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{
    "id": 1106314,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1106314/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 203,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) James Nyikal",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 434,
        "legal_name": "James Nyikal",
        "slug": "james-nyikal"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this Bill. The objective of this Bill is very clear and specific; it seeks to remove the requirement that has financial implication at the time of applying for jobs. There are many requirements, and although they are in line with the Constitution, particularly Chapter 6, they have become a hindrance and a roadblock to people applying for jobs. For example, you need a certificate from the KRA to determine if you are tax-compliant; a certificate from the police of good standing; a certificate from CRB, a certificate from HELB and a certificate from the EACC. All these certificates have a financial implication, yet the people applying for these jobs are mostly in financial hardship and are not able to raise the money to have the certificates issued. As much as it is good that we implement Chapter 6 of the Constitution and consider the integrity of the people that we employ to ensure that services are delivered efficiently, it has turned out that it is a disadvantage, particularly to the youth. Whenever there is a job opening, you will be amazed at the number of people who apply for it. When we erect these other roadblocks, it is not fair. That is what this Bill is about. Although we cannot completely rule out the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution, this Bill provides that at the time you are offering a contract, then you can ask for these requirements. That makes sense because you are more likely to get the job. It may even go to the extent where you have been employed and you need to be confirmed. The Bill also provide that should there be issues raised on your integrity, then you can be removed from the job. So, the Bill has been well thought out. It addresses a specific problem and it also gives a way out, so that we balance the need to observe integrity without blocking people from applying for jobs. That is all the Bill is about. The Bill also brings out one issue. When we implement laws and policies, it is important to look at their impact on the people, particularly the common people they are supposed to serve. Many times the laws and policies look good and progressive, but at the time of their application, they become a great disservice. I will give you another example in higher education. Because of Covid-19, we have virtual learning. It has brought about a requirement for laptops and smartphones as an absolute requirement for a student to get into university. Yet when we send out fee structures, this is not included. Many students get shocked when they get to university and realise that learning 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."
}