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{
    "id": 1013691,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1013691/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 104,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kasanga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13185,
        "legal_name": "Sylvia Mueni Kasanga",
        "slug": "sylvia-mueni-kasanga"
    },
    "content": "vehicle inspections had stalled for not appreciating technology. We were able to push for digitalization of functions at NTSA. This was a very big win. This was an issue that later picked up by the Committee on Roads and Transportation, which we left for them to monitor the situation. We had interventions with Inspector General (IG) of the Nations Police Service. We were requesting for alternative facilities for detention for those found breaking curfew rules because we realized that they were also at risk of contracting COVID-19, where they were being detained. The Fifth Report was on economic and financial issues. This is where, in our second round of engagement, we are still waiting for letters to come from the various Ministries. On this one, we recommended for the operationalization of regulations for establishing micro and small enterprises development fund, as well as accountability oversight over COVID -19 Emergency Fund. Disbursement of funds to counties at that time had not been done, but now it has. We also dealt with cushioning of people who had lost jobs due to COVID-19. This is an outstanding area of which we want to receive reports, so that we can consider them before we hand them over to the standing Committees. As you know, this a critical issue in Kenya today. Many people have lost their jobs. We still do not know what the Government has done about stimulus packages; we are still waiting to hear. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of the Jua Kali workers and some of their leaders. Other than now that the education sector is calling for desks and things like that, they have not seen any other major intervention by Government to help them at this time to cushion the fact that they have lost their jobs. This is a key outstanding are and we are waiting to hear from the relevant Ministries, so that we can hand that over again. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as part of that engagement, the Committee urged the Government to consider a stimulus package and debt relief mechanisms that could assist people with small businesses to get back on their feet, as well as provide emergency relief to most vulnerable elderly poor persons in the rural areas and informal settlements. We are aware of some of the programmes that have been rolled out. The Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Welfare gave us his initial report, which we had included in the Fifth Report that we tabled. We are now waiting to see and hear from them on the status as of now and whatever else the Government has been able to do for Kenyans. On the Sixth Report, we addressed social, public order and human rights. We tabled this Report on the 19th May, 2020 and recommended for a wage fund relief for the Financial Year 2020/2021. It was in this Report also that we pushed the Judiciary to adopt virtual court and e- filing mechanisms. That was a really big win for our Committee because we really pushed them. It was also in this Report where our recommendation that the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure that police officers using excessive force on citizens are prosecuted. As you remember, we had a lot of challenges when it came to enforcement of containment measures. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}