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{
    "id": 1299577,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1299577/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 39,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "World Sight Day is celebrated annually every second Thursday of October. Its goal is raise awareness of vision impairment, blindness and the critical need for comprehensive eye care. Locally, this day brings into mind the reality of the 7.5 million Kenyans who live with severe visual impairment or blindness and the realisation that up to 90 per cent of these cases could have been prevented. Thus, today is a clarion call for each individual to value and protect their eyesight. This worthy cause should be promoted by conducive policy and legislation as well as supported in word and deed by members of this honourable House for the benefit of their constituents. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, promotion of eye health is in line with the Constitution. Article 43 guarantees everyone the right to the highest attainable standard of health. In the same breath, it is worth noting the unjust and unfortunate fact that out of the 7.5 million Kenyans with some form of visual impairment, only 1.6 million can access eye care services. This is due to minimal resources, including specialized eye care professionals, medical supplies, equipment and access to funds. The very few available resources are primarily concentrated in towns. This is despite the fact that 71 per cent of Kenyans live in rural areas. This year, the theme is “Love Your Eyes at Work”, with the focus being on sensitizing people about the importance of eye care at the workplace. As such, employers and key decision makers are called upon to prioritize the health of employees in the workplace. On average, Kenyans spend between 40 to 52 hours per week at work. This makes the workplace the place where we spend most of our time and where we put our eyesight to use the most. It may be of interest for us to note that the nexus between good vision and economic advancement is profound. Studies show that good vision can be a catalyst for upward economic mobility, with 46 per cent of individuals experiencing a rise in income when regaining their eyesight, after a successful cataract surgery. Further, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the simple act of wearing spectacles can elevate productivity by a staggering 22 per cent. Similarly, even the most minor vision impairment can have cascading effects on productivity. Reports show that a subtle vision issue can lessen productivity and a 22 per cent decrease in accuracy. This disadvantages the worker and also their employer, colleagues and our economy at large. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, eye injuries are also a hazard at the workplace that must be eliminated. Kenyans from all walks of life have the right to seek income in various places ranging from factories, construction sites, offices, farms, mining fields and more. While some of these places are more hazardous than others, the right to be protected while working is constant. Studies estimate that nine out of 10 workplace eye injuries can be averted with the use of safety eyewear. Recognising and addressing this issue is paramount to averting vision loss due to workplace accidents."
}