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{
    "id": 1282279,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1282279/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 325,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Teso South, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mary Emaase",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "This trend is worrying. We cannot, as leaders, sit and watch as young, vibrant and hardworking Kenyans are killed for no reason. Chapter Four of the Constitution on the Bill of Rights is very clear in Article 26(1) to (3) that everyone has a right to life and that no person should be deprived of life intentionally. We know that the bodaboda transport is a very popular means, not only in the rural areas, but also in urban centres. This business has evolved over time. They play a very critical role in the transport sector, which is very significant in the development of this country. The bodaboda sector is a major player in this space because it creates employment. Most of these young people who have been killed were innocent. They were also the bread winners in their families. They were the ones who were taking care of school fees for their siblings and putting food on the table. If you look at the state of this country today, statistics on unemployment were at 5.5 per cent by 2022 and universities continue to release graduates every year. Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVETs) and other middle level colleges do the same. There is serious unemployment. These young people are trying to create employment for themselves and others, but going by what is happening, this insecurity is not only affecting business, but also affecting livelihoods across the country. Hon. Temporary Speaker, as I approach conclusion, I want to say that there is need to address this. Probably this is the right time the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Public Works and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration came together and developed a proper policy framework to manage, govern, regulate and administer operations of the bodaboda sector. Despite its growth and evolution over time, this sector is still operating as an informal sector within the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Public Works. There is very minimum legislation to regulate operations of bodaboda operators. Bodaboda riders must operate in a secure environment where their lives and those of their customers are protected so that we can build the economy together. This situation it is very sad. As I conclude, I send my condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones through this unwarranted and horrifying scene that we have witnessed in Busia County, Teso South being an area that has really felt this and suffered. We have lost a majority of the victims. I call upon security agencies to do something about it, think outside the box, and develop certain strategies that may help to address this menace. It is time the sector is organised in such a way that riders have designated areas from which they leave the ‘stage’. They should have this so that those around when they leave the ‘stage’ know the rider and the client. When he is found dead and his body collected the next morning, it is known who he was ferrying and to which destination. At this time when we have technology like mobile phone apps, it is possible to record everything and send to the office so that it is known who was being carried at the time and to which destination. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I now call upon..."
}