies, to enable small importers and traders comply. On the same issue, we appeal that goods which are being held at the post as a result of implementation of these new measures be released. There is also need to educate traders on the specific standards requirements for each category of goods. (h) Criminal cartels and enterprises frustrating small business owners and interests – Small scale importers and traders have often been the victims of criminal cartels, including people purporting to be agents for branded items. They have given examples. As well as those who are strategically stationed at ports of entry and collude to buy auctioned goods at cheap prices after they have been impounded by government. (5) THAT, we have made best efforts to have these matters addressed by the relevant authorities, all of which have failed to give a satisfactory response. (6) THAT, none of these issues raised in this Petition is pending in any court of Law, Constitutional or any other legal body. (7) WHEREFORE, your humble petitioners pray that the Senate addresses the issues raised by the importers and small traders in order to successfully achieve the Government’s goal without hurting small traders who are on the verge of closure. Twenty one of the leaders of these groups have signed the petition."
}