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{
    "id": 1511574,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1511574/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 650,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Marsabit County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Naomi Waqo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for allowing me to add my voice to this important Bill. I would also like to congratulate Hon. Alice and her Committee for a job well done. In our country, we have many individuals living with disabilities. Unfortunately, in rural areas, families with children who have disabilities often feel compelled to hide them due to embarrassment or the misconception that they are somehow cursed. This stigma prevents open discussion, which means that the available data may not accurately reflect the actual number of PWDs in our nation. I fully support this Bill because of its significance; it is long overdue. The current Persons with Disabilities Act dates back to 2003, and it does not align with our 2010 Constitution. To create a more inclusive society and improve the status of PWDs, we must ensure that our laws align with the Constitution. It is clear that the highlighted areas are very important. Allow me to highlight some key provisions which will promote the rights of PWDs and ensure that they have access to all the social, economic and political opportunities available. People living with disabilities are disadvantaged most of the times, and especially, when it comes to education, health or employment even if they are educated. They depend on the caregivers to assist them for example, when taking them somewhere or driving them; and most of the times they are not given the attention that they need. I support this Bill so that it can ensure that they get access to all social, economic and political opportunities that are available to all persons. Part Two of Clauses 4 to 5 takes care of the obligations of the national and county governments. The Bill states the specific obligations for the national Government and the county governments which include: 1. Develop policies on the promotion of PWDs. 2. Teach and create enough awareness so that they can know their rights in terms of social media. This is by: (b) Promoting the inclusion of PWDs in the public service. (c) Prescribe minimum standards and guidance to be adhered to by public transport vehicles. Currently, when you look at our public means of transport, they have not taken into consideration the PWDs. When one needs medical care, and probably, needs to be flown out of the country, it becomes difficult. If you put this into consideration, we would have taken care of our PWDs."
}