{"id":1108065,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1108065/?format=json","text_counter":536,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Suba North, ODM","speaker_title":"Hon. (Ms.) Odhiambo-Mabona","speaker":{"id":376,"legal_name":"Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona","slug":"millie-odhiambo-mabona"},"content":" Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I stand to support this Bill but with proposed amendments. I know many Members in this House are both tenants and landlords; some are only landlords while others are only tenants. So, we have a mix in this House. The most important thing is to make sure there is a balance so that those who invest are encouraged to invest more, and those who rent are protected because that is a right under the Constitution. It is part of the social and economic rights. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I just want to briefly comment on some of the positive provisions of this law and some of the areas in which I will be proposing amendments. First, I am happy that the definition of the word “to let” includes sub-lets. There are many people who are struggling. Our current reality is that many people are sub-letting both business and residential premises. Therefore, it is important that we recognise that a person who sub-lets is also considered as letting. In Clause 7(1), the three months for the conclusion of matters before the Tribunal is positive. I know other Members have spoken to it. This is so that we do not have cases going on forever before the Rent Tribunal. It is also people-friendly because it provides that the Tribunal shall not give undue regard to technicalities. That, therefore, means that when you go before the Tribunal, you do not need to have a lawyer or be an expert. That is very positive especially if you are dealing with people who pay little rent. One other thing that I find positive is that the Tribunal is able to undertake matters suo"}