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{
    "id": 1061054,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1061054/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 258,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Teso North, ANC",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Oku Kaunya",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13488,
        "legal_name": "Edward Oku Kaunya",
        "slug": "edward-oku-kaunya"
    },
    "content": "been expressed by other Members, particularly with regard to Questions and Statements. We note that this afternoon, out of three Statements read by the Chairman, two were not satisfactory. That is an indication of what has been happening with Questions. The Ministry is handling Questions carelessly. I want to emphasize that the conditions of work for security officers need to be looked into very seriously. We visited Industrial Area Remand Prison. The warders there, in terms of living conditions, live in worse conditions than the prisoners. When we visited, we saw some warders living in nylon paper structures. Hon. Speaker, you are talking of Kshs1billion which was provided for in the Budget of the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) for promotion of officers in the 2020/2021 Budget being shifted. Consider also that the Department concerned had undertaken the interviews for promotions based on the fact that the Public Service Commission (PSC) had approved the promotions. The National Treasury had provided funds for normal promotions. Members should note that the Prisons Department has not promoted any officers for the last 14 years. What this means is that there are gaps arising from deaths and retirement. In institutions of discipline as you know, the question of chain of command and management of human resource is very key. As it is, we have a situation where there are big gaps. The PSC recommended that normal promotion should be undertaken and re-organization of the Prisons Department to fit what is common practice in the police and military. The 14 tier structure was recommended. It was implemented. Members are concerned with the way telephone calls from whichever offices can affect a whole decision made by the Committee after serious research and discussion. I emphasize that it is important to look at the welfare of security officers, police officers and prisons officers equally. You cannot shift money which was meant for promotions. The promotion interviews have been done. The officers are stuck. What it means is that there will be demoralization. That can be a recipe for problems in the disciplined forces. So, I urge that you give this Committee support and direction so that this House is able to ensure the Ministry respects the House. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}