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{
    "id": 1267134,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1267134/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 327,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13217,
        "legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
        "slug": "cherarkey-k-samson"
    },
    "content": "I used to be part of a group that was trying to acquire cochlear implants for young children. They are very costly. We were told that those implants cost around Kshs 4 million especially for children who have such challenges. All assistive devices should be zero-rated and tax-exempt. If we are giving tax exemption to a corporation to start a business, that is good. I see corporations asking for tax reliefs and exemptions so as to set up business in this country. Let us be human and give tax exemptions and reliefs to assistive devices because they are very costly especially for People with Disability (PWD). They are small part of our population. The greatest thing the Government can do is to exempt tax on assistive devices be it for listening or walking. Madam Temporary Speaker, when I had a political accident in the last session, I remember buying that assistive walking crutch was very expensive. That is why when you go to the village; you will find somebody walking with an ordinary bakora because it is expensive to get the crutch. We need to zero rate physiotherapy machine so as to assist our children, especially those who are slow to walk and maybe using physiotherapy in schools that are ranked under PWDs. This is what the Constitution has provided for. I appeal to the Government to give PWDs access to funds. You will be shocked if you come to Nandi. When there is a PWD world day, the PWD are only given soda, bread and some blankets. That is how these people eat money meant for PWDs because you are demeaning them. That is as if PWDs are worth only soda, bread and blanket. They should instead provide wheelchairs, assistive devices, designing public offices and public transport with rams for access. Madam Temporary Speaker, counties must be held accountable. Let them provide assistive devices and necessary support. At least in Nandi County, I am the only one who cannot be taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) by the governor. Most young men in Nandi County who criticize the governor in social media, funerals and other public functions are taken to DCI. I have seen a young lady and a woman called Vero who was taken to the DCI for only questioning non-availability of drugs in the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. Governors are becoming some demigods, especially the governor for Nandi County. Governors are using the power they are given to abuse and frustrate the young people for question the social audit. That is why I am also questioning why the PWDs of Nandi are given just bread and soda, yet they are a unique population who should be given assistive devices like wheelchairs among others. Madam Temporary Speaker, finally, this Bill states that the state should ensure the progressive implementation of the principal Act, that at least 5 per cent of the members of the public in elective positions. We are still doing badly in that part of elective. We need to tell Kenyans that you can be a PWD but a leader. I can see the Member of Parliament (MP) for Westlands, hon. Tim wanyonyi. He is serving the third term in Parliament. Sen. Osotsi, is that right? I thank the people of Westlands because they have shown the country that you can elect a PWD to represent you. Hon. Tim Wanyonyi has represented the great people of Westlands just like any other able person. I know of several legislators, but we are doing badly. The Constitution says 5 per cent, so we should base it on 5 per cent of 67 Senators and see how many Senators should"
}