George Thuo

All parliamentary appearances

Entries 221 to 230 of 247.

• 6 Aug 2008 in National Assembly: Thank you, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to support this Bill. I would like to thank the Minister for bringing it to the House. I am a bit concerned - and I hope that it is not for lack of support - by the lack of enthusiasm in the House today. It is almost a symptom of why we have been unable in the past to produce a new Constitution. view
• 6 Aug 2008 in National Assembly: Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I will proceed as if I was not interrupted. Over the last more than one decade, Kenyans have been promised a new Constitution. I wish to agree with hon. Namwamba and others who have spoken, and say that maybe this is our unique opportunity, as a Parliament, to deliver what has proved extremely difficult for this country. We have just gone through a very traumatic experience in the months of December, January, February and March. It would be a shame if we failed to deliver on our promise of a new Constitution, particularly given those who ... view
• 29 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to ask the Minister for Industrialisation the following Question by Private Notice. (a) Is the Minister aware of the imminent closure of the Premier Bag and Cordage Limited situated in Juja Constituency due to stiff competition from cheap imported jute bags? (b) Why has the Ministry allowed importation into the local market of cheap jute bags mainly from Bangladesh market, while there is a company in Kenya producing long-lasting sisal bags? (c) Could the Minister consider issuing a directive to stop importation of these jute bags in order to ensure that the more than 3,000 ... view
• 29 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: Mr. Speaker, Sir, there are two issues arising from that answer. The first issue arises from the Minister's answer in part "a", where he has given seven reasons why the company is operating below capacity. Despite saying that the closure is imminent, it is clear that some work has been done, which has identified the issues at hand. To what extent has the Ministry attempted to assist the management and whoever else is responsible, to ensure that the factory stays open, so that these 3,000 workers and their families may benefit? Secondly, in part "b", the Minister has indicated that ... view
• 29 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the Minister for giving a comprehensive answer. However, he has raised two issues. The first one is on cost of production. He has specifically mentioned energy as well as labour cost. Since those people are based there, and we are not capable of exporting the people of Juja to go and manufacture in Bangladesh--- Their Government is their only recourse. I would encourage the Minister to look at ways and means of assisting local industries to be competitive in an environment which they are not responsible for creating. Secondly--- view
• 29 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: Secondly, the Minister has said that he will look at the duty in due course, and see whether it is adequate or not. Clearly, it is not. Since he has acknowledged that some jobs have already been lost in the last six months, will he not act fairly soon to avert further loss or even possible closure? view
• 29 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am a bit concerned. I must encourage the Minister to continue taking action, but I fear that so long as only the top management resigns and the Board remains in place, his action may end up being futile. I have had occasion to very quickly glance through the list he has tabled. Could he confirm that even the Board members are part of the problem of the debt of over Kshs3 billion and, therefore, part of his investigation must be to suspend the Board immediately? view
• 29 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to support this Motion. May I start by commending the Minister, his Permanent Secretary and others involved, for such a comprehensive budget proposal. I am gratified to note that 90 per cent or above of the proposed budget is actually going to Development Expenditure, rather than Recurrent Expenditure. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to make a few comments on the budget. I would like to start by making my comments on the issue of the cost of electricity. There is the real fear that the rising ... view
• 23 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Is it in order for the Assistant Minister to be required to confirm or deny what is mere altruism? The statement in itself is actually true. view
• 16 Jul 2008 in National Assembly: Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I stand to support this Motion. I wish to start by commending His Excellency the President for finding it fit to create such a Ministry. I would also like to congratulate Mr. M. Kilonzo for being appointed the Minister. I do not believe, personally, that he could have had a better Ministry. In fact, I am surprised he studied law and not urban planning. I may not have come to Nairobi as early as my friend Mr. Muthama - I certainly found the Serena Hotel - but even in the recent past, we have seen ... view