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{
    "id": 883984,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/883984/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 278,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Zani",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13119,
        "legal_name": "Agnes Zani",
        "slug": "agnes-zani"
    },
    "content": "because I saw the passion and enthusiasm of Sen. Cheruiyot when he was moving it. It is not only a tea sector problem but we have a bigger problem. For example, in the recent past, we have had the Maize Report. Basically, our whole agricultural sector is in some problem in one way or another. I want to talk about the coast where I come from. In the 1970s, we had cashew nuts and cassava farming but all these have diminished. Technically, that means that something is wrong. This Bill seeks to streamline and remove responsibilities from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to the Tea Regulatory Authority of Kenya, so that there is more focus in the tea industry and, therefore, in a sense, liberalise the tea industry to enhance quick processing of tea. As we know, tea is a big income earner in this country as is coffee. This Bill is very simple and straightforward. It seeks to establish an Authority and a Board and provides specific responsibilities for the Authority and the Board. Part III brings out the gist of the Bill because it is about Regulatory Provisions. For example, in Clause 17(1), it will be required that every tea grower registers with a processor so that people align themselves. They will be required to give the name, location, parcel number, acreage, variety and all the necessary information so that once the tea is ready for harvesting, there will already be somebody in mind to process it. This Bill seeks to give the Authority some responsibilities and that is something key. It shall be known as the Tea Regulatory Authority of Kenya. The relevant Clauses give the specific aspects that the Authority shall be responsible for. Of course there shall be a Board but the Authority is clearly articulated. The functions of the Authority are in Clause 5 which states as follows:- “(1) The Authority shall perform the following functions— (a) regulate, develop and promote the tea industry; (b) co-ordinate the activities of individuals and organizations within the tea industry; and (c) facilitate equitable access to the benefits and resources of the tea industry by all interested parties. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Authority shall— (a) in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary, initiate the formulation of policies and make rules to regulate the tea industry; (b) register and regulate the operations of tea growers and processors; (c) licence tea dealers and processors; (d) licence managing factories and their agents; (e) licence tea brokers; (f) provide advisory services on tea production and quality enhancement; (g) collect and analyze statistics related to, and maintain a database for the tea industry; (h) co-ordinate the prioritization of research and utilization of available funds; and The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}