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{
    "id": 851353,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/851353/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 272,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) James Nyikal",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 434,
        "legal_name": "James Nyikal",
        "slug": "james-nyikal"
    },
    "content": "On the second part of the amendments proposed to the NHIF Act, I find that they are not favourable. We are removing from the membership the Office of the Director of Medical Services, FKE, COTU, KNUT and KUPPET. These are very important sections of the formal employment and service provision. I do not know how we can run the NHIF without those being members. What is being proposed is to have five members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary in a way that is not put clearly. If you look at the whole membership, you may reach a point where the Government has enough quorum in the institution to call a meeting of all Government officers and pass or change management or whatever they want to do without getting contribution from the stakeholders, as it should be. I do not want to repeat what the Hon. Member for Suba North has said. Aquaculture must be part and parcel of fisheries. As it is, the fish stocks in the lake are really dwindling. What will really save this is if we get into aquaculture. That can support the fisheries when it is time for breeding and when the fish should be allowed to breed. It is extremely important. On Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), it is important we start looking at mid-level technical training. If you live in rural areas and you want to just put up a house, getting a proper electrician or somebody to do your roof or just look at the water works and so on is impossible. They do not have people who can do that yet there are young people with good education that need the training. When you come to the Cooperative Act, I do not think the issue of social impact is something that will work. Members have run cooperative societies. It has been a big movement. They have made remarkable contribution to the economy and now to bring a special group of members will demoralise the general membership. I do not think it will give as much impact as it is intended. However, I support the proposal of a special fund. The cooperative movement has been able to put money into the hands of small businesses and individuals who would never have been able to get credit from banks. As you know, banks to a large extent give money to those who have money. Banks do not necessarily give money to those who need it. Our people need money that is easy to access. Therefore, that special fund is something I will really support. With those remarks, I support parts of this Bill but not others. As I said, it will be very important for the Committees to guide us at the Committee of the whole House stage. That is so that we do not go through the same issues and make repetitions on the Bills we have just discussed and passed, even if they have not been assented to. With that, I thank you Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker."
}