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{
    "id": 1473827,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1473827/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 33,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Tiaty, KANU",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Kassait Kamket",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding re-evaluation of the schemes of service for appointment of chiefs and assistant chiefs. The pivotal role played by chiefs and assistant chiefs in maintaining social cohesion, dispute resolution and managing community dynamics cannot be overstated. However, it is worrisome that the appointment of those administrators has been limited through the schemes of service which were introduced by the Government in 2017. Some experienced individuals, particularly in marginalised communities who embody a repository of wisdom and possess invaluable insights into local customs, land management practices and conflict resolution mechanisms may not meet the minimum academic requirements for appointment to those higher positions. Due to this, the experienced individuals’ reservoir of knowledge which is indispensable for navigating the intricate challenges of pastoralists and marginalised communities cannot be utilised. Further, chiefs and assistant chiefs who are appointed to administer a location or sub- location ought to be residents of that particular area. However, due to the academic requirements, recent appointments have deviated from that essential criterion resulting in successful candidates being posted to areas where they are not residents, leading to dissatisfaction and silent protests among the affected communities. It is against this background that I seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs on the following: 1. Whether the Ministry of Interior and National Administration could consider a review of the academic qualifications for appointment of chiefs and assistant chiefs in marginalised areas and in the entire country; and, 2. Whether the Ministry could consider experienced individuals from the respective locations and sub-locations in the recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs on the basis of affirmative action. Hon. Deputy Speaker, allow me to say something about this. In the past, one did not have to be educated for them to become chiefs. The position of a chief is important on the ground. In some communities, you cannot become a chief if you do not own more than 10 cows in your homestead. This often leads to lack of respect for chiefs who do not have significant wealth. This problem cuts across the country, and I urge the Ministry to seriously review this matter. Some of us come from places where there are serious security challenges and people with either a C- or C have been appointed as chiefs and yet, they have no knowledge of the area. This is part of the reason we have unending conflicts in the areas we come from. This issue not only affects the marginalised communities, but I believe it is crosscutting. I thank you."
}