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{
    "id": 1124385,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1124385/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 473,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kamukunji, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Yusuf Hassan",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 398,
        "legal_name": "Yusuf Hassan Abdi",
        "slug": "yusuf-hassan-abdi"
    },
    "content": "The merger is also informed by the intention to streamline effectiveness of the two institutions and cut costs for the taxpayer’s used in operation of the two institutions. Therefore, we will be running one institution rather than two. In 2011, Parliament restructured the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission into three commissions. The functions of the National Gender and Equality Commission are stated to fall within the sphere of human rights. Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to replace the definition of the word ‘commission’ to mean the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commissions established under Section 3. Clause 3 seeks to amend Section 3 of the principal Act by doing away with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and establishing the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission. Clause 4 of the Bill intends to amend Section 8 of the principal Act addressing the functions of the Commission to the effect of making the newly merged commission empowered to perform functions currently undertaken under the ambit of the National Gender and Equality Commission. There are several concerns that have been raised about the Bill. I would like to emphasise on the fact that the Bill has several advantages that we need to take into consideration. For example, Article 59 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission, whose functions are to protect and promote respect for human rights, as well as, to promote gender equality and equity facilitating gender mainstreaming in national development. Merging the two institutions, as envisaged by the Bill, is within the purview of the Constitution and Parliament through the National Assembly, which will be exercising its legislative powers set out in Article 59 (4) of the Constitution to restructure the Commission. So, I concur with the observations that the gender and equality issues fall under the sphere of human rights and merging the institutions will bring about efficiency in addressing human rights concerns and redressing violations. A concern that should be raised in this case is addressing the timelines by which the merger of the two institutions should be concluded. We also need an interpretation of Article 59 (4) of the Constitution on whether Parliament is equally empowered to merge commissions or it is only empowered to split the Kenya National Human Rights Commission into separate commissions. Therefore, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill."
}