Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.

Serjeant-at-Arms, you may stop the Quorum Bell. We now have quorum. Let us proceed.

Do you have your card? Do you have your Petition ready? It is okay. Please give him the microphone. You may proceed with your Petition. There you have the microphone.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I rise to read Petition No.6 of 2025 regarding persistent harassment and unlawful eviction of people living on LR 176/3/Mainland North in Mwendo wa Panya Village, Mtepeni Ward of Kilifi South Constituency. I, the undersigned, on behalf of the concerned residents of Mwendo wa Panya Village in Mtepeni Ward, Kilifi South Constituency, draw the attention of the House on the following: THAT, Mwendo wa Panya Village is a pre-colonial village established on or about 1908 by one Athman Suleiman and developed to an acclaimed state haven where many locals who escaped from slave merchants would get safety. THAT, the land on which the village is located measures approximately 23.75 acres and is registered as L.R.No.176/111/MN. The parcel of land currently has a population of over 1000 people. THAT, the residents have been living in the village for over 100 years and have a community cemetery where they have been burying their dead ancestors, as evidenced by graveyards and shrines from where they perform their traditional rites. THAT, the village has a wide range of public utilities such as hospitals, schools, shopping centres and even farmlands on which residents practise subsistence farming as well as commercial cash crop farming of coconuts, mangoes, cashew nuts and oranges that have supported the livelihoods of residents for over 70 years. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

THAT, for many years since Independence, efforts by the residents to regularise ownership of the land for them to have security of tenure and realise full economic potential of their land have been unsuccessful. THAT, on 19th November 2018, three persons, namely, Mark Mwaura Mwangi, Charles K. Wanguhu and John Waweru Mwangi, went to the plot with hired people, harassed residents and demolished structures on the land, leaving the residents homeless; THAT, in November 2021, residents of the village were shocked to learn that the parcel of land which they inherited from their ancestors and have lived on for many years had been registered in the name of the three persons above, namely, Mark Mwaura Mwangi, Charles K. Wanguhu and John Waweru Mwangi, without their consent. THAT, the residents have no other known home other than Mwendo wa Panya village, hence they have nowhere to relocate to. THAT, efforts by the petitioners to seek assistance from the relevant Government agencies, including the Ministry of Lands, Public Works and Urban Development and the National Land Commission (NLC), to address the matter have been unsuccessful. Therefore, your humble petitioners pray that the National Assembly, through the Public Petitions Committee— 1. Inquire into the circumstances that led to the registration of parcel of land Ref:L.R.NO.176/111/MN in the name of the three persons, namely, Mark Mwaura Mwangi, Charles K. Wanguhu and John Waweru Mwangi, without the consent of the residents. 2. Recommend that the Ministry of Lands, Public Works and Urban Development, the National Land Commission and other relevant Government agencies settle the residents by facilitating the sub-division of parcel of land Ref.L.R.176/111/MN and issuance of certificates of title to the residents of Mwendo wa Panya Village. 3. Make any other recommendations it deems fit to secure the petitioners’ rights. And your petitioners will forever pray.

Are there Members who want to contribute to the Petition by Hon. Ken Chonga?

Yes.

Please, press your intervention button. You may proceed.

Asante, Mhe. Naibu Spika, kwa kunipatia nafasi hii kuchangia kuhusu ardhi hii. Wakaazi kuhangaishwa na masuala ya mashamba yamezidi sana, hasa sehemu za Pwani. Utakuta watu wamekaa katika mashamba yao kwa muda mrefu sana, lakini kwa sababu ya uzembe wa baadhi ya maafisa wa Serikali ambao wametwikwa jukumu la kusaidia wananchi kupata hatimiliki, wamekuwa chanzo cha kusaidia mabwenyenye na watu ambao hawana uhusiano na mashamba hayo na utamaduni wa pale. Wanawapatia hatimiliki kinyume na matarajio ya wananchi hao. La kutamausha zaidi ni kwamba hata polisi wanaingilia sana mambo ya mashamba kuliko kulinda usalama wa wananchi. Wanapewa amri ya kortini lakini hawadhibitishi. Usiku wanahangaisha wananchi na kuvunja nyumba zao, wakisema shamba ni la mtu fulani, bila kuhusisha taasisi zinazohusika kama NLC na Wizara ya Ardhi. Kwa hivyo, ninaunga mkono kuwa ardhi hii iangaliwe vizuri ili hawa wananchi wapate haki yao. Kumekuwa na visa vingi sana hasa sehemu za Pwani. Kuna wananchi ambao wamekaa kwa mashamba ya mababu zao, mahali kuna makaburi yao, makanisa, misikiti na mashule, lakini mtu anakuja na kusema shamba ni lake. Tunaomba haya masuala ya uskwota katika The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Pwani yachunguzwe ili wananchi wapate hatimiliki na waweze kuishi kama Wakenya wengine. Asante, Mhe. Naibu Spika.

Hon. Kassim Tandaza, Member for Matuga.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity to add my voice to this sad situation. It is sad that 60 years after Independence, there are indigenous people who are said to be landless or squatters. They are residing in areas of their ancestors. We are not talking about 100 or 200 years ago. For as far as history can write itself, they have been living there. By the mere fact that somebody can corrupt Government officials, those in power have the right to evict people from their rightful homes and lands. I do not know for how long this will continue. This situation is not just in Kilifi; it is also in Kwale, Lamu and along the Coast. Fortunately, God gave us fertile land and favourable weather and we have beaches. I do not know at what point somebody decided that the indigenous coastal people do not deserve the beach lands, simply because, for as long as we can remember, they have not been in the Government per se. This has always been perpetrated by Government officials. It is so sad. We have had such petitions before. I brought some petitions on the Golini Settlement Scheme, Tiwi and Waa. I am questioning the powers of this Parliament when it comes to handling petitions, especially on land matters. On the last Petition that I brought, the Committee went to the extent of asking the then Cabinet Secretary for Lands to nullify the title deed so that a proper survey could be done and the people given their parcels of land. Up to now, nothing has happened. When you go to the Cabinet Secretary, you can hardly see her. The petitions are there. Nothing happens at the Committee on Implementation. As I support this Petition, I am really worried about the next steps that will be taken to salvage the situation and have the locals on their land. It is high time we handle these matters differently from our perspective. Mindful and law-abiding people have been taken for granted. It is high time, especially for leaders from the Coast, to sit down and see how we can handle this matter on our own with the resources and the strength we have. We have been taken for a ride for a very long time. I support this Petition, but I am really worried about how it is going to be solved given the previous petitions touching on land matters from the Coast. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity.

Hon. Member for Endebess, Hon. Pukose.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I stand to support the Petition by Hon. Ken Chonga, Member for Kilifi South, pertaining to the land issue in his constituency. Having listened to him, this is a matter that should be expeditiously resolved. Unfortunately, the Public Petitions Committee has been very slow in processing petitions. It is now close to two years since I brought a petition pertaining to Chepchoina Settlement Scheme, and it has not been resolved. Now that Hon. Ken Chonga has brought this Petition, my petition and any other petitions pending before the Committee should be resolved quickly. I normally sit closer to the Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee, who is always here. He is listening to this. I hope his Committee will move with speed to not only address the Petition by Hon. Ken Chonga, but also the petition on the Chepchoina Settlement Scheme. I was there over the weekend, and there are still a lot of quarrels between wananchi there. You have others coming and ploughing people's land when they have no allotment letters. This creates insecurity, instability, and it also affects the production of food which threatens food security. As we bring these petitions to the House, we expect they will be expeditiously resolved. I do not know whether the Committee could table the reports in this House, and then maybe move even some Motions or debates so that Members can contribute to them and resolve some The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

of the problems. Article 95 of the Constitution gives this House the power to resolve issues of the people we represent. Therefore, it is important that when people bring petitions to us, we resolve those issues and make recommendations that give stability and way forward to our citizens. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, I support.

Hon. Member for Seme, Hon. (Dr) Nyikal.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support this Petition. Land is a big issue in this country. Citizens do not live in peace and at ease. Even people with titles no longer trust the titles they have. One minute, one can have a title, and in the next minute, the title is challenged. You do a search on a land, and you get a search certificate that has no meaning. It is time that as the Committee looks at this, it looks at the broader issue of land. This is one area we must come out. It is not an issue at the Coast only, but everywhere across the country. The Committee should look at the proper entitlement to land, proper certification of land, and proper registration, so that when citizens have a piece of paper from a Government office, it has meaning. It should also ensure that these processes are expedited. Delayed processes invite people with ill intentions to occupy other people's land and even claim it. With that, I support this Petition. I urge the Chairman of the Committee to look at this issue of land broadly. We are terrestrial animals. We do not live in the air or water. We can only live on land. And if there is anywhere we should have peace, it is on land.

Before we proceed, allow me to recognise the presence of: 1. St. Bakhita Chuka Girls High School, Chuka/Igambang'ombe Constituency, Tharaka-Nithi. 2. Kiani Primary School from Kibwezi East Constituency, Makueni County. On behalf of the substantive Speaker, myself and Members of Parliament, I welcome you to the National Assembly. Thank you.

Member for Kilifi North, Hon. Baya.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you very much for giving this opportunity to support Hon. Ken Chonga, on this Petition. The Mwendo wa Panya land issue is a thorn in the flesh of the people there. Hon. Ken Chonga had raised this issue in the 12th Parliament. It was investigated and a report was tabled, but nothing happened. The people there continue to suffer. The residents of Kilifi South, and especially in that area, have suffered for a long time. Many times, people come and claim that land. They want to demolish. They want to evict them. Hon. Ken Chonga has used a lot of his money to try to settle the issue despite bringing it to the right place, Parliament, where solutions to the people will be found, but Parliament never gave him a solution. Actually, I would say it failed him as a Member, and it failed the people of Kilifi South. They deserve better. They have a representative who has, for a long time tried to push this. The laws of this country allow that possession can be done if the owner has not been there for many years.

Adverse possession.

Adverse possession can be done to ensure the people of Kilifi South, the people of Mwendo wa Panya, get their land. The lack of a proper mechanism to ensure that what is decided in this chamber moves to the Executive for proper execution has failed. That is why we have Hon. Ken Chonga bringing this Petition to the 13th Parliament. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

I want to urge the Public Petitions Committee, chaired by the very able Chairman here, to ensure they expedite this, to stop the suffering of the people of Mwendo wa Panya. They are Kenyans. They deserve better. They deserve to be accorded the best treatment in terms of land ownership. I want to ask the Chairman and the Committee to work hard on this Petition. Make sure that at the end of the day, it is executed and the Committee on Implementation follows up on the matter so that the people of Mwendo wa Panya get justice. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Member for Emgwen, Hon. Lelmengit.

Asante sana Mhe. Naibu wa Spika. Ningependa kuchangia petition hii kutoka kwa Mheshimiwa wa Pwani, Mhe. Ken Chonga. Swala la land grabbing haliko tu sehemu ya Pwani pekee yake bali liko katika sehemu zote Kenya. Nikiwa mmoja wa Mjumbe wa Departmental Committee on Lands, mimi husikitika sana na kuhisi uchungu sana wakati ambapo wazee wanakuja katika kikao chetu na malalamishi ya shamba kuwa watu wamewanyang’anya shamba. Huja wakilia kuwa maswala hayo hayajatatuliwa takriban zaidi ya miaka 30. Ni uchungu sana. Ingawa tuko na mikakati na sheria ambazo zinahusu masuala ya umiliki wa mashamba, imekuwa shida sana. Licha ya Waziri na Katibu wake kuweka mikakati hio, haitoshi. Nasihi Wizara ya Interior and Coordination of National Government na Kamati ya Public Petitions kushirikiana na kuexpidite hii process, ili walionyang’anywa mashamba wapate haki na waishi kwa amani.

Jambo lingine ni kwamba swala hili la uporaji wa ardhi sio tu la Kilifi lakini pia maeneno ya Tabolwa, Kapkangani, Koiben na Ngerek, Kaunti ya Nandi. Petitions zimeletwa hapa lakini inachukua muda kupata suluhisho. Ni ombi langu kwa Kamati ya Public Petitions na wizara husika kutatua kesi hizi kwa haraka ili watu wapate haki, mashamba yao na titledeeds. Wengine wanahitaji title deeds hizi kufanya biashara. Pia amani ni muhimu wanapoishi katika mashamba yao. Hii ni haki yao kama Wakenya wengine.

Asante sana, Mhe. Naibu wa Spika.

Next is the Member for Alego Usonga, Hon. Atandi.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I would like to support the Petition by Hon. Chonga. Issues touching on land are very unfortunate. There are cartels in the lands office that have the capability of changing title deeds and declaring genuine landowners landless. In my constituency, there have been cases where members of a community woke up one morning to find themselves landless, as a developer was forcibly moving them from their ancestral land. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I do not know what this country needs to do to kill the cartels that operate in various strategic sectors in the country. I know there are cartels everywhere. However, those dealing with land are particularly serious and bold. It is time this House takes action and does something that will scare them. The situation in Kilifi is very unfortunate because entire communities are rendered landless by a single individual. This House needs to be fierce about this issue. The Committee on Public Petitions has previously been challenged to be more fierce and effective in handling petitions. I urge the Committee to act swiftly on the numerous petitions related to land and present their reports to the House. Members should also avoid interfering with the reports brought before us. I had an experience with this Committee where a report submitted to the House differed from what was originally intended. I thank the Leader of the Majority Party for assisting us in rejecting that report and amending it. As Members of Parliament, we must be articulate and act according to the requests of our constituents. I support.

The Member for Nyamira, Hon. Jerusha Momanyi. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me this chance to support this Petition by Hon. Chonga, the Member for Kilifi South. Issues of land are so emotive, especially in Kenya. When such petitions arise, we as a House are obliged to solve the problems faced by our people. I urge the Committee on Public Petitions and the Committee on Implementation to address these matters thoroughly. We often discuss significant issues that affect our constituents here. However, these issues are sometimes not taken seriously because we fail to monitor their implementation. Hon. Ken Chonga has raised this issue here severally. This does not only affect the people in Kilifi. Land is an issue affecting most people, especially those who feel like they are being molested by those in power. It is our duty as a House to help resolve these problems. I support this Petition and call on this House to ensure that the petitions presented are acted upon. We should help the people who have been crying to us. If we only talk without seeing implementation, we risk becoming a useless House. Therefore, I support this Petition and urge the Committee on Implementation to move with speed in implementing this.

Next is the Member for Masinga, Hon. Mwalyo.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity to support Hon. Chonga’s Petition. Land grabbing has become a menace in the country. Some people have no morals. They know you possess a title deed, yet they still corrupt land officials to obtain fake titles. We should cultivate a culture of respecting ownership, and allowing others to own what belongs to them. The Bible says, and I quote: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” What is the use of grabbing so much land that you cannot use or develop? This is just disturbing people’s peace. I suggest the Committee on Public Petitions should resolve this issue so that the rightful owners, who have lived on this land for many years, can continue with their lives with their children, grandchildren, and ancestors. People should enjoy the environment where they have lived for long. This needs to be resolved. We must understand that if you take someone’s land, yours could be taken one day as well.

Hon. Makilap.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to join my colleagues in supporting Hon. Chonga’s Petition. This issue does not affect Kilifi alone. It serves as a case study of how cartels are impoverishing innocent Kenyans by taking their land and rendering them landless and squatters on their own land. The question is, if this House passes the resolutions by the Committee on Public Petitions, then for them to become meaningful, they have to be implemented. This is essential so that all citizens have the opportunity to live decent lives and own land just like other Kenyans. The situation is even worse in areas where land demarcations and adjudications have not been conducted, especially in regions with communally owned land. Some of these cartels collude with county governments to steal land from innocent Kenyans. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I have a case where some cartels from the community worked together with a “Chinese investor” and grabbed land in Kapturo Sub-location. When Government officers came to do land adjudication in that area, the Chinese investor went to court claiming the whole sub-location was his land and that he had a title. Everybody in that sub-location is now landless. This is a serious matter. I am talking about a true story. The case is in court. People realised that the Chinese investor who claimed to be mining diatomite had colluded with the county government to grab the whole sub-location as his, yet my constituents live there. This is a serious matter. We must protect this country from cartels. The cartels are made up of people who live within the sub-location itself. Cartels are everywhere, especially in areas that have not been adjudicated. That is a living example in Kapturo Sub-location of The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Baringo North whose residents are squatters on their own land because a Chinese investor grabbed their land.

We should take this matter of land grabbing seriously so that we can restore order and dignity, and Kenyans can live on their own land. How did that Chinese investor acquire that land? He lied to the residents to sign documents if they wanted shares and benefits of the diatomite mining kumbe they were signing away the rights to their land forever. It is dangerous. This Petition must be implemented. The Kilifi case should be implemented. We should take seriously any petition brought before this House on land matters so that Kenyans can lead decent lives.

Hon. Members, before we proceed, I would like to welcome students from Santo Peter’s School from Kieni Constituency in Nyeri County, who are seated in the Speaker’s Gallery. I will ask Hon. Nyamai to welcome the students on our behalf as she makes the closing contribution to this debate.

Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Before I comment on this Petition by Hon. Ken Chonga, I would like to thank you for giving me a chance to welcome the students seated in the Gallery. I urge them to work hard in school. This is the place where we make laws. We handle policies and make decisions on what will happen to the country. You can only get here when you work extremely hard in school and ensure that you are disciplined.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I would like support this Petition by Hon. Ken Chonga. It is extremely important. It concerns a community that seems to have lived there for an extremely long time of 100 years. I hope Hon. Mbai will take up this Petition quickly, so that he can interact with the National Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to ensure that these people get justice. He seems to have done his research well and even identified the people who own the title. The Committee should handle this matter very quickly.

Land matters are extremely serious. About 50 per cent of my Athi Ward is a ranch. We got to know this in the last Parliament because the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development wanted to adjudicate the land. We realised that they could not adjudicate the land because it belonged to a ranching company, yet that land had over 15 schools and other social amenities for Athi Ward. The Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands, Hon. Nyamoko, is doing a very good job. He has a lot of work to do for this country.

The President has also pronounced himself, especially on land matters at the Coast. People cannot remove a whole community from a piece of land alleging that they own it, including the so-called absentee landlords. Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me an opportunity. I support this Petition by Hon. Ken Chonga.

We are pressed for time on this issue. I will give an opportunity Hon. Donya Dorice, Member for Kisii, since she had pressed the intervention button much earlier.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I rise to support Hon. Chonga’s Petition. When he was reading the Petition, I went through the documents that Kenyans receive which have problems starting with education certificates. People use fake certificates and nothing is done about it. People have fake marriage and birth certificates. The prevalence of fake documents is really worrying. The only original document I have identified is the national identification card (ID). It is hard for one to fake an ID because it has security features like someone’s fingerprint. To authenticate these documents, we must go the national ID way so that we can achieve our target. Otherwise, we will talk about it today and yet, in the following year, nothing would have changed. This is not the first time Hon. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Chonga is issuing such a petition. If leaders take this issue seriously, we can achieve what Hon. Ken Chonga wants to achieve for his people.

In comparison, for example, we have TikTokers who sell information in our country. They look for witty things and lies because they know they will make a lot of money from selling fake information. They can also re-sell these title deeds. The practice of re-selling title deeds and blackmail must come to an end. I support this Petition.

I have seen Hon. Nimrod, the Chairperson of the Public Petitions Committee, is here. There have been several petitions relating to land and it is about time that the Committee looked at them holistically. The challenges in each petition are similar. We hope that as we refer the Petition to the Public Petitions Committee, they assemble all the petitions relating to land and find a solution to the similar systemic bottlenecks that exist.

Next Order.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: 1. Treasury Memorandum from the National Treasury and Economic Planning on Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee Report for: (a) Twenty-six constituencies in Mombasa, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, and Kwale counties for the years 2013/2014, 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. (b) Twelve constituencies in Kakamega County for the years 2013/2014, 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. (c) Five constituencies in Vihiga County for the years 2013/2014, 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. 2. Special Audit Report on Government Digital Payments Platform (eCitizen) for March 2025 from the Office of the Auditor-General. 3. Report of the Auditor-General on Forensic Review of Supply Chain Function – Kenya Power for March 2025 from the Office of the Auditor-General. 4. Submission of Nominees for the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Committees for the following 37 constituencies: (a) Bomet Central (t) Mwala (b) Bureti (u) Mwatate (c) Butula (v) Mwingi North (d) Embakasi South (w) Nakuru Town (e) Gem (x) Nandi Hills (f) Homa Bay Town (y) Ndia (g) Kabete (z) Nyaribari Chache (h) Kajiado South (aa) Ol Kalou (i) Kanduyi (bb) Rongo (j) Karachuonyo (cc) Runyenjes (k) Keiyo North (dd) Samburu North (l) Kigumo (ee) Seme (m) Kilifi North (ff) South Mugirango (n) Kisauni (gg) Tiaty (o) Kisumu West (hh) Turkana East (p) Kitui West (ii) Wajir South (q) Maragua (jj) Webuye West The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

(r) Marakwet West (kk) Yatta (s) Mbeere South

Thank you.

Next Order.

Hon. Naomi Waqo, I am told that you misread No.15. Repeat it.

I am sorry, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Number 15 is Kisumu West.

We have a Request for Statement from Hon. Machua Waithaka, Member for Kiambu.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands regarding grabbing of parcel of land LRNo.14747/14, belonging to the late Mr Elijah Mwangi Kinyanjui in Kiambu County. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the family of Mr Elijah Mwangi of ID Number 0971236 has for many years owned and resided on the said piece of land, with the property ownership documented. The original title deed was used to secure a loan from the Consolidated Bank, Koinange Street Branch, where it remains in custody. However, following the demise of Mr Mwangi in 2019, the family has faced harassment from individuals presenting an alternative title deed for the same property, alleging that Mr Mwangi sold the land to them. Notably, the required spousal consent for such a sale was neither sought nor granted, and the claimants have failed to produce any sale agreement, indicating an attempt at land grabbing. Despite efforts by the family to seek Government intervention to validate their rightful ownership of the disputed land, their appeals have been frustrated and have borne no fruit. It is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands on the following– 1. Action being taken to investigate the report made by the family regarding the attempted land grabbing, including specific steps being taken by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to safeguard the legitimate land rights of the family of the late Mr Elijah Mwangi by nullification of the duplicate title deed possessed by the claimants. 2. Strategies being implemented by the Ministry to protect lawful landowners from similar fraudulent claims, including established timelines for addressing any grievances raised by affected parties. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Lands, Hon. Nyamoke, are you present? Do we have any Member of that Committee who can give an undertaking on behalf of the Chair?

Yes, Hon. Ochanda. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. The request is noted. We will pick up the matter as a Committee. I promise to look for the Chairman very fast, so that this matter can be addressed. We will bring the Statement in two weeks’ time.

Thank you. Let us move to the next Order.

I am told that the Member for Kuresoi South Constituency was on the Floor and had a balance of time. However, in his absence, Members who want to contribute can press the intervention button. Hon. Donya Dorice, do you want to contribute to the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill? I can see that you have pressed the intervention button.

No, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Members, press the intervention button. Hon Adan Haji, Member for Mandera West Constituency, do you want to contribute to this debate? Hon. Nyenze, do you want to contribute? I can see that Hon. Members have logged in, but they are not in staying in the chamber. In the absence of further interest in this debate, let the Mover reply. Where is the Mover? Hon. Wamaua, you may reply.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to reply. Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to all the Members who spoke on this Bill, including those who wanted to contribute, but did not get opportunity or are not in the chamber at this time. There were various key issues that were raised during the debate. First, is the issue of remuneration of board members. There was a suggestion that the Sub-county Education Board (SEB) members should receive allowances akin to other public servants. That is a valid consideration, which can be incorporated through amendment during the Committee of the whole House. Secondly, there is the issue of definition of the SEB. Some Hon. Members, more so Hon. Keynan, sought clarity on whether these boards align with constituency-based structures or administrative sub-county units. According to the County Governments Act, it is evident that these boards are decentralised units of the CEB. Therefore, we should ensure that we align The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

it with the existing Government structures. In case of a different opinion, there will still be a chance to speak to it during the Committee of the whole House. The other issue was the appointment of board members. There is a Member who proposed that we remove the words “competitive process in the nomination”. I agree with this because in many areas, we have specified who are supposed to sit in the board. Therefore, I agree to that proposal. We will refine the Bill during the Committee of the whole House. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the other area of concern is the involvement of Members of Parliament. Their inclusion in the Board seeks to ensure coordination between the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and other Government agencies for robust resource allocation. Without MPs’ involvement, there is the risk of duplication or uneven distribution of funds, leading to inefficiencies. If there is need to improve this provision, there will be enough time during the Committee of the whole House for anyone who has an amendment. Another area of concern to Members is on co-option of additional experts. The Bill allows for co-opting of experts when necessary, particularly in specialised areas like Information and Communication Technology (ICT), if required.

Hon. Wamaua, allow me to interrupt you to recognise and welcome the students who are here. They might leave before we do so. I recognise the presence of students of Nguku Junior School from Kigumo Constituency, Murang’a County, who are seated in the Public Gallery. I also recognise students from Nairobi Comprehensive School from Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi City County, who are also seated in the Public Gallery. Hon. Wamaua, as you continue with your reply, you can welcome them on our behalf.

Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I take this opportunity to welcome the students who have come here so that they can see what usually happens in Parliament. Our major work is to make sure that we look at the Government’s businesses. We also legislate and amend existing laws depending on the times that we are in. We encourage you to work hard in school and make sure that you become Members of Parliament or people with integrity in the future.

Let us give her two more minutes, so that she can complete her reply.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. The students can emulate us and be the next Members of Parliament. I ask them to work hard in their schools, incorporate a lot of discipline so that they can take this country to greater heights in the future. Hon. Deputy Speaker, as I said, the other area of concern in this Bill is co-option of additional experts when necessary, particularly in specialised areas like ICT. Because we are also dealing with infrastructure, there are other experts like quantity surveyors and architects, who can assist, if we do not have anyone with such expertise in the Board. The other area of concern is staffing of the Sub-County Education Board. The concern was that county governments primarily handle Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), while basic education falls under the national Government. Therefore, this matter will be refined to ensure a clear delineation of responsibilities without administrative conflicts. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.59 of 2023) is timely. It responds to the growing need for greater public involvement in decision making, particularly in education, which is a fundamental national development agenda. By establishing legally recognised Sub-County Education Boards, we will bring decision making closer to the people. This will ensure fair resource allocation, practical governance and responsiveness to local needs. Hon. Members said many things during the debate. I thank the House for its robust debate and support. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

With those remarks, I beg to reply.

We shall defer putting of the Question to a later time.

Hon. Members, we shall also defer the Motion by Hon. Sabina Chege. She has requested to move it another day. We will, therefore, move to Order No.11.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, aware that the Fertiliser and Animal Foodstuff Act, 2015, provides for the regulation of fertiliser importation in the country; further aware that the Fertiliser and Animal Foodstuffs Board regulates the fertiliser and animal foodstuffs industry including the manufacture and production of fertilisers; noting that the country currently relies heavily on imported fertiliser due to inadequate local production capacity; further noting that the low local production leads to high costs for farmers, reducing their profits and resulting in an unhealthy reliance on imported fertiliser; concerned that this scenario threatens the country’s food security in case of supply disruptions and discourages local production; recognising that local fertiliser production could lead to improved fertiliser The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

quality, increased crop yields and a reduction in environmental harm caused by the use of substandard fertilisers; recalling that the country has the potential to produce fertiliser that could meet the country’s domestic demand and also supply the regional market; further recognising that there is need for the Government to work with local producers to develop high quality fertiliser tailored to the needs of Kenyan farmers and crops; now, therefore, this House resolves that the national Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, supports and promotes local fertiliser manufacturing industries by investing in research and development to bolster the domestic fertiliser manufacturing sector. Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to move this Motion. The significance of fertiliser in this economy can no longer be gainsaid. As you are aware, to date, our economy is stabilising on the back of agricultural performance, which relies heavily on fertiliser subsidy. As you are aware, since the Kenya Kwanza regime took over power, fertiliser subsidy is one of the most significant items it has done that has stabilised the agricultural sector. Today, it contributes significantly to the growth of our economy. The sector has been importing a lot of fertilisers. As of last year, the economy imported about two million tonnes of fertiliser from outside the country. This is not very good for our economy. The reason we import more fertiliser is because our economy cannot produce enough to support our farmers. If establish fertiliser manufacturing industries and encourage private investors to start similar industries, it will be very good for us. As you are aware, manufacturing is one of the sectors we need to promote so that our economy can grow. One of the things that hinder investment in this sector is the heavy taxes that are applied to the manufacturing sector. One of the taxes that is stopping the sector from advancing is the recently increased Income Tax. Income Tax is a problem because it is causing many manufacturers to exit this sector for other sectors. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I have thought about this Motion and one of the things we need to do going forward is to reduce the taxes that relate to the manufacturing sector to encourage many investors who may be interested in this sector to come onboard. It is interesting to note that in the East African region, we have very few companies that are involved in this sector. Uganda has about eight companies while Tanzania has about 11. These are the companies that produce fertilisers for the entire region, and they are unable to meet the East African market needs. In countries like South Africa, there are many manufacturing companies. They have more than 100 companies. That is why their economy is stable and they are even able to export fertilisers. If we support this sector the way we should, we will be able to export to the East and Central African market. Some of the markets in the Central African region hardly have any manufacturing companies that produce fertilisers. This focus is very important because agriculture remains the backbone of most economies, including the emerging ones that still rely on agriculture. This is something Kenya can take advantage of. If we have a very good take off, it is a sector that is still very green. All that the Government needs to do is to, first, invest in research. Most of the fertilisers that are imported into the country have not been properly researched on. That is why some of them do not help us in yielding good results since they are not aligned to the climatic conditions of our country. They also do not understand the soil texture of our country. Therefore, most of the imported fertilisers do not give the expected results. In terms of quality, sometimes when you import things from other countries, you may not be certain about the quality of those commodities. However, when you have companies that are domiciled here, you will regulate the quality of their products and ensure that what is coming out of those factories is tailored for our needs. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

This is a Motion I have thought about. It aligns with the Government’s focus on investment in the manufacturing sector. I urge the Government to do something on this front. I will be moving the Division of Revenue Bill this afternoon, and you will note that in the last two financial years, the Government spent over Ksh50 billion on fertiliser subsidy. Imagine if these subsidies were going to local companies undertaking manufacturing of fertilisers, the number of jobs that would have been created in the sector would have been enormous. Unfortunately, the subsidies go to some of the companies importing fertilisers. This matter is very important. Kenya should not be left behind in efforts to improve our agricultural sector. Having looked at the performance of the economy in the last five years and noticed how it continues to diversify, I realise that one of the things that we should do is to encourage farmers to engage in commercial agriculture since most of them are engaged in small-scale farming. One of the outcomes that we would realise as an economy if we had all these companies manufacturing fertilisers is that most farmers would be interested in doing commercial farming, which is more profitable. If people engage in commercial farming, our tax bracket will widen. We do not tax agriculture because it is mostly practised by small-scale farmers. Some of the challenges that are forcing farmers to do small-scale farming include availability of cheap quality fertilisers from within our economy. With those remarks, I beg to move and request Hon…

It looks like you are spoilt for choice because of the very many…

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am, indeed, spoilt for choice, but let me have Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi to second.

Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to second this Motion, whose moving has been well executed by my brother, Hon. Samuel Atandi. First and foremost, we should use all means possible to ensure that fertilisers are manufactured locally. This country has enough professionals who can come up with fertilisers that are suitable for this country. Sometimes we import fertilisers whose quality is not appropriate to our farming. Sometimes back, a former Cabinet Secretary imported fake fertilisers. I do not know whether he was aware that the fertiliser was fake. That import ended up costing him his job. It is, therefore, important that the Government encourages investors to set up manufacturing plants for local manufacturing of fertilisers. As we do so, we will create jobs for our youths, professionals in agriculture and everybody else. We will also have fertilisers that are appropriate for our soil quality and quantity as mentioned by the Mover of the Motion. We will ensure that the fertilisers that will be going to western Kenya or the Rift Valley regions is appropriate for the soils in that area. Likewise, the Coast region and other parts of the country will receive fertilisers that are suitable for the soils in those areas. We spend so much money on importation of fertilisers. The prices are fixed thus there is no flexibility. As mentioned by the Mover, that is very important. Sometimes we are forced to spend a lot of our foreign exchange on whoever is importing. We need to regulate this. I have just mentioned that we need to improve the quality. If we produce fertilisers, the quality will be appropriate to the soil requirement of each region. I urge the Government to encourage companies, even if they are from overseas, to invest in the country and have fertilisers manufactured locally. The population of this country is growing daily. We should have enough food. This country is outstanding in the region. It has a lot of professionals. Given that scenario, we should be able to produce our own fertilisers instead of importing. Surrounding countries like Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and others in the East African bloc should be importing fertilisers from Kenya. We have the capacity to produce enough fertilisers for the region. That again answers The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

the question of foreign exchange, which is important in improving the standards of living and our economy generally. The East African countries have been relying on Kenya for many things. The Mover of the Motion is right in saying that Kenya should be the central hub of quality fertilisers for EAC countries. We should send people to EAC countries to assess their soil textures so that we can manufacture appropriate fertilisers for them instead of us importing fertilisers from other countries. This Motion will be committed to the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock for discussion, where I am a Member. The relevant ministries should assist us in improving fertiliser production. We should manufacture fertilisers for this country. With those remarks, I second the Motion.

Hon. Members, if you want to debate this Motion, please, press the intervention button. Hon. Gideon Ochanda, proceed.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I rise to support the Motion by my good neighbour, Hon. Atandi. We are an agriculture-led economy yet we are doing very little to produce our own fertilisers. We import virtually everything that we ought not to import in the agriculture sector. We import machinery and agricultural inputs like fuel and fertilisers. There is no way we can move forward as a country if we ignore what happens in the agriculture sector. As a Government, we ought to have realised this much earlier. We have been identifying strategic areas of investment. The way we have been investing in Kenya Airways (KQ) is the same way we ought to have invested in agriculture so that we do things that are easy to do, like manufacturing fertiliser. If Uganda, Tanzania and other countries that basically rely on Kenya can produce their own fertilisers, what is wrong with us? The Government ought to have realised this much earlier. If there are no private investors willing to take up this opportunity, the Government ought to have got into this area as a strategic investment to ensure availability of cheaper inputs for the sector of the economy that drives this country. A lot of noise across the country has a correlation with food availability. The more people go without food, the more they get angry over small issues. This is something we ought to have foreseen as a country. It is a contributing factor to the many things happening around. Nobody is patient enough to wait because people are hungry. The prices of food commodities are high. People are unable to afford them. Because of the subsidies on agricultural inputs over the last two years, we have done very well in terms of production. However, subsidies are not sustainable. Currently, there is a problem with fertiliser uptake. Farmers are queuing at NCPB depots for subsidised fertilisers. We are not saying that fertilisers are not available. There are shops that have a lot of fertilisers. People are queuing and waiting for Government fertilisers because of the subsidy. Subsidy is not sustainable. We must do away with it. We should produce our own fertilisers. We must make sure that prices of farm inputs are low. This will lead to more food production and bring down food prices. That way, we will reduce quite a bit of the noise around us. We have more or less the same ecological conditions with our neighbours. When it rains in Kenya, it rains in Tanzania, Uganda and parts of Rwanda. That is the time farmers require inputs like fertilisers. That is the time when Uganda and Tanzania hold onto their fertilisers for farmers to get it while you who is dependent on imports has no fertilisers. As I support this Motion, the issue should not be taken for granted. The Government must look at it in an aggressive manner even if there are no private investors who want to get into fertiliser production. You cannot have food reserve depots when you do not make sure that there is food. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

That is where we go wrong. The Government needs to wake up. It is late. The later we get, the more noises we will experience because of food prices. With those remarks, I support.

Member for Karachuonyo, Hon. Okuome.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me a chance to contribute to this important Motion.

Can the Sergeant-at-Arms come over? I do not have any support system here.

I thank my friend, Hon. Atandi, for bringing this Motion to the House. It is important as it touches the heart of everyone. It concerns everybody. A country with no food is not a country. Any country must be able to feed itself. Since the beginning of time, Kenya has been known as an agricultural country, yet we do not seem to be acting like one. It is a pity that Kenya imports food. Sometimes we do not even have enough food to the extent that our people are portrayed as suffering the most on the continent, yet we have the capacity to produce food.

In order for us to produce more food, we need fertilisers. If we import fertilisers, we will pay more for food than if we produced our own fertilisers. Where I come from, people do not use fertilisers, but they still harvest food. If they had fertilisers, they would produce more food per acre. I support the idea of locally manufacturing fertiliser because it will be available to more people and, therefore, we will produce more food. That will reduce the cost of living because we will produce more agricultural products as a country and manage the production so that everybody gets food.

I support this Motion because if we produce our own fertiliser, we will also employ more people to manufacture it. Due to high unemployment rates, we must think of how to create employment and this is just one area that can help us to do so. We must put in a lot of effort in this area. To do this efficiently, we should train our students on various types of agricultural activities so that when we begin to manufacture fertilisers locally, we will have well-trained staff to do it. That is the only way that we can increase food production in this country. I support the Motion.

Hon. Members, before we proceed, I would like to welcome students seated in the Speaker's Gallery this morning. We have students from Nairobi Comprehensive School from Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi County. We also have in the Public Gallery students from Bishop Lawi Imathiu Primary School, North Imenti Constituency, Meru County, and Koinange Comprehensive School from Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County. You are welcome to observe the proceedings of the National Assembly. On behalf of the House, I will give a chance to Hon. Marwa Kitayama of Kuria East Constituency to welcome the students. You are the first one on the list. Please, welcome the students and proceed to debate the Motion.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. First and foremost, I would like to welcome our students who have found time to come to this august House. This is the people's House. This is your House. This is where you send your Members of Parliament to come and discuss, debate, and articulate issues which concern the nation at large. I encourage all of you that even as you continue to pursue your studies, you may find it appropriate to have a broad array of career choices, but if all of you end up in Parliament, the better. That way, we can make Kenya better together. I also take this opportunity to join all parents who sent their children to school, and who are going back home. I am with you in prayer. This House prays for journey mercies as your The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

children travel back home. I pray that our children find favour at home as they proceed to do their homework and to study. I thank the teachers who have continually taken care of our children. As you send the children home, we pray that God may bless your families because you have done well this term. Before I contribute to the Motion, I want to recognise students from Gibarori Primary School in Kuria East Constituency. I acknowledge that they are also part of the proceedings today and I wish them well. I also thank my teachers because this year, we had the highest ever number of students qualifying for university. Kuria East Constituency registered 713 students in university, something that has never happened in the past. I acknowledge the collaboration of everyone in Kuria East Constituency, including the parents who support us.

It is not rocket science that the Government is subsidising fertiliser so that we can increase production. It is the right thing to do. It goes without saying that the foreign exchange that is used to import fertiliser creates employment in other countries and we end up losing in the process. We are also losing money that we could have used to set up fertiliser factories so that we can employ the thousands and thousands of students that we churn out of our universities every year.

I also note that this subsidy programme was initially met with a lot of skepticism, but now that it has become successful, we have new emerging challenges. Cartels have moved into this space to get cheap fertiliser, hoard it, and sell it at exorbitant prices. Establishing our own factories, creating employment and ensuring timely supply of fertiliser also encourages research. We thank our universities for their good work. However, this is another area that we can provide space for research to be done in order to broaden the minds and knowledge of our people. As we affirm that we are good, the entire world knows that we are good. We have very innovative young people. If you go world over, you will not miss a Kenyan in a research institution or a factory. This is the way to go so that we create space for them to contribute to national building. I support the Motion. I pray that this House passes the Motion and the Implementation Committee pushes it to a level that we will see action. I want to advise the Executive that this is an area that they can easily find favour with the people of Kenya if they invest in it appropriately. I also urge the Trade Department to propose laws that are friendly so that there is ease of doing business and investors can come in easily. At the end of the day, everybody will go home feeling that they can invest in this country. When they do so, they will be useful in this part of the world.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Member for Kuria East. Hon. Members, I understand that the Deputy Speaker had agreed that whoever wants to contribute to this Motion can use the intervention button. So, we will follow that. Hon. Zanzam Chimba, the Member for Mombasa

Asante, Mhe. Spika wa Muda kwa kunipa fursa hii. Kwanza nataka kuwaambia watu wangu wa Mombasa kuwa hawakuniona maana nilikuwa katika likizo ya miezi miwili nikiugua. Sasa mimerudi. Wataniona Bunge nikichapa kazi. Nachukua fursa hii kumpongeza Mhe. Atandi kwa kuleta Mswada huu unaosisitiza tuwe na viwanda vyetu vya mbolea ili tuboresha ukulima katika taifa hili. Tuongeze viwanda vyetu vya kutengeneza mbolea. Tunaagiza mbolea kutoka mataifa ya nje kwa sababu viwanda vyetu havitoshelezi wakulima wote. Kwa hivyo, Serikali ikiwekeza kwa ujenzi wa viwanda vya mbolea itatuletea faida kubwa. Vijana wetu watapata ajira. Tunavyojua, wakati huu na wakati wa Corona, vijana wengi walipoteza kazi na nafasi za kazi zimekuwa haba. Tukiongeza viwanda vya kutengeneza mbolea, vitatoa nafasi za ajira kwa vijana katika taifa letu. Mwaka jana, Mhe. Naibu Spika, dada yetu Gladys Sholei alileta Mswada kuhusu mbolea za sumu zilizokuwa zikiingia katika taifa hili. Wakulima walikuwa wakizitumia bila The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

kujua. Ziliwaletea maradhi mengi ya kutamausha kama vile kansa. Katika ubora wa bidhaa, tuwe na viwanda vyetu Kenya ambavyo vitaweza kufanya uchunguzi wa kutosha ili wakulima wajue mbolea zinazotoka humo ni bora kwa afya na mazingira. Tukiwa na viwanda vyetu vya mbolea, afya yetu na mazingira yatakuwa sawa kwa sababu hivyo viwanda vitaangalia ubora wa bidhaa zao katika taifa letu. Udongo wetu ni tofauti na udongo wa mataifa tunayonunua mbolea. Tukiwa na viwanda vyetu, udongo wetu utaangaliwa jinsi unavyozalisha; ikiongezwa mbolea ipi itakuwa na afadhali katika mazao au italeta madhara gani. Kwa hivyo, viwanda vyetu vitatengeneza mbolea inayoridhiana na udongo wetu. Mhe. Atandi alisema kuwa miaka miwili iliyopita, Kenya ilitumia takriban Ksh50 bilioni kuleta mbolea za bei ya kupungua katika mpango wa subsidy . Mpaka sasa, wakulima wanapanga foleni ya kutafuta mbolea katika National Cereals and Produce Board. Wengine wanakesha ili wapate mbolea kwa bei nafuu. Tukiongeza viwanda vyetu, haya mapeni ambayo tunapeleka mataifa ya nje tutatumia hapa nyumbani kuboresha mbolea yetu na kuiuza kwa bei nafuu kwa sababu ya kuwa na viwanda vya kutosha. Kwa hivyo, tutapunguza bajeti ya kuagiza bidhaa kutoka nje. Tukiagiza bidhaa kutoka nje, tunatumia pesa nyingi katika clearance mipakani pamoja na mambo mengi mengine. Wakati mwingine mbolea hukaa bandarini kwa muda mrefu ikingoja clearance huku wakulima wakisubiri kupata mbolea hiyo. Viwanda vyetu vikiongezwa, wakulima wataweza kuenda kwa kiwanda chochote kununua mbolea ili walime kwa wakati mwafaka. Leo, wakulima wengi wanalalamika kuwa mvua imeanza na wamelima mashamba japo hawawezi kupanda kwa sababu ya ukosefu wa mbolea. Tukiweza kutengeneza mbolea hapa nyumbani, itarahisisha wakulima kupata mbolea kwa wepesi, kulima, na kupanda kwa wakati. Hili litazidisha uchumi wa taifa letu. Ilivyo sasa, tunapeleka pesa nyingi nje ya nchi. Ikiwa tutafanya bajeti yetu na pesa izunguke nchini, faida kubwa itarudi katika taifa letu na tutapunguza maradhi. Kina mama hulazwa mahospitali kwa sababu ya vyakula wanavyokula vilivyo pandwa kwa kutumia mbolea kutoka ng’ambo. Alivyosema Mhe. Gladys Sholei, hivyo ni chanzo cha maradhi hapa Kenya. Ubora wa ardhi yetu umepotea kwa sababu ya mbolea tunazotumia. Zimeharibu mazingira. Maji yanayotoka katika udongo huo na kuingia katika mito yetu inanywewa ilhali ina sumu kwa sababu ya mbolea zinazotumiwa kutoka nje ya taifa letu. Sumu hii hupatikana katika vyakula vyetu tunavyokula. Watu wengi wamepatwa na maradhi na kupoteza maisha kutokana na vyakula hivi. Naunga mkono Hoja hii. Vijana watapata ajira, afya itakuwa bora, vyakula vitakuwa kwa wingi katika taifa na malalamishi yatapungua. Mtu yeyote mwenye njaa lazima atapiga kelele. Hata hivyo, akishiba chakula kizuri kisichoweza kumletea maradhi, atatulia. Katika hospitali zetu, foleni za watu walio na maradhi itokanayo na vyakula vilivyoingia sumu zitapungua. Nampongeza sana Mhe. Atandi kwa kuleta Hoja hii ambayo ni muhimu sana kwa Wakenya. Napendekeza kuwa wakulima waangaliwe vizuri kwa sababu wao ndio watakaotupa lishe bora na kufanya Wakenya wawe na shibe. Tukifungua viwanda vyetu, bei ya mbolea itashuka. Wengi hupanga foleni kule National Cereals and Produce Board kutafuta mbolea kwa sababu mbolea huko ni bei nafuu. Tukifungua viwanda vyetu na tupunguze bei, tutawafanyia nafuu na watalima wakiwa na raha. Mazao yao shambani yatatoka vizuri na Kenya itastawi. Tusemavyo, ukulima ndio uti wa mgongo wa taifa. Wakulima wakiwa na raha, Wakenya pia watakuwa na furaha. Ahsante sana.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Asante sana, Mbunge wa Mombasa County. Ningependa kuchukua fursa hii kukaribisha wanafunzi wetu ambao The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

wamekuja kutembelea Bunge ambao wameketi katika Ukumbi wa Spika kutoka shule ya Gibarori JSS, Kuria East, Migori County. Tuwakaribishe katika Bunge.

Pia, katika Ukumbi wa Umma, tuko na wanafunzi kutoka Town View Primary, Ol Jorok, Nyandarua County. Karibuni katika Bunge kufuatilia mambo yanayoendelea hapa. Ningependa kumuita Mbunge wa Marsabit County, Mhe. Naomi Waqo, aweze kuwakaribisha na pia achangie Hoja hii.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for allowing me to contribute and to welcome students from different schools. It is great for young people to come and see what happens here in Parliament. It is through this that they learn. I welcome them to observe the proceedings of Parliament and encourage them to work hard in their studies so that they can become great people in the future. Some of us come from humble backgrounds and it was not easy for us to study, but today, we are here legislating and figuring the best way to run this Government. It is, therefore, upon our students, parents, and teachers to combine efforts so that they can be great people in the future, some of whom will represent the nation in this Parliament. I wish you all the best as you study hard and I encourage the teachers because many of us are who we are because of the investment that teachers made. I also encourage parents to continue supporting their children. Hon. Temporary Speaker, production and manufacturing of fertilisers in our country is the most important thing that we are discussing today. I encourage many of us to debate this because many Kenyans are farmers who depend on our contribution and guidance. Through our contributions, we can guide the country in the right direction. I also congratulate Hon. Atandi for coming up with this timely Motion. It is my prayer that the Committee gives this all the attention it deserves and that it will be implemented soon. As I said, many Kenyans depend on farming. Although these days we cannot depend a lot on rains, many Kenyans have educated their children through farming and many are still passionate about it. Unfortunately, the youth today are not interested in farming even though that is the only economic activity we can invest in to earn a living. It is the only sector we can create employment for our youth and grown-ups who are taking care of their families and looking for funds. It is unfortunate that the country currently depends on imported products. Sixty years after Independence, we are still importing fertilier. We are promoting other people and creating employment for them yet we are denying our locals that opportunity. The more we encourage local manufacturers, the better for our country. This will enable us to harvest more. When we depend on external manufacturers and importation, sometimes there are delays. For instance, presently, farmers want to plant have no fertilisers. Cartels have taken advantage and interfered a lot, which is disadvantageous to our farmers. If we have local manufacturers, production will be done on time and everything will be favourable including the soil. The farmers will buy at a cheaper rate than what we are currently spending which in turn means creation of employment opportunities for our people and use of our resources to manufacture fertilisers. It also means timely release of fertilisers to the farmers. Hon. Temporary Speaker, when we produce our own fertiliers, we will have quick solutions to the challenges that arise during planting and other stages. We will also increase our food production because farmers will easily collect their fertilisers for use. Local production and manufacturing will also foster economic growth. Currently, our country is going through a lot. When the Government subsidised fertilisers, our food production increased. I encourage the Government, especially our President, who is so passionate, to continue with the same passion because it is only through such subsidies that our country can The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

have food security. As I said, there will be creation of jobs and we will overcome high costs due to local production. I agree with the Motion that the national Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, supports and promotes local fertiliser manufacturing industries by investing in research and development to boost the domestic fertiliser manufacturing sector. That is the only way we can create wealth, grow our farmers, and utilise the skills of our youth who are knowledgeable in farming, agribusiness and research. With those few remarks, I support.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Next is the Member for Moiben, Hon. (Prof) Phylis Bartoo.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to also contribute to this Motion on fertiliser. I also thank Hon. Atandi for bringing this Motion to the House. I come from a very important region in this country, Uasin Gishu County, the bread-basket of Kenya. Fertilier is a very key component in my region. When the current Government came in place, it gave farmers promises and one of them was fertiliser subsidy. That was a way of building capacity for farmers so that they could increase productivity. I am a product of maize farming because that is how I was educated and I am a professor courtesy of my parents planting maize. It is unfortunate that…

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Bartoo, for the sake of encouraging the students, I would like you to tell them which field you are a professor in.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. To the students in the House, I welcome you to this very important House where laws of the land are made. My name is Professor Phylis Bartoo, Member of Parliament for Moiben Constituency. Before I became a Member of Parliament, I was a professor of Linguistics at Egerton University for 25 years. I welcome you and encourage you to work hard in school. Be disciplined and focused and eventually you may find yourselves here or become very senior members of the Republic of Kenya, including becoming the President of the Republic of Kenya. Karibuni sana and feel at home. Hon. Temporary Speaker, regarding fertilisers, I am a beneficiary of farming. I got a chance to go to school because my parents were farmers. It is important that we encourage local manufacturers because we, as a country, have come of age. We have the best researchers in the country who can test our soil and determine the kind and quality of fertiliser we require. We no longer need to depend on imports from other countries which we are not sure of their quality. We cannot control their entry because sometimes our officers at the entry points are compromised. It is planting season right now in my county, and we are supposed to plant. We should have started even as early as last month. The stress which farmers are undergoing in the North Rift is huge. In Moiben Constituency, I have three cooperatives tasked with the responsibility of distributing fertilisers to farmers. At the moment, the farmers are queuing at the Progressive Farmers’ Cooperative Society, but there is no fertiliser. When you go to Tuiyotich Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Sergoit Ward, the farmers are queuing, but there is no fertiliser. There is also no fertiliser at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in Eldoret. If we can encourage and support our local manufacturers to manufacture fertiliser, they will ensure that it is available and timely throughout the year. Our farmers will not be waiting until the planting season so that they can rush to the NCPB to queue. Sometimes, some of them go back without getting it which becomes very expensive. If this fertiliser is available and it is manufactured by the local manufacturers, it will create employment for our young people. If we will have several manufacturers pitched in several parts of Kenya, all these young people, scholars and researchers who have gone to school, studied and are experts in agriculture, will be utilised. This is also another way of creating employment. It will ease the burden of the The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Government of caring for the unemployed young people. I saw on social media that there is a group of youth who have started a party called Jobless Youth in Kenya. They want to register it as a political party. We should be creative and look for avenues where local manufacturers create job opportunities and support society. Manufacturing fertiliser is very key because it will enable us to be exporters. Why should we import fertiliser from other countries, yet we have capacity to manufacture enough for Kenya and rest of Africa? We can even export it to other countries like China where most people bring fertiliser from. We have the ingredients, scholars, capacity and brains to do this. What are we waiting for? It is high time we took it seriously and implemented it. It should not be a matter of debating it here in the House and then it goes to the archives and nothing happens. We should walk the talk. Let us encourage and promote our local manufacturers. Let them even begin work as soon as yesterday, so that we have enough fertiliser next year. Our farmers were duped last year. They bought sub-standard fertiliser and even the production was very poor. Some of them bought very expensive and useless fertiliser which is not suitable for their soil. There was a shortage and farmers were desperate. They were willing to pay something to get fertiliser so that they could plant. The planting season in Kenya is very definite. If you miss it, you lose it. When it is your turn to plant and you do not have the fertiliser, it becomes problematic. I am very happy because this Motion is being debated today. I look forward to seeing our manufacturers rolling and starting the manufacturing business. We will not only build capacity for farmers, but also enable them to continue farming by giving them subsidy. Let it remain with our local manufacturers. Let us support and grow our manufacturers. Let us believe in ourselves and Kenya by believing that everything is possible. We should not look at our borders for support. We have come of age. It is high time we sat, had confidence in ourselves and supported our local manufacturers. It will be good all the way. I support the Motion.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you. Hon. Members, I would like to welcome students seated in the Public Gallery. We have students from Chelilis Girls’ Secondary School from Bureti Constituency in Kericho County. Welcome to the National Assembly to observe the proceedings of the House. We can welcome them in our usual way.

Thank you. Hon. Members, I will allow the Member for Keiyo North to welcome the students. He is first in line. Hon. Adams Kipsanai, Member for Keiyo North, welcome students and continue with the debate.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I take this opportunity to welcome our students to this House of Parliament where laws are made. As they pursue their studies, I encourage them to have a vision and an interest that one day they will serve in this august House. I also thank the parents for putting effort in paying their school fees in order to see their children pursue education. Welcome to this House and feel encouraged. I thank Hon. Atandi for coming up with this very important Motion. Fertiliser is very important in this country. It beats logic that we are the leaders and giants in the region in terms of infrastructure, digital development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and economy, but we have failed to sort out the food security of our people. This Motion is even late. The decision to establish a manufacturing plant for fertiliser in our country is a bit late. However, it will very important because this is the only way of guaranteeing food security to our population and creating job opportunities for Kenyans. Kenya The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

is blessed to have a young population most of whom are unemployed. This is the only way they can be encouraged to join agribusiness, advance themselves economically and have something in their pockets. Secondly, it is about food safety. Currently in our country and in the world, we have many cases of diseases which are mainly caused by what we consume. Research shows that cancer is caused by what we consume as a population. Having a manufacturing firm that takes care of the interest of our population is very important. Farmers are making minimal profit margins because of the cost of fertiliser. If we have a manufacturing firm within our country, Kenyans will afford fertiliser because it will be cheap. This will enable them to break the margin. As a country, that is the only way that we will stabilise our economy and help our farmers grow themselves. Supporting and promoting local fertiliser manufacturing industries will also sort out short supply. At the moment, there are many farmers who are trying to beat deadlines. We have planting cycles, and if a farmer misses the first part of the year, especially in the North Rift and other parts of the country, it becomes extremely difficult to cultivate again. Despite the Government's significant effort in subsidising fertiliser, which has provided some relief to farmers, it has not fully addressed the longstanding issue affecting agriculture in this country. The problem is minimal supply. The initiative to establish a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Kenya will help us in resolving these challenges. However, as we discuss domestic fertiliser production as a country, we must reflect on a pertinent issue. The Jubilee Government initiated a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Uasin Gishu around 2014-2016, yet the project did not take off. When we asked questions, we were told that vested interests intervened, including cartels keen on maintaining the import supply chain of the fertiliser. Beyond these interests, the cost of production remains a significant deterrent. Many individuals are hesitant to establish farms in Kenya due to high electricity costs and the extensive list of business requirements, including numerous licences from county and national governments. It is imperative to streamline these bureaucratic demands for any investor keen on establishing a fertiliser manufacturing facility in our country. This would create employment opportunities for the youth, ensure timely fertiliser supply to farmers, and enhance national food security. I commend Hon. Atandi for bringing this important Motion. It will help in advancing our country’s agricultural sector. As I wind up, I want to acknowledge the Government's ongoing efforts to support farmers, despite the persistent challenges they face in crop production.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Danson Mwashako, Member for Wundanyi.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for allowing me to contribute to this significant Motion brought by Hon. Atandi, advocating for the prioritisation of fertiliser manufacturing in Kenya. Kenya is known for many things. If you look at it, our universities produce top researchers, and our rapid adoption of technology has positioned us as a potential first-world country. However, despite these achievements, we have neglected our fundamental needs, particularly agriculture. For the longest time, 80 per cent of Kenya’s population has been supported by agriculture, which remains the backbone of our economy. We have been told this many times. Rather than focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, we have prioritised trade at the expense of food security. This Motion, calling for the establishment of a fertiliser plant, deserves full support from Parliament and across the country. More importantly, the Government must swiftly implement the resolution passed by this House at the end of the Motion. The national fertiliser The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

subsidy programme, which we have been running, has been consuming substantial resources, but still faces numerous challenges. Every budget year, billions of shillings are allocated to this fertiliser subsidy programme, but there are many issues that bedevil the programme. Farmers continue to suffer due to delays in fertiliser distribution. These delays disrupt farming cycles and undermine agricultural productivity. Although the Government claims that the subsidy has improved food production, as the President recently talked of how much we produce, concerns remain. This planting season, some farmers have yet to receive fertiliser despite the season nearing its end. The sustainability of fertiliser subsidies is questionable, and we cannot continue relying on them. Its sustainability raises a lot of questions. We ask ourselves: For how long are we going to subsidise fertiliser? While the cost has been reduced from Ksh6,000 to Ksh2,500 per bag, we must ask: For how long can we sustain this subsidy? With constrained resources, continuous subsidisation is not viable. Over the past few years, the Government has spent more than Ksh50 billion on subsidies, an amount that could have been used to establish a fertiliser manufacturing plant. This Motion has come at the right time. Parliament must set clear timelines for implementation to ensure national food security. If we are to have food security as a country, we cannot continue relying on imported fertiliser. It exposes us to external disruptions, as seen during the post COVID-19 period and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which have significantly affected global supply chains. Kenya remains vulnerable to geopolitical tensions that impact fertiliser-producing countries such as China, Russia, and the United States. Across Africa, fertiliser manufacturing is concentrated in North Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa. In our region, there are no major fertiliser producers, presenting Kenya with a significant market opportunity. With the East African region's population exceeding 250 million, local production would not only enhance our food security, but also create an export market, strengthening our economy. Food security is a global priority, and Kenya must take decisive action. I am happy that this Motion has been introduced by the new Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriation Committee. If we just talk without putting in resources, then nothing will come out of our discussion here. As we move towards tabling the 2025/2026 Budget, it is essential to allocate seed capital to support research, promote, and implement the idea we are discussing today. Without financial backing, this discussion will remain theoretical, with no tangible outcomes. I urge the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriation Committee to ensure that the Ministry of Agriculture secures the necessary funds to advance this initiative. Establishing a fertiliser manufacturing plant will guarantee food security, increase agricultural yields, and position Kenya as a leader in the regional market. We can improve the yields of our farmers by getting cheap fertiliser. At the same time, we can create employment for millions of our young people who are out there seeking for jobs, but are unable to get employment. I, therefore, support the Motion.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Hon. Christine Ombaka, Member for Siaya County

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity. I would like to support my colleague and friend, Hon. Atandi, who also comes from Siaya, where I am the Woman Representative. He is one of the Members from there. I support this Motion because it deals with food on the table. It is about food security and it ensures that there is no hunger in this country. This country has been known to suffer from hunger because of lack of food. People in this country have died in the past because of hunger. With such a scenario, the best option we have is this Bill. This Bill will improve the situation, so that we do not have people dying of hunger like in the past. Farmers need manure and fertilisers. As I The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

speak, I am receiving messages from farmers who are planting that they want seeds and fertilisers. They want me to support them. But as an individual, how can I do that in the whole Siaya County? People want me to support them by giving them fertiliser. We have subsidised fertilisers. But even the subsidised fertiliser is still expensive for our people. They cannot afford it. That is why they want me to step in and support them. That means that if we produce fertilisers locally, it may be cheaper and, therefore, it may be possible for many people to access it. That is why it is important we have an institution that can produce cheap fertilisers that are easily accessed by farmers to enable them produce crops and food for food security. It is common sense. It is key that we support this Bill and stop importation of fertilisers. We have seen what importation has done in the past. They imported fake fertilisers that would not help us. Such fertilisers are dangerous, poisonous and not good for food production. If we go local, we may succeed. It will bring the cost down and more people will access fertilisers. More farmers will benefit and they will produce more food and in turn, we will have food security. It is common sense. We have universities with departments of agriculture. We also have colleges that train people in agriculture. We also have a Ministry of Agriculture. What have these institutions been doing all these years? By now we should be independent to produce our own fertilisers. We should also be able to distribute them across the country, sustain our lives, and put food on our table. So, the challenge here is the very institutions that train people in agriculture. What are the universities doing? We need an answer from them. What are they doing in terms of producing cheap fertiliser that can be accessed by many people? What is the Ministry of Agriculture doing? What are these colleges doing? Where are the farmers who need these things? We need more farmers, both large-scale and small-scale. The local women in the villages farm even if they have little gardens that need fertilisers. I saw on television some young people trying to come up with fertilisers they can use to plant some crops. But they are small scale. They try and that is an effort. So, these are very encouraging initiatives. There are people who have come up with ways to improve food production. But if the Government comes wholesale into this matter, supported by local people and by those who know how to farm, this country will be very far. I support this Motion because it is going to eradicate hunger and poverty and many people will not go without food. The challenge is how to look for funds to start big plants that can produce fertilisers for our people. The first step is to be on our own. We cannot continue importing dangerous fertilisers that we do not know how they are manufactured and how safe they are. So, let us go local to make it cheaper. Let more people access it and let there be more food on the table to eradicate hunger and poverty in this country. I thank Hon. Atandi. This is something we must go far with because it is on high demand. We need local fertilisers, but not the imported ones. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachel Nyamai): Thank you. Hon. Wilfer, Wilfer

. Sorry about my kikamba accent. Hon. Wilberforce Oundo, Member for Funyula.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Sometimes, my name can be a tongue twister, but you have done your best. Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me to stand on this Floor at this moment to support the Motion by Hon. Samuel Atandi regarding supporting and promoting local fertiliser manufacturing industries. For many years, agriculture has been the mainstay of the people of Kenya and for many years, it has been like the black gold for the people of Kenya. However, over the years, productivity has reduced considerably for various reasons. One of the reasons has been depletion of natural resources and nutrients in the soil because of over cropping. There have The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

also been result of bad agricultural practices that have literally decimated the good part of the soil. We remember many years back, during the days of President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, he would lead daily and weekly activities to fix gabions and plant trees in order to manage soil erosion. There is a plethora of reasons that have led to soil failure and reduced productivity. It is, therefore, inevitable that in many parts of this country, commercial or chemical fertilisers are becoming almost a necessity, a requirement for anyone to produce any food of any value. I come from Busia. We have not been keen consumers or major consumers of fertilisers because our soils have remained fertile and generally have been producing crops adequate to feed ourselves and return something small for commercial purposes. But for the last few years, that is no longer the case. Crop failure has become preeminent. Therefore, it is important that we find ways and means of boosting the application of interventions to improve productivity. Kenya consumes about 700,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser each year. It is projected that for us to sustain food production that can sustain our economy and population, we might have to consume about one billion metric tonnes of fertiliser in the next two to three years. Our manufacturing capacity is literally minimal. It is presumed that almost 90 per cent of the fertiliser used in this country is imported at a heavy cost in terms of foreign exchange, exported jobs and other issues. That is why we urge the executive government, both at the national and county levels, to invest in production of local fertiliser. It is laudable and should be supported wholeheartedly, by all State organs. When you speak to known manufacturers, the Kenya Vision 2030 was supposed to account for 15 per cent of the economy by 2030. It is hardly seven per cent. That means we are lagging behind with less than five years to go. One of the reasons why manufacturing has failed to meet its target is because the cost of production in this country is higher compared to importing. By adding other import taxes, the price of many imported products, including fertiliser, is lower than locally produced products. I urge the Government to assess costs of factors of production and work strategically to reduce the costs. Otherwise, what Hon. Atandi has asked us to resolve will merely add to the many volumes of unimplementable parliamentary or policy decisions. We urge the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Budget and Appropriations Committee to work with the National Treasury, the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) and other economic think tanks to seriously examine how we can reduce the cost of production.

Our electricity costs are the highest ever in this part of the world. We cannot compete with Egypt or Ethiopia. Our unpredictable tax regime makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for any manufacturer to have a long-term view or plan. Further, because of our uncanny habit of cutting corners, many products do not even meet local standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). As a result, whatever we produce does not benefit us much. It is, therefore, important that all manufacturers that choose to produce fertiliser locally, adhere to the standards set under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), so that they produce globally competitive products.

It is also important to appreciate that manufactured fertilisers contain chemicals that could turn harmful in the long run and may also deplete the natural ingredients in the soil. As we vouch for local production of fertiliser, can we explore natural ways of improving soil fertility? Our agriculture-based universities can lead research in this matter. We hope and pray that there is sufficient funding for research and development to enable us to proceed.

This is not the first time to attempt to set up a fertiliser factory. On 3rd September 2015, the then Deputy President, who is the President now, went to Eldoret with colours and pomp and launched a plant to manufacture fertilisers. As is typical of the many stories we hear in this country, it was just hot stories. We urge that we do not treat Kenyans to a charade. We should make sure that whatever we purport to do, happens. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

As I conclude, we have subsidised fertiliser. The mere fact fertiliser price is subsidised in this country is a tax incentive. We can never continue with subsidies. Many countries in the world have done away with subsidies. We must find ways and means of producing at prices that support the economy. We should also get out of the fixation that of looking at food security. We must produce for money, export and value addition.

With those few remarks, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support the Motion.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Professor.

Hon. Members, help me to welcome students who are seated in the Public Gallery, from Kate Academy, Ruiru Constituency, Kiambu County. Seated in the Speaker's Gallery, we have students from Gai Secondary School, Mwingi North, Kitui County. You are welcome to the National Assembly to continue observing the proceedings of the House.

I request the Member for Kaiti, Hon. Kimilu, to welcome students seated in both the Public and Speaker’s galleries, as you contribute to the Motion.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for the opportunity. I welcome the students to the House. I encourage them to learn from this Parliament. Tomorrow, we expect some of them to become Members of Parliament and others to hold significant positions in this country. It is possible. One time, I used to come to this Parliament to follow its proceedings, and today I am a Member of Parliament. I encourage the students to go around Parliament and know what happens.

I take this opportunity to support the Motion by Hon. Atandi. It has come at the right time. Fertiliser is key to our country’s development. When we have our own fertiliser plant, we can confidently say we have food security. Some of our areas have good soils. For example, Kaiti Constituency has some of the best soils. However, due to rainfall patterns, we only receive short rains. For the farmers in Makueni to get good yield, they need fertiliser. Yesterday, I had a very busy day receiving calls from my constituents who had gone to Makueni, but found no fertiliser. They were calling me thinking I could have a solution. Fertiliser is key in our country.

If we establish our own fertiliser plant, it will help this country. It will also create employment. Kenyans are crying and loitering in the streets looking for jobs. Two years ago, I visited a fertiliser plant in China and I was shocked to see that it employed more than 3,000 workers. If we establish our own fertiliser plants, we can employ many youths desperately looking for jobs. That can improve the living standards of Kenyans.

My colleague Hon. Caleb Amisi was almost in tears when talking because of calls from his constituents. He looks very tired. He did not sleep because of lack of fertiliser in his constituency. He comes from a region that heavily depends on agriculture.

Hon

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I described him because we talked about fertiliser a few minutes ago. I sympathise with him because of the challenges we face due to fertiliser shortage. If we establish our own fertiliser plant, we can sort the challenge of fertiliser shortage once and for all. If we have our own plant, fertiliser prices will go down and fertilisers will in turn be affordable for Kenyans. This can also improve the living standards of our people, who are crying due to lack of school fees. Our current economy requires some people to engage in business and others to engage in serious farming, so that they can get money to pay school fees. This can be improved by having a fertiliser manufacturing plant in our country that can create more jobs and generate income for our The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

people. Some parts of the country get short rains and with fertilisers, they can plant crops that thrive under the short rains and get a good yield, which will improve their living standards. The only form of employment in most parts of the country is farming. A large percentage of Kenyans are farmers. Most retirees go back to their villages to engage in farming. We need to encourage this because when people go back to their villages and engage in farming, we decongest the city. That will also help with rural-to-urban migration. We need to start decongesting the city. People should migrate from the city to the villages. People come to the city to look for jobs, but there are none. However, if they go back to their villages, they can engage in farming and earn something. That can encourage people to go back to their villages. This is one way of preventing rural-to-urban migration. We have good institutions in our country, including our universities, which can do good research to improve the quality of machines and chemicals we need to make good fertiliser, which will improve farming in the country. I support the Motion and urge all the Members of this House to support it because it is very important to our country and it will also help our youth.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Caleb Luyai, Member for Saboti.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to also add my voice to this very important Motion. I did not want to interrupt my very good friend, Hon. Kimilu, when he mentioned me, but I can assure him that he has no power to carry my burdens. I heard him pitying my situation in Trans Nzoia. He has no power. Only God has the power to carry all my burdens. In the very first sentence of this Motion, the Mover is aware that the Fertilisers and Animal Foodstuffs Act, 2015, provides for the regulation of fertiliser importation in the country. He also notes that the Fertilisers and Animal Foodstuffs Board regulates the fertiliser and animal foodstuffs industry, including the manufacture and production of fertilisers. So, we are aware of the existence of legislation, Acts, and policies. There are a number of Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) that have been established in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. The Ministry has one of the largest numbers of SAGAs among the ministries in the country such as the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) which was formerly the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), and the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) that has several departments for each crop. They have departments for pyrethrum, maize, sorghum, cashew nuts for those from the Coast, sugar, tea, and coffee, all under one umbrella of AFA. I can go on and on. Very many departments have been established, some on the crops side, and others on the animal side. We are blessed with fauna and flora as a country. We are supposed to be food sufficient since agriculture was established as the backbone of this nation. Looking at our colonial history, when the British colonisers arrived here, they did not single out Kenya as a mineral destination. Kenya was neither a gold-rich nor an oil-rich nation. The British established a colony in Kenya because they discovered it to be an agricultural-rich nation. We have since moved out of that sector. Agriculture is no longer the backbone of this republic. We are moving to other economic frontiers. However, you cannot stand strong as a nation if you are not food sufficient. The superpowers are strong. Russia has held Europe by its neck or balls because of being food sufficient. Ukraine has become the centre of a global war because of being a food- sufficient nation. You cannot become a superpower without being food sufficient. Kenya prides itself on being part of the East African hegemony. But we can no longer flourish in the past glory of being part of an East African hegemony because we neglected our very backbone that The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

made our economy strong. Fertiliser is at the very centre of the “bone marrow” of our economy, which is agriculture. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries led by Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines were at par, or trailing Kenya in terms of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They all faced the same colonial masters and were all colonised. What made them move a step ahead? It is not that they suddenly discovered minerals or something else. They emphasised on agriculture, which was their strength, just like agriculture is the strength of most African nations. They improved their production, value addition, and maximised profits from agriculture. Apart from making broad coalitions to cater to their internal politics, just like we have a Broad-Based Government to have a conducive political environment to flourish as a nation, they emphasised on local food production that was sold internationally, the textile industry, and bureaucratic institutions that ensured there was no corruption and cabal systems, which have always been our problem as a country. We need not overemphasise legislation on fertilisers. We have enough legislation. It is good this Motion proposes a discourse for the nation to discuss where we are going wrong. It should not lead us into more legislation, Bills, and policies. We have enough. We must cultivate the culture of a nation that wants to flourish, develop, and become an international giant. That culture is missing in our top leadership and it trickles down to the line ministries up to the local level. We must establish a culture of proper leadership; good leadership that determines where the nation is, where it was and where it needs to go. Before you start thinking about legislation, which we have in plenty, we need to establish a country that has a right-thinking leadership from the top. If the leadership is rotten at the top, then we do not expect miracles at the bottom. This is not bottom-up, this is top-down. You have to come from top to bottom. I can see my friend looking at me and almost giving a rejoinder, but that is how we will make our country better. We must start from top to bottom in terms of corruption, the rest of the things can be done from bottom to top, but in terms of corruption and making sure that the proper leadership in this country that directs the country in the right way, we must start from the top. I dare say that we have messed this country right from the top and that is where we need to start. When we say that the fertiliser industry has cartels, why are these cartels flourishing without the top most leadership’s intervention? We must ask ourselves those bitter questions. The reason our African nations are lagging behind is because we never discovered what ails us. The Asian countries discovered and that is the reason they are in the category of developmental states which you can call mercantilism, where the trade surplus makes the country flourish. You can call it Marxism, or capitalism, but all in all you must discover the strength of a nation and develop it from there. To me, agriculture remains the strength of this nation and we must promote it. So, the area of fertiliser is not an area that we need to over- emphasise in terms of legislation, this is an area that needs a good culture of leadership. We cannot have SAGAs all over, consuming our natural resources and resources from our National Treasury without any action. We have SAGAs that exist for production, for research. That is where we need start. We do not need to establish another SAGA when one is already in existence whose primary responsibility is for production of vaccines. We have the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), the Kenya Veterinary Board, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). We can name many of them, but what are they doing? We need to establish and look at what authority formed these SAGAs, why they exist and what they have done so far. If they do not function, then can we merge them or restructure them so that we do not waste too much of our resources towards moribund organisations. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I support.

The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Is it a point of order?

Okay. Hon. Members, I would like to welcome students from Moi Educational Centre, Lang’ata Constituency, Nairobi County. Hon. Members, help me to welcome them.

You are welcome to the National Assembly to observe the proceedings of the House. I would like to give a chance to Hon. Owen Baya to welcome our students in the absence of the Member for Suba North, a leader in this House who had expressed interest to welcome these students. Hon. Baya, proceed and you may also debate.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. One, I want to welcome the students to this august House that has leaders elected from all over the country for them to observe the proceedings of this House. I would like to urge them to work hard in school and to aspire to be leaders so as to step in this chamber as leaders, not as students. I wish them all the best in their studies and let them enjoy their time in school, do their best and come out as great leaders just like there are, in this House. Thank you very much. I want to make my contribution by supporting and promoting the local fertiliser manufacturing industry, but before I do that, I want to tell Hon. Caleb Amisi, the Member from one of the constituencies in Trans Nzoia, that he is still held up in the 19th century politics of marxism and mercantilism. That is almost 18th or 19th century stuff. I see a lot of his writings on Twitter and all that, but I see his mind is actually fixated there, and I would like to tell him that it did not help the world. Hon. Temporary Speaker, Russia and Yugoslavia collapsed because of the same principles that Hon. Caleb Amisi is advocating for Kenya to adopt, in order to move forward in development. We are in a new era of thinking and ideologies in this world. Capitalism remains the principal anchor of development in the world. It is still the anchor for making money in the world. It equalises nations. Socialism, marxism, fascism and all those ideologies from 18th and 19th centuries are bypassed. Nations that adhered to them collapsed. Hon. Caleb Amisi, this country will move on a trajectory of developmental issues anchored properly in agriculture. The Agrarian Revolution still persists. We must invest in agriculture.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Caleb Amisi, do you have a point of order? The best way is to press the intervention button instead of raising your hand. However, I will give you the chance to raise it.

I was struggling to do it, but it is working now. With due respect to my colleague and Deputy Leader of the Majority Party in this House, he has diverted from the Motion. It is not about Hon. Caleb Amisi’s ideology, but on supporting and promoting local fertiliser manufacturing industries. I will bring another Motion here that will discuss Hon. Caleb Amisi’s ideology. The Member will have enough time to contribute.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): What is out of order? Do you believe he is being irrelevant? The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

He is being irrelevant and continuously mentioning my name. He is attaching some ideologies, which I do not follow, to my name. He has not brought a substantive Motion to discuss my name.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Before you respond, I keenly followed what Hon. Baya said. I believe he was reacting to what you had said which is allowed in the House. This is a House of debate. He is not being irrelevant. So, nothing is out of order.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Kenya already has factories that manufacture fertiliser which is a fact. Is the fertiliser being manufactured in this country enough? It is not. How do we fill the gap? We can only do this if we get other investors to come and invest in the country, set up more fertiliser plants and manufacture more fertiliser, so that our farmers can have enough fertiliser for their farms. On the upshot of that, if more fertiliser is manufactured in the country, we will reduce the use of foreign exchange to import fertiliser. Importation is one of the problems that causes the imbalance of trade between this country and others. We continue to import even things that we must not. I want to see more investors. I ask the people of Trans Nzoia to demand that their Member of Parliament invites more investors there to set up fertiliser manufacturing plants. This will enable the farmers to get cheaper fertiliser. There are regions that can give us very big output.

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, you seem to be attracting a lot of points of order. You have another one from the Member for Funyula.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, my good friend is diverting attention. Honestly speaking, it is not the sole business of Hon. Amisi to scout for investors to come and invest in Trans Nzoia County in a fertiliser manufacturing plant. It is on record that the current President has globe-trotted the world for the last three to four years, yet a single fertiliser plant has not been set up. Restrict yourself to the debate.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): What exactly is out of order?

It is politically out of order to incite the public against Hon. Amisi for no apparent reason.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): You have made your point. Hon. Baya, focus on the subject matter. I am now forced to defend Hon. Amisi. In the interest of time, I see six Members who would like to speak. Hon. Members, we did not agree on reducing time. So, you still have ten minutes. However, if all of you would like to speak, you may choose to speak for four to five minutes. Please, finalise.

I will restrict myself to five minutes, so that I can save time. Investors come into this country to invest. Firstly, they bring in foreign direct investment into the country, which helps this country to grow its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Secondly, when investments are made here, productivity goes up. When the productivity of the country goes up, we become a more food-secure country. I want to urge leaders that even as they point out mistakes of this Ministry for not doing various things, they should also look at it as leaders. When you say you must start at the top, there is always somebody at the top in the county and constituency. It requires all of us to hold hands together to ensure that we move this country forward. Usually, a leader at the top uses others to influence change. Change cannot be influenced if other leaders are not joining hands. We must bring change in the area of manufacturing fertiliser in this country to ensure that we are food-secure as a country. This Motion by Hon. Samuel Atandi is timely. The rains are here, and farmers are looking for The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

fertiliser, but there is scarcity. We can do better as a country when we ensure that we have more investors coming to invest in the fertiliser sector. The other issue is with seeds. In my constituency, everybody is saying that they want seeds. They want planting material that can help them grow food. The people in this country are not lazy. They are industrious people who know if they grow food, they will become food- secure, food-sufficient, and poverty will leave their homes. As leaders, are we doing enough to ensure that we give them planting materials to ensure we have more food? I want to support you, my brother, Hon. Samuel Atandi, for the good thoughts. These are good thoughts for our country. We must manufacture more fertiliser in the country. If we have a bumper harvest, the prices of goods and inflation come down. When inflation comes down, there is less expenditure, families are able to save more and have disposable income for families. They can pay school fees for their children and do development for themselves. I want to urge Members of Parliament, even Hon. Samuel Atandi, who has enough disposable income, to set up a small fertiliser factory in his village. I know Hon. Millie had set up another small factory for fertiliser. You can make money out of it, but also help farmers. Hon. (Prof.) Oundo has also worked for many years. He has enough money to invest in a small fertilizer factory, not to forget Hon. Ng’elechei. If everybody goes the cottage industry way and sets up a small fertiliser factory in their constituency, we will bring down the cost of food production. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I know the people of Mutomo want a small fertiliser factory, and you have some money. Set up a small fertiliser factory there so that you can bring down the cost of fertiliser. I can see Hon. Millie smiling because she is thinking about setting up one tomorrow. She has money. If everybody invests in agriculture, we will make this country a better country. It will be food sufficient. Agricultural produce transitions to manufacturing. If you have enough milk, you can set up a small milk production centre. When we have industries and manufacturing being set up, we will solve the problem of joblessness and poverty in this country. I urge anybody who has money somewhere that instead of doing other things, set up factories for fertiliser, better seeds and better planting materials so that we can increase our output in agriculture in this country. That way, we will make Kenya a better country. I thank you and I want to support my brother, Hon. Samuel Atandi, on this Motion.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. I would like to give a chance to the Member for Turkana North. I am very sorry. I did not know that you were in the House. Go ahead, Hon. Paul Nabuin.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for the opportunity to add my voice to this Motion by Hon. Atandi. Growing up in the early school years in northern Kenya, we were told that agriculture is the backbone of the economy. That narrative continues to this day. However, it is surprising that we are being told manufacturing has been a focus of subsequent Governments for a while now. Looking at what the Government is doing to set up manufacturing institutions in various sectors like medicine and agriculture, it is clear that much is not being done. Agriculture requires fertiliser, and I have heard the Leader of the Majority Party mention that there are a number of companies manufacturing fertiliser yet he also confirms that the supply of this fertilizer to farmers remains low which means that the country has not done much in terms of manufacturing fertiliser. We still import fertilisers, and our farmers struggle to receive and utilise the imported products. At the same time, we have extensive - 60 per cent - arable land in the country, but the arid and semi-arid areas have been neglected. No one has considered setting up agricultural spaces in these regions. Indeed, if the country was focused on food production, it could produce The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

enough food for all of us, as well as for export. For example, where I come from, we have been pushing for the Government to establish agricultural spaces. Recently, Todonyang was invaded by an external militia. For a long time, this area has been proposed for agriculture, but nothing has materialised. Clashes and deaths in that area often stem from Kenyans moving to the Ethiopian side in search of food because the Ethiopian side has exceled in food production. Our Government has not been keen on agriculture, which is said to be the backbone of this economy. Agriculture goes hand in hand with fertiliser production. This Motion brought by Hon. Atandi is long overdue. We need to support it as a House and engage the Government to invite investors. Investors are hesitant to invest in manufacturing in this country mainly due to a lack of incentives. The Government has not opened up to investors or supported them through incentives like other countries do. I support this Motion.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Hon. Millie Odhiambo, I will give you a chance because of order of speaking as per our Standing Orders, and to ask others to wait.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for recognising ranks. However, I know very many Members have been waiting for a long time including my neighbour, Hon. Caroli Omondi. I will try and speak in less than the allocated 10 minutes.

Let me acknowledge that we have students from Moi Educational Centre in the House. They are visiting to see how Parliament works. I hope that from the cohort that is here today, very many of them will one day be sitting here in Parliament as Members of Parliament and indeed one of them will one day be the President of this country. Anything is possible for a willing heart.

I thank Hon. Atandi, the new Chairperson for the Budget and Appropriations Committee, for bringing this Motion to the House. You have started on a very good note. You are bringing in very good perspectives to the Government. Continue on the same trajectory. What happened recently with the new Government in the United States of America (USA) is what can be described as a double-edged sword. It is a double-edged sword when the administration decided that they will be very centric, meaning they are going to focus on developing themselves. This means very little aid is going to come to countries such as Kenya. It is not only the USA, even the United Kingdom (UK) is also reducing development aid. It is a wake-up call for many African countries. We have very rich countries. We have many resources and if we utilise them well, we can go far. One of the things we have to make sure we do first is to be food secure. That is why it is important for us to have our own locally produced manufacturer of fertilisers. Recently, Parliament gave us a training on Public Private Partnerships (PPP). I wish Parliament could do that for every Member of Parliament and cascade what PPPs are to the whole public so that the public can buy in. Not everything in PPPs is bad. We have not alerted people what it is that made it opaque but through PPPs, we can bring fertiliser plants in almost every constituency and make people food secure. The other issue is that we must leverage on our youth. We can no longer rely on formal employment. We must have many of our young people who can invest in agriculture. We must adapt that and have a rethinking in our youth so that many more can get into areas like agriculture. I like practising what I say. My nephew, whom I have supported very strongly, has just graduated with a degree in agriculture and is becoming a farmer. This is the way to go. As a Government, we need to incubate them, help them, support them, and give finances to support, but we can only do that if we stop pilferage and corruption. I know that my good friend and colleague would not want us to talk about it, but even as we are in the broad-based Government, what is wrong is wrong, and we know what is The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

bedevilling the country. The moment we own up to what is wrong and what is bedevilling the country is when we will sort out the issues. Are we struggling with corruption? Yes, we are. We must acknowledge and deal with them at every angle right from the presidency to the lowest level. We must deal with corruption so that we can get money available even for free primary education or fertiliser. With those few remarks, I support.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much, Whip of the Minority Party. Hon. Caroli Omondi, Member for Suba North.

Suba South.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Member for Suba South.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I will also try and be very brief. I rise to support this Motion by Hon. Atandi where he is calling upon this House to resolve that the national Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, promotes local fertiliser manufacturing by investing in research. I would like to focus on the issue of research and why this Motion is important. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I believe we are talking about manufacturing modern synthetic fertilizer; 40 per cent of the cost of fertiliser used in this country has nothing to do with its production. It is basically transportation and port handling charges. In other words, if we produce the synthetic fertiliser locally, it will almost be half the cost of fertiliser in this country because it comes in liquid, solid and gaseous form. Therefore, it is very difficult to handle it. Firstly, let me tell you two stories, so that you understand where the problem is. In 1975, the Government of Kenya entered into a fertiliser manufacturing deal with an American company called Ken-Ren. They formed a parastatal called Kenya Chemical and Fertiliser Manufacturing Company (Ken-Ren). This company then entered into a financing arrangement with two banks, namely, Belgian and Austrian. They then procured two entities, Coupe Lavalin of Belgium and Voestalpine of Austria, to supply manufacturing equipment. The value of that transaction was Ksh350 million at that time, and the interest rate was 8.5 per cent. Three years later, no equipment had been supplied and Ken-Ren went into receivership. The Government of Kenya had guaranteed that particular loan. We ended up paying about Ksh5.1 billion without any fertiliser manufacturing plant being established. I have another story. Two large Japanese corporations were invited by the Government of Kenya in 2015, namely, Toyota Tsusho and Marubeni. Toyota Tsusho was contracted to build Ksh135 billion fertiliser manufacturing plant in Eldoret which is not working. This is the second bad experience. In the earlier case of Ken-Ren, when the company went into receivership, the Government of Kenya went to court in London. It ruled that Kenya was a victim of deceit. However, the suppliers went to appeal in Cyprus and got a judgement against the Republic of Kenya. We paid Ksh5.1 billion for a factory that did not exist. If we do any research, we should ask ourselves how comes attempts to establish a fertiliser manufacturing company in Kenya on two occasions; in 1975 and 2015, failed. We all know that fertiliser is manufactured from urea oil. Kenya does not have commercial quantities of oil, phosphates, potassium and potash. The only component that we have is nitrogen. Therefore, when we are talking about manufacturing of fertiliser, it is important that we understand that we should focus on blending or granulation. In other words, it is importing pre-manufactured fertiliser and then blending it to create products that meet local conditions. The Toyota Tsusho Factory was supposed to produce blended Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium (NPK) Fertiliser, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertiliser and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) Fertiliser, but that is not the case. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

I support this effort by Hon. Atandi, but let us do more research. Why is it that all previous attempts to establish a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Kenya by private sector or in joint partnership with the Government, like the case of Ken-Ren, have come to a naught? We need to do a lot of work here. Kenya has the advantage of geography. We are extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) all the way to Malaba border with Uganda. We can supply almost the entire east and central seaboard with either blended or granulated fertiliser in Kenya. Alternatively, when we have enough raw materials, we can produce the real fertiliser, otherwise, I support this Motion. I am happy because the new Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee has brought it up. He used to be my neighbour here, but he has suddenly disappeared. He is seated on the other side. I have been informed that that is where the Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee must sit. I have lost a very good neighbor, but I support the Motion.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Hon. Jackson Kosgei, Nominated Member.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. At the outset, I support the Motion by Hon. Atandi on food security. This is as a very important Motion for us as the leadership of this country. Food is one of our basic needs, which is necessary for survival. It has been said that a decent standard of living constitutes access to water, shelter, clothing, health care and education. Food, therefore, must be a priority in the planning of any country to secure its own people to make sure that it is raising a healthy nation that can be productive in every way. I support the emphasis of this Motion on research because progress in any other time in history has been based on research. Research can create a food security component with an ability to make sure that food will be available to the citizens of a country. It can be accessed, utilised, and stable in its production. Research will also lead us to appreciate climate changes. For many years, we depended on rain-fed agriculture. It is now necessary to change the focus and go for irrigated agricultural to make sure food is available in the country. I am impressed, as my colleagues have mentioned before, that our new Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee is paying attention to the very important basic and foundation in meeting one of the basic needs in this country. Therefore, the budgeting process must put emphasis on this. Food security means security because food can be a weapon against a nation. When a nation is not able to feed its people, it can be taken advantage of through other factors like externally determining policies that affect their domestic interest. You have no power to speak and reject anything that would appear to be injurious to your people if your people are hungry. Therefore, securing this particular basic need is very important for the security of our country. With that, Hon. Temporary Speaker, I support the Motion.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Thank you very much. Hon. Caroline Ng’elechei, Member for Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the Motion by Hon. Atandi on the promotion of local fertiliser manufacturing industries. First of all, allow me to congratulate Hon. Atandi. I have never had an opportunity to meet him since he became the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. I have been looking for him where he normally sits. I am also informed, just like Caroli Omondi, that he has shifted to the Government side and will be sitting where the former Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee used to sit. So, I congratulate Hon. Atandi in advance. I can see his expertise in this. Hon. Temporary Speaker, allow me also to support him by saying that as the Member of Parliament for Suba North has given a different dimension, we need to know what it takes The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

to be a manufacturer of fertilisers. We might feel that we need to manufacture fertiliser, but I support Hon. Caroli Omondi in asking what it takes to manufacture fertiliser. We are not the source of the basic ingredients for manufacturing fertiliser unless we blend or granulate, but it is important to try. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Of all the things we can do better than fishing, mining and other activities, agriculture stands out because we have arable land and good climatic conditions. We have so many graduates and diploma holders trained in agriculture. They can conduct research on how we can do better with fertiliser. Most of the graduates find themselves in unfamiliar territories because many things in agriculture are not being implemented in Kenya. There are many research institutes dealing with agriculture, but they cannot realise their full potential. I support the Motion. Let us apply the knowledge we have acquired through research. Let us venture out. Through research, we can know what is best. Imported fertiliser might not produce the best yields out of our soils. We have different types of soil that require different fertiliser components. For the sake of our research, knowledge and education, it is good that we try manufacturing fertiliser. We have suffered from fake fertilisers. Many times people adulterate fertilisers. When we manufacturer fertiliser locally, it will be easy to control quality. It is hard for local agencies to control what has been manufactured outside the country. They might not frequently visit the manufacturing industries to confirm the contents of the fertilisers. The price of imported fertiliser has a transport and handling component. We can mitigate this cost by manufacturing our own fertiliser. When we produce fertiliser locally, farmers will access it whenever they need. Right now, the North Rift farmers are planting and they depend on the subsidised fertiliser supplied by the Government. At times, we run out of stock and have to wait for two to three days or one week, whereas the rains do not wait. If we had local manufacturers, it would be easy for us to access and utilise fertiliser in time during the rainy season. We also have the short-term crops that we can plant between the long rains’ seasons such as beans, but the Government only supplies fertiliser when there is a need and only during the planting season. Accessing locally manufactured fertliser will ensure that we have fertiliser supply every time we need it. I support the Motion and encourage the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to give it a try because we always cry about food insecurity. It is a shame that we face food shortages in the country not because of natural causes like rainfall or soil type, but because farmers do not get the right inputs on time like fertiliser and seedlings. We can manufacture our own fertiliser just like we did with the seeds last year. Farmers faced many challenges regarding seeds last year, but this year, we have an oversupply of seeds. Farmers were well prepared because they knew that fertilisers would be subsidised. That is why our fertiliser stores are running out of stock every now and then. It is a good area to venture into, but Hon. Atandi, it will also be good if you can advise on what we need to do. Are the components or ingredients for manufacturing fertilisers locally available or will we still have to import them?

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Ruweida Obo, Member for Lamu East. Thank you for your patience. You can contribute for one minute.

Ahsante, Mhe. Spika wa Muda, kwa kunipatia nafasi hii ya kuzungumzia Hoja hii ya kutengeneza mbolea hapa nchini kwetu. Ninataka kumpongeza Mhe. Atandi kwa kuleta Hoja hii. Hoja hii itawasaidia wakulima kuhakikikisha kuwa mbolea inapatikana kwa wingi na kwa urahisi. Mazao pia yatapatikana kwa wingi ikiwa mbolea itatengenezwa hapa Kenya. Vijana wetu watapata kazi kwa sababu kampuni hizo au viwanda hivyo vikiwa hapa, vitaajiri watu. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Tuseme ukweli. Tusiwe wezi wa fadhila. Kitu kizuri kikifanywa, tuseme kimefanywa vizuri au kiboreshwe. Tusikatae kusema kuwa mtu amefanya jambo nzuri kwa sababu ya siasa. Rais wetu na Naibu wake wamejaribu. Ruzuku ama subsidy inayowekwa kwenye mbolea ili isiwe ghali haikuanza na Rais huyu wala Serikali hii. Ilianza na Serikali iliyopita. Hawa nao wamejaribu kuhakikisha kuwa mbolea inapatikana kwa bei nzuri lakini kuna haja ya kuzidisha bidii ili mbolea ipatikane kwa urahisi zaidi.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Order, Hon. Ruweida. I hope you will keep up with the Motion the next time it will be scheduled for consideration by the House Business Committee because you have a balance of about seven minutes. You will have the first shot at it.

(Hon. (Dr) Rachael Nyamai): Hon. Members, let us be upstanding. The time now being 1.04 p.m., this House stands adjourned until today, Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, at 2.30 p.m.

The House rose at 1.04 p.m.

The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.