Wilber Ottichilo Khasilwa

All parliamentary appearances

Entries 31 to 40 of 1320.

• 27 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: Thank you, Hon. Speaker. view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to continue moving this Motion. I moved it last week but I did not conclude because of time. This Motion deals with GMOs, which is an emotive subject. In a layman’s language “GMO” is actually plant or animal breeding. The GMO technology deals with coming up with new varieties of plants and animals, like cattle that produce more milk and high yielding crops that are resistant to drought. This subject was discussed at length. The Departmental Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives looked at this subject but because of its ... view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: This Motion seeks answers for what informed the ban when we have a legal framework. The ban was initiated by the Ministry of Health, which has not given reasons for the ban. This matter was raised by the proponents of this Motion to the Departmental Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives. I am aware that the Committee delved into this matter but it has not been conclusive because it is cross-cutting. We need a Select Committee so that the House can be well-informed on this technical but very important subject. view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: Hon. Deputy Speaker, if we do not deal with this issue, this country will be dependent on imports. This Motion seeks to bring Members from the political divide, and all sectors of the economy to carry out serious investigation on this emotive subject. This House can then have an authentic and well researched report that can inform decisions on this subject. All our national universities have biotechnology laboratories. Our youth are studying this subject but since GMOs were banned, most of these laboratories are no longer funded because most of them were donor-funded. Therefore, most of our children, whom this ... view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: It was led by very eminent Kenyans who are biotechnologists. In fact, the Chairman of that taskforce was Prof. Thairu, who is now the Chair of the Commission for University Education (CUE). That is why that report has not been made public. It is clear that, that subject is shrouded with a lot of secrecy and it is a subject that is evolving very fast in the scientific world. It is a subject that should be the order of the day in discussion. As we talk today, in the world, there are over 2 billion hectares of land that are ... view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: any results. If this select committee is formed, let it be open to all those who are for and against GMOs. Finally, they will bring into this House a balanced report. From there, this House will make a decision whether, as a country, we will be making a mistake to have a law that deals with bio-technology. Should we repeal our Biosafety Act or Policy? Should we stop training our youth in our universities in biotechnology? That is the essence of this Motion. I know we have colleagues who have a strong opinion on this matter. I appeal to them ... view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to do so. I beg to propose the following amendment to the Motion that I have just moved. I wish to amend the above Motion by adding the names of the following Members after Member Number 17:- 18. Hon. Shakeel Shabbir, MP. 19. Hon. Daniel Maanzo, MP. 20. Hon. Mohamed Duale, MP. 21. Hon. Muthomi Njuki, MP. view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: I ask my brother, Hon. Chris Wamalwa, to second. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: Sorry. Is it seconding the amendment or the Motion? This is because I have somebody to second the Motion. view
• 26 Oct 2016 in National Assembly: Okay. I have Hon. Makenga to second the Motion as amended. view