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{
    "id": 1379727,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1379727/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 123,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Embakasi Central, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mejjadonk Gathiru",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "I wish to support the Member for Limuru, Hon. Kiragu; and Hon. Omboko Milemba, Member for Emuhaya, for proposing to move amendments during the Committee of the whole House to make sure that the employer, the appointing agent or the person responsible for the mess is punished. From the debate, it is clear that there is need for clarity. This Bill is not changing anything to do with the retirement age. It is just moving the retirement age from being part of regulation and prescribing it in the Act. In terms of enforcement, it would give more powers and help firm up the process of implementation across the public service. Further, this Bill provides for the penal provision in the event that the appointing authority allows a person to serve on acting appointment for a period of more than six months to recourse, in regard to acting allowance upon the lapse of the acting period. From the contribution of Members, it is clear that we all agree that there is need for the amendment to address the issue of succession planning by the Public Service Commission and other service commissions. This is to ensure that all service commissions take necessary steps to ensure that they train other persons in organisations to replace retiring officers as well as those exiting the service. I, sincerely, thank the Committee on Labour and Social Protection, led by the Chairperson, Hon. Karemba for their consideration and input on the Bill. However, I, totally, disagree with the Committee's recommendations on changing the period for replacing officers serving in acting positions from six months to twelve months. This negates the demand for good corporate governance through succession planning since the public service, as asserted by Hon. Nabii Nabwera, is a growing concern and, therefore, gaps need to be filled prior to the retirement age. As posed by Hon. Gikaria before this House, an institution must always prepare itself for transition. We should not be talking of a period of 12 months for an institution to prepare for recruitment. What stops the institution from starting recruitment for replacement 12 months before someone retires? I disagree with the recommendation by Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri on amending Section 81. This Section gives room to officers who would wish to retire early to do so after attaining the age of 50 by giving the authorised officers' employer at least three months’ notice, which is in the spirit of the amendment proposed in the Bill. That is to encourage old Kenyans to embrace retirement to create more employment opportunities for the youth. I thank fellow Members who have found some parts of the Bill to be punitive and discriminatory. With much humility, I remind this House that we need to continue coming up with legislation and proposals to better the public service. I invite Members to make further amendments during the Committee of the whole House. I would like to give hope to our youth that; that, this House will continue to come up with legislations to ensure that the many years spent in school gaining knowledge and skills result in meaningful employment. Let us give hope to our junior officers whose goal and aspiration in public service is to be promoted to higher offices. I believe that by this Bill introducing succession planning, it would make them realise their dreams, and gain the power to see the change we all aspire for. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor"
}