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{
    "id": 851728,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/851728/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 233,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Ochilo-Ayacko",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 347,
        "legal_name": "Ochilo George Mbogo Ayacko",
        "slug": "ochilo-ayacko"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have looked at the areas where exemption from the application of this Bill is provided for and there is need to fine-tune them. Areas of exemptions are so wide. Therefore, it is possible that the exemptions may negate the spirit, intention and output that this Bill is expected to deliver. As we approach the amendment stage, it is my preposition that we look again at the areas that the Bill proposes to exempt and ensure that the provisions for exemptions do not create a wide highway that will defeat the intention, spirit and the object of the Bill. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I state that advertisement has a potential to give counties revenue like it has done in most counties. Therefore, there is need to ensure that it is vibrant and that the various salient and competing interests are attended to without hurting the industry and creating a situation that would lead to cacophony or unhealthy competition among the industry players, so that there is order in this particular sector. What has not been captured in this Bill and is likely to be abused is in addition to what Sen. M. Kajwang‘ had indicated; that is the denial of competition from advertising. It is also possible that if it is for political purpose that may open business to some entity that is not liked, the right to licence may be abused. Therefore, it will be important to ensure that there is a process equivalent to fair administration of justice so that a particular licensing authority like the office of the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member, that is mentioned here, does not abuse the process of license and deny a different group an opportunity to benefit from the right to access the licence. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I conclude by thanking Sen. Poghisio. Regulation is the way to go. Therefore, it is my sincere prayer that the process of regulating is enhanced by having an establishment or a Committee that integrates the wisdom of industry players. If we have a regulatory agency, for instance, a public body which is largely executive and governmental, it may be staffed by people whose orientation is cohesive and might decline licences. However, if we have a regulatory framework where the regulatory agency or body has input of professionals from that sector, its opinion when it comes to issuance of licence will be balanced because players who have interest of the sector at heart are part of it. In the world over, it is trendy to move away from executive regulatory framework to professional regulatory framework. If you look at professions like in law, human resource, finance and company secretariat, there is a galaxy of practitioners who are eminent in that area put together with the executive so that the debate and progress in that particular industry is balanced well. I propose that in this particular Bill, there should be inclusion of that kind of framework so that it is not left to the whims of just the CEC, Member of the county. The role should also be played by industry players who want this particular industry to develop and at the same time, protect the stakeholders and the users as members of the public. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those many remarks, I support. I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this Bill."
}