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{
    "id": 993009,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/993009/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 285,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Halake",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13184,
        "legal_name": "Abshiro Soka Halake",
        "slug": "abshiro-soka-halake"
    },
    "content": "ourselves back. The energy mix in this country for a long time has been pretty much renewable. This is something Kenya has been lauded for, and as Kenyans, we have been proud of it. This is because the energy footprint, the fuel energy and other energy sources have the worst kind of climate effect. Kenya had opted for renewable energy because we have a lot of it. Sen Farhiya has mentioned that Wajir, Isiolo and northern Kenya are sunny. Every part of this country has more sun than all seasons combined in certain parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Madam Temporary Speaker, taxing these energy sources would be a big mistake given that we will go back to--- Right now, the prices of fuel and oils are coming down. Therefore, we need to guard against going back. Going back to more polluting energy sources will create an undesired consequence. Madam Temporary Speaker, the Senator also spoke about the ripple effect and the chain effect of one Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) dying and hundreds of households will be affected. This is because one SME supports so many households. This is something that we are very alive to. As a Committee, we have taken it into consideration. As a Committee, we have really supported and applauded the idea of cash transfers. We would like the country to make sure that even as we respond to the different calamities, be they floods, droughts or even this pandemic, cash transfers are much better option than food distribution. I worked for the Red Cross for a long time and know that close to between 46 and 67 per cent of the food distribution goes to the logistical and the other people from transportation to the people who are going to man the food, distribute and make sure that the crowd is controlled. By the time we are done with all these things, most of the money does not go to the vulnerable person or the beneficiary. It actually goes to the logistics and other people who are not vulnerable; from the guy whose trucks will be hired to the security agents that will manage the crowds. Sen. Farhiya, we take that input very seriously and thank you. Cash transfers any day are better than food distribution. However, there comes a time due to block down or the fact that farmers may not even be able to produce, those might also become an issue. But for now, I think that cash transfer is the way to go. We look forward to a situation where we are efficient with resources, people have dignity and can decide what to use the money on. Sometimes it is not true that everybody needs the staple foods that we get. I remember one time during a very bad drought when the Government was to provide meat for northern Kenya. For some reason, it was meat. Trucks arrived there with meat. Most people in northern Kenya are Muslims, and there is a way in which every animal is slaughtered. When the meat arrived, people looked at it and ran for their dear lives. They said that it was not edible. That was such a waste. The meat was quickly taken somewhere else and cash transfers were recommended or live goats provided. This is just how sometimes we can get it wrong, if we decide to distribute food without having the contextual framework. Madam Temporary Speaker, with regard to the other issues, I would like to thank everybody; this House and your office for the support that the Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Situation in Kenya has continued to enjoy. I would also like to give special 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."
}