Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1484913,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1484913/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 175,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Gem, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Elisha Odhiambo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Temporary Speaker, regarding the streamlining of the Universal Service Fund, I know that the Committee observed that the objectives of the Universal Service Fund is currently provided under the Kenya Information and Communication Regulations, 2010 and that, the same may be amended as opposed to amending the whole Act. It is important to note that the Bill was supposed to amend Section 84(j) of the Act to establish the Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the Commission with an objective of promoting availability of quality service at just, reasonable and affordable rates. For all consumers, increasing nationwide access to advanced telecommunication services, and increasing access to telecommunication and advanced services in schools, libraries, ICT hubs, and rural health facilities, thus supporting capacity building and promoting innovation in Information and Communication Technology services. It is, therefore, confounding that given the opportunity to pass a substantive amendment to regulate the fund, the Committee has opted to abdicate their role of legislating by proposing amendments to regulations; which process the House may have limited control of other than the power given under the statutory instruments. Similarly, noting the legislative authority and mandate of the National Assembly under Articles 94 and 95 of the Constitution to enact legislation, it is high time that our esteemed Office and the House pass a resolution to stop committees of this House from rejecting Hon. Members' Bills based on submission or request by the Executive or other players in the market. I observe that this is one of the grounds and observations by the Committee in its Report. The legislative authority and role of Members to discharge their constitutional mandates to legislate and the need to resolve issues that are of public interest or concern should never be allowed to be stifled by the Executive. For example, the Bill seeks to tame the dominance in the telecommunications service sector and create a level playing field for all telecommunications service providers that will in turn enhance healthy and positive competition in the general communications sector. I give an example of Safaricom, which controls 70 per cent of mobile phone services in the market. It is not just mobile telecom services, but also money transfer and lending services. Attempts to declare its dominance have failed in the past. As I conclude, I hope other Members will agree that the proposal in this Bill is not only timely, but necessary and they will support the Bill at the Committee of the whole House stage. I think I have highlighted the import of the Bill and for Members' consumption, it is important to note that there are only three things this Bill is attempting to heal. One, is the issue of inefficiency of telephone companies in providing service to consumers. Mama Mboga at home buys credit for Ksh10. When Mama Mboga has five call drops, the money is gone. So, this Bill was going to ensure that the money expended by Mama Mboga is compensated when there are call drops, which is not of the making of the supplier. 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."
}