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{
    "id": 132960,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/132960/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 331,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "August 19, 2009 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 2747 Mr. Kigen",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the other amendment, because I made two amendments that I am seeking to be included in this, I have already indicated there--- So what I am saying is that when you look at the lives of the retirees after the 55 years mandatory period, most of those people get wasted almost immediately and they die not because of anything else but because of what they can use to sustain themselves or find something else to depend on. We think that it will only be fair for the employers to allow the retirees access both employers’ contribution and their money so that they can use it for whatever reason they would like to use it for. The argument that this money can assist in development or building, for example, infrastructure in the country, is really the Government’s responsibility. Even as the Government does this, it should know that the aspect of using the money for infrastructural development and other forms of development in the country may not necessarily assist the retirees. At the time of leaving their jobs, some of the retirees still have small children and dependants. So, we do not do any service to the retirees and their families by denying them access to this money. This only makes them destitute. It would only be wise if this money is availed to the retirees so that they can invest it. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, there has been an argument that it is because of the irresponsibility of the retirees that the Government feels that it should withhold this money until they are past the retirement age. Surely, that argument is not valid. This is because if a man is not responsible at the productive age of between 25 years and 50 years, it is a far-fetched thought to think that he will be responsible when he retires. This is not being truthful. This is totally unfair to the retiree. The best thing we should do is to encourage the workforce of this country by allowing it access to this money the moment it needs it. That is the time the employees have left employment. They should access the money so that they can also create jobs. I am saying this because there are some retirees who have invested their little money in businesses that have done well. Some of the businesses are vibrant today and have created employment to young people. So, we are being one-sided by arguing that it is better for the law to restrict these people to their contributions and not the employer’s. I support the amendment of this Motion in order to allow these people access this money. By so doing, we will encourage the contributors who join the workforce. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, it is not useful for the country to raise the retirement age to 60 years. This is because the life expectancy of our people today--- Even the Bible talks about 60 years as being the ceiling for a man. Anything beyond that is considered as a bonus. So, to take our people to the bonus time is being unfair to them because they also want to use the remaining part of their life to do things for themselves. This idea should be thought out well. It should also be discussed and agreed upon. Even the opinion of the employees should be sought. With those remarks, I beg to move the amendment and request Dr. Eseli to second it."
}