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{
    "id": 1507025,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1507025/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 73,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 53(1) to request a statement from the Standing Committee on Education regarding the distressing and unjust case of Rachel Barraza, a 21-year-old student with Down Syndrome who was denied the opportunity to sit for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE) by Siaka Mixed Secondary School in Bungoma County. Rachel's father, Mr. Abraham Barraza, took the necessary steps to ensure that the school was aware of her special needs, enrolling her in Siaka Mixed Secondary School with the understanding that she would be given the necessary support. However, despite the initial agreement, Rachel faced mistreatment throughout the term, and subsequently, her registration for the KCSE exams was overlooked. I, therefore, request that the Committee- (1) Explain why Ms. Rachel Baraza was unjustly denied the opportunity to sit for her KCSE exams at Siaka Mixed Secondary School, despite Rachel's father informing the school of her special needs, requesting the school support and making efforts to ensure that she received the necessary accommodation and support. (2) Investigate claims that Rachel faced mistreatment, including harsh treatment from teachers and, ultimately, the failure by the school to register her for the KCSE exams, with a special focus on any reported instances of ill-treatment or discrimination due to her disability. Outlining any actions taken to address them. (3) State any measures the Ministry intends to put in place to help Rachel and her family recover from this emotional and psychological devastation resulting from the impact of the school's action, a situation that exemplifies indirect discrimination and a violation of Rachel's fundamental rights to education. (4) Examine the actions of the school administration in the matter, focusing on the following key areas: Whether Siaka Secondary School made any formal communication to Rachel, her father, or any other guardian regarding the decision not to register her for the KCSE exams, and if so, when, how, and what reasons were given for her exclusion. Whether the county director of education was involved in the decision, what role they played, how they were informed of the issue, and any steps taken to investigate and resolve the matter. 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."
}