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{
    "id": 1451271,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1451271/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 118,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Tabitha Mutinda",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Therefore, in this particular continuous training, the Bill should include continuous certification after a duration of maybe six months, one year or depending on the level, so that people continue to have knowledge and skills. Also, we need to encourage appreciation by offering different levels of certification that will help the firefighters embark on their roles and achieve what is needed. Clause 17 states that- “No person shall practice as a fire and rescue consultant, a fire rescue service professional or operate a private fire brigade firm in Kenya unless registered and licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Act.” Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, when I compare this with the agents who have been doing recruitment work and taking our young people to the Gulf countries for job opportunities, we have seen situations whereby rogue agents or cartels, who have used their platforms to take these young people who are so willing to go and make a living, but they are diverted to contracts which they did not even sign for. Therefore, the emphasis of Clause 17 whereby they should be registered and licensed in accordance with the provisions of the Act is very important. Since then, you cannot operate a fire and rescue service consultant if you are not registered. It is very key. This is what is going to help us not have rogue people who are always money-oriented and not the service they need to offer. Clause 20 also talks about registration in terms of who are the owners of the firms. Clause 20 (c) states that – “At least fifty-one per cent of the shares in the firm is held by Kenyan citizens” This is positive as it gives our people a platform to open their firms and have a majority of the shares. At times, you might not have enough capital to start but you might have a partner who is willing to come in, and you co-join and start the consultancy services. Nonetheless, at least, it gives the Kenyan citizen an advantage to have the majority shareholding, hence much more shares and control. As I conclude, Mr. Speaker, Clause 7(e) discusses the registered fire and rescue services professionals in Kenya. Regarding the Employment Act, we have the agents I talked about earlier, who are registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA). All these consultants must still be registered and be within the database. It is one thing to be registered and it is another to have all the prerequisites, including the right dimensions of the office and the personnel that you are recruiting. It should be qualified personnel and also there should be enough machinery for you to be licensed to have the consultancy. It comes in handy. Early this year in Nairobi, we had the fire tragedy. We have had so many of them, especially after these gas explosions, and the issues of the oil spillage, and it affects our people in the city. At times, there has been no compensation to the victims even after they have been promised. However, I am sure with the board in place, they are going to ensure that the people who are affected are also compensated. It is not only compensation but timely compensation. 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."
}