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{
    "id": 1444139,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1444139/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 250,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Ogola",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "markets. I can give an example of markets in my home Constituency of Ndhiwa, in Mbita, Suba North Constituency and so many others that were constructed using the Economic Stimulus Funds just lying unused. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I know that we got into such kind of a situation because we did not plan together with the vendors. So, in making the designations, designing zones, taking this data and setting aside of these sites, the Government must engage the vendors through public participation. I will give another example. I happen to have served in the County Government of Homa Bay as a County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands and Urban Development at a time when the Homa Bay Town bus stage that was constructed by the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development was being completed. As we were coming in as the County Government, I had a noble duty of overseeing the completion of the bus stop. Other than the completion, I also had the noble duty of distribution of stalls and other facilities that were provided within the bus park. That is why I am saying that, designating the zones must be done hand in hand with the vendors, so that it is done rightly with the right people. What I did at that time is that I engaged, brought in and lobbied the stakeholders in the bus park that had given way for the construction. They included stall and restaurant owners. I even involved the Bus and Matatu Owners in my Committee. This brought very good results because everybody was brought on board. The planning of the reallocation of the stalls, restaurants and all the other facilities, including the water points and washrooms available was collectively done with my office as the CECM in charge of Lands and Urban Development together with the stakeholders then. That ensured that the transition was peaceful and that we were dealing with the right people. That is why I say, when the Government finally wants to do the designation, it must be done together with the street vendors, so that they are a part and parcel of the decision-making. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I also support this Bill because it spells out the rights of street vendors. Some of the rights have been echoed earlier in my speech that, the street vendors have a right to do business. In doing business, they also have a right to certain facilities that must be provided. I am happy that this is provided for in the Bill by Sen. Essy Okenyuri. When we talk about street vendors, it is about businesses that are done in our urban centers; right from the markets in our counties, towns, municipalities and in the cities. This must go hand in hand with the planning of utilities as I have said. That include lighting, parking, sanitation and aspects of security because those are very important and outstanding components of urbanisation that facilitates businesses to take place. This Bill also talks about protection from harassment. As my other colleagues have stated, most of the street vendors are often harassed. The harassment comes from the law enforcement officers of our county governments. So, I am happy that this Bill spells that out. The reason why the street vendors must be protected is basically because they are Kenyans with a right to do business. This is a source of their livelihood and so, why should they be harassed? The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}