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{
    "id": 992816,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/992816/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 92,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Pursuant to Standing Order No. 47(1), I rise to make a Statement on an issue of national concern namely, the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSEs are staring at mass closures across the 47 counties. This will lead to unprecedented increase in job losses and unemployment. MSEs are a critical sector of our economy that cannot be ignored. The sector provides jobs to millions who are not absorbed in the white-collar jobs. It contributes to the sustenance of millions of livelihoods across the country and households. The devastating effects of the COVID-19 on business environment has hit MSEs hard and bread-winners can no longer provide for their families. Consequently, poverty levels are in the short term expected to rise as COVID-19 persists. Madam Temporary Speaker, across the country, barber shops, salons, tailoring shops, furniture sheds, grocery shops, among others, are not making any revenue. MSEs are struggling to stay afloat and dwindling business prospects are a reality they are facing. This is because people are not moving around and the purchasing power has been reducing by the day, with many now choosing to spend on the bare essentials so to survive. This trend will drive millions in the MSEs sector to poverty. In order to support this significant sector of our economy during this difficult time, I call upon county governments to suspend the renewal of single business licences for at least three months, or waive them altogether, particularly for any businesses with an annual turnover of less than a million shillings who are the majority. Madam Temporary Speaker, charges for accessing open air markets, as well as cess for agricultural produce should be suspended for at least three months or waived for the remaining part of the year. I encourage the Standing Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialization to engage the Council of Governors (CoG) and the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) to ensure county governments respond to the pandemic as I have proposed. I call upon this August House to agree with me. Further, county assemblies should consider taking legislative interventions to give legal effect to relief measures that I have specified. Madam Temporary Speaker, the situation is dire. We have seen the national Government trying to give some tax relief to the formal economy. However, we have not seen reciprocal measures from the county governments who are largely in charge of the informal economy which is where most of Kenyans earn their income. If you go to Windsor Hotel on the northern by-pass, people are using their private vehicles to hawk fruits and vegetables in the street. So, I make a passionate appeal that county governments should also reciprocate. This is because businesses are collapsing and people are hungry. We need to save the economy. 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."
}