Ledama Olekina

All parliamentary appearances

Entries 901 to 910 of 4248.

• 25 May 2023 in Senate: Madam Temporary Speaker, I have tremendous respect for my colleague whom I always support whenever he stands up to raise issues; particularly on the issue of agriculture; one which he is very passionate about which has got to do with macadamia nuts. Is it in order for the distinguished Senator to purport that I was entertaining myself here with a bottle of Glenfiddich? That I am drunk? Seriously? He is saying that he is very sober. Did I ever say anything like--- When he says that he is very sober, it means that I have been having a glass of ... view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: Madam Temporary Speaker, let me begin by thanking Sen. Beth Syengo for thinking about diversification of our cash crops in this country. I have had a chance to go through the Bill. Although I support it, I have various reservations. I have had a chat with her on some of the things she ought to change in the Bill which I will alluded to. First of all, let me give a brief history of this country when it comes to cotton growing. At one point, this country used to produce a lot of cotton. In fact, when cotton view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: 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. view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: was introduced, there were a lot of textile industries flourishing in Uasin Gishu County. At that time, we did not have a lot of mitumba . Concentrating everything in Nairobi is what killed the cotton industry in this country. People would go to our local hospitals even if they were not devolved. People who went to Makueni, Machakos and Lamu would get cotton to use in hospitals. Our livestock industry was benefitting a lot from the cottonseeds, which provide energy and proteins to them. Today, as a farmer, I import all my cottonseeds from Uganda. I get it as a ... view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: 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. view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: Tell me now, if you put headquarters in Nairobi, how will a farmer in Narok, Makueni, Lamu or Tana River counties benefit? Put the headquarters in the cotton growing regions. Who says that cotton cannot be grown in Narok? If cotton can be grown in Homa Bay and parts of Siaya, I dare say that parts of Narok County can grow cotton. If you analyze the soils, cotton can also be grown there. Let us promote our counties. Let us make legislation that supports counties, especially on what is devolved. Others might come up with an argument that not every ... view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: 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. view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: What I like about the Bill is that it envisions a situation where it creates employment and helps farmers. Nonetheless, those farmers will not be assisted 100 per cent by policy. When you talk about representation of the farmers through membership in the board situated in Nairobi City County, this means that the farmers will take their cue from Nairobi City. There is little agriculture in Nairobi City. I dare say there are so many people who have never seen Nairobi City. From your own county, there are people who do not know Nairobi City exists. They do not know ... view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: How do you expect that farmer who is intelligent to benefit from this Bill? Earlier on, I was causing havoc with my sister who is a 27-year-old Senator. We have reduced over Kshs3 billion on the Equalisation Fund that was set aside by the Constitution to go to counties. The excuse that we have is that the National Treasury does not have money. The Constitution states that a certain amount of money should be set aside every year. The National Treasury should have been setting aside that money. We have reduced the money and denied my county money it is ... view
• 24 May 2023 in Senate: Finally, as I wind up, I wish to remind Kenyans of the tough times we have ahead. This is going to be one of the most punitive years of our lives. Only farming and agriculture - if we go back to the old ways of doing things - will be able to support us. I plead with county governments to allocate the agricultural sector more money and ensure that they take advantage of the rains. If we do not take advantage of the rains, it will be difficult for people to survive. view