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{
    "id": 1272171,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1272171/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 296,
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    "content": "What is before the House today is a national issue. I will read Article 174 of the Constitution because I want to show that the framers of the Constitution – I had the chance of being one of the framers of the Constitution then because I was the Assistant Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Article 174 is on the objects of devolution – “The objects of the devolution of government are— (e) to protect and promote the interests and rights of minorities and marginalised communities” I am not only addressing the responsibility of the national Government but also the responsibility of the county governments. One of the reasons why we went for devolution is to address that. Counties are not doing well in terms of mainstreaming and integrating the minorities in their day to day functions. I have talked about Article 56, which we have not implemented. The consequences of not actualising the provisions of Article 56, coming up with affirmative action programmes under Article 21(3), also, county governments not implementing the provision of the objectivity of devolution under Article 174 is that these minorities have not been able to participate or be represented in county governments and the national Government. They have not been able to access employment. They have been ignored and neglected. Items under Article 56 are clear as to the areas where we have failed. The foundation of this Motion is premised upon the fact that we have for a long time ignored and excluded the minorities and the marginalised communities in our country. Twenty (27) Senators in this House were voted in by those minorities. It is only prudent that those of us in this House who were voted in by those minorities should compel the State and county governments, through a resolution of this House, to do exactly what we are seeking in this Motion. We are seeking that the county governments initiates measures to identify and address the specific needs and challenges faced by ethnic minorities in our country. It is important to identify those needs and address them. Secondly, develop and implement national policy and legislative framework for integration of these minorities in Kenya as envisaged in the Constitution. The intention and the constitutional provision are intended to mainstream, allow the minorities to be part and parcel of our development. We talk of a united country, a country united by values of a united nation. We belong to this country, served by the same Government and same Constitution. The time has come for this House to stand firm and pass this Motion. When time comes for us, as a House, to pass the appropriate legislation, I am sure that my colleagues will stand firm and pass the laws that will make those minorities in our place like"
}