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{
    "id": 1233948,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1233948/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 60,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nandi County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Cynthia Muge",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I want to appreciate the Committee on Sports, Culture and Heritage for being prompt enough in responding to this particular Statement today. Having listened carefully to the submissions of the Committee, I want to say that despite the fact that this issue was raised on this Floor a few weeks ago, the situation is getting worse. You are aware that a few days ago, the Boston Marathon was going down and there is an athlete by the name Ms. Sheila Chepkirui who had to withdraw from that particular race because of visa issues. The aim and agenda of this particular Statement was to see to it that the athletes who have been verified by the said departments are able to get those diplomatic passports. This will make it easier for them to process their visas and, therefore, will not miss out on their races. The response of the Committee categorically states that this law needs to be amended. The same law provides that the Cabinet Secretary responsible or in charge has the power and authority to give visas to people who are not listed under that Schedule; those he or she feels that they qualify. I still feel like this particular department is not doing enough for athletes to be cushioned against missing their visas and their races outside the country. I also continue to ask that instead of having the tussle on who is supposed to respond to the Statement, I wish the tussle would be on who is supposed to provide this service at the earliest time possible. Otherwise, I want to appreciate the efforts by the Committee in responding to this particular Statement. Be that as it may, athletes in this country are still going through a lot of issues including and not limited to not only failing to get visas but also taking long period of time to get passports. This matter needs to be accorded the attention it deserves. Athletes are great men and women of this country who carry our flag very high, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Thank you."
}