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{
    "id": 95694,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/95694/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 210,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Dr. Kosgei",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13,
        "legal_name": "Lucas Kipkosgei Chepkitony",
        "slug": "lucas-chepkitony"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the hon. Member for raising that important question. The agricultural sector in this country is currently controlled by 12 different Ministries. Some of the crops that, in fact, go into our market do not get actually controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture. Since you mentioned the East African Community issue, my experience or reading of the situation from elsewhere--- You will no doubt be aware of the running battle of the common agricultural policy within the European Union which each country is protecting. If you must go ahead with those things, you must, first of all, work out how to cushion your farmers. Since you asked what the Ministry is doing, when the matter came to the Floor of this House--- I want to confirm that I first heard of the 25 per cent duty while sitting here. It was not worked out with the Ministry of Agriculture. I was, subsequently, informed because I raised it within the shortest time possible within the Cabinet - and that is the highest level I could go--- I received some sympathetic discussions. However, constantly, those who know a little bit more kept on saying that we will have to ask the East African Community to allow us to wait a little bit. The system that I know works around the world is that you do what your country wants first and then you negotiate later. However, I have said that there are 12 Ministries which are involved. Suffice to say, we are trying our best through the system of Government. We have to get a hearing for our farmers because our farmers must come before what is happening anywhere else in the world. So, for me, until and unless this country becomes self sufficient in food, we can forget about development."
}