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{
    "id": 895742,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/895742/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 260,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Farhiya",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13179,
        "legal_name": "Farhiya Ali Haji",
        "slug": "farhiya-ali-haji"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in the Presidential Address, in terms of unlocking the latent potential resident in this sector, he said that his administration will work towards addressing the challenges of access to credit, training and skills development. In this regard, there will be an SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS). He added that in a few weeks, his administration will ensure deepening access to credit without subjection to complex application procedures and collateral requirements. As we are aware, SMEs employ almost 85 per cent of the Kenyan workforce. This is about 14.9 million Kenyans. It also contributes to almost 28 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country. Given that it is vital to the economy and research suggests that it contributes to industrial development, it will satisfy the local market, demand for services, innovation and also support large farms with inputs and services. As you are aware, the Government capped interest rates.From the access coupled with crowding out effect of Government in terms of Government increasing its borrowing from the local market, we have noticed that access to credit for these people has shrunk. I commend the President for thinking wise to ensure that these people are taken care of. This is because 28 per cent of the GDP is a big percentage that this group takes care of. According to the World Bank, CGS helps in de-risking SME lending by providing partial guarantees in case of default. I applaud our Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta for taking that initiative. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the other issue that I commend the President for is the leather value chain and the fact that a common manufacturing unit will be based in Kariokor Market. The unit is near completion and it will be well equipped. I also encourage the President‘s Government to ensure that there is another factory somewhere, for example, in Wajir, where hides and skins are in plenty. People in Wajir keep animals in large numbers. Normally industries are established where raw materials or a market are found. Once there is value addition and the shoes are manufactured, then it will become easier to transport a finished product to the marker instead of transporting raw material all the way to Nairobi City County. It will also create job opportunities to the people in those areas. The other issue that I am happy about is access to universal education and 100 per cent transition. My county has the biggest day school that moved from four to seven streams. Even with those seven streams, there are between 76 to 82 children in one classroom. However, basic facilities like toilets and provision of water has remained the same. The fact that it is commendable that we have 100 per cent transition, necessary infrastructure, facilities and provision of water should also be in place to complement the increase in the number of students in our schools. In terms of the Building Bridges Initiative, I support it because it has brought down the temperatures of this country. I support the President and the former Prime Minister for it. In the same breath, the President talked about victims of historical injustices. My county, more than anywhere else, has experienced historical injustice. For example, in February, 1984, over 5,000 Kenyans lost their lives in a swoop. People were grounded in 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."
}