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{
    "id": 1125958,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1125958/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 177,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kipipiri, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Amos Kimunya",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 174,
        "legal_name": "Amos Muhinga Kimunya",
        "slug": "amos-kimunya"
    },
    "content": " Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move that the Community Groups Registration Bill (National Assembly Bill No.20 of 2020) be now read a Second Time. The overarching principle or object of the Bill is to formalise a process that has been largely informal. Somehow, we have all seen that it has not been orderly. The process of registration and recognition of community groups has been kind of random. Currently, as Members know because of their own participation in the formation of those self-help groups, there is no specific or particular legal instrument that regulates the registration of community groups in Kenya. The only formal authority that is relied on is Executive Order No.1 of 2018 that is used for registration of those community groups. Whereas that was a step in the right direction, the proposal in the Bill intends to take that intention further and put it into law. As Members will recall, we all appreciate the intent and purpose of self-help groups, especially at the social level within our constituencies. They act as vehicles for social mobilisation and collective development of our people at the local level. It is through those self-help groups that people have been able to internalise issues on banking and community empowerment. They come in all manner of shades and sizes. We have the ordinary self-help groups, elderly persons’ groups, youth groups and women’s groups. These days we have men’s groups, mixed groups, community-based organisations (CBOs), people living with disabilities’ groups, refugees’ groups and other special interest groups. Basically, there is a group for every special interest configuration that comes together and it is registered. Because of that diversity in terms of the different categories, the Bill has found a way to formalise those groups in a more inclusive, considerate and flexible manner without stifling their registration by bringing in extra bureaucracy. The importance of creating the stand-alone registration process is also to help in terms of operations, dispute settlement and amicable dissolution of the groups when they have expired in terms of their having achieved their purpose and are no longer required. What do you do with the groups and their assets in a uniform manner across the entire country? Additionally, regulating those groups through law is also critical for national security interests, because it will obviously involve some vetting and screening of those community groups. In the process, we will eliminate any groups with the potential for harm, terrorist activities or some unlawful activities. That includes some activities that may not be socially desirable. 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."
}