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{
"id": 1518606,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1518606/?format=api",
"text_counter": 71,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Kaiti, WDM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Joshua Kimilu",
"speaker": null,
"content": "With the Social Work Bill in place, the social service workforce in both the public and private sectors will be improved tremendously, alongside the social service beneficiaries. The professionalisation of social work services in the social service sector will now be prioritised and enhanced. Once the Bill becomes law, social workers who will be rendering those services will be required to operate in conformity with the values of their profession and ethical standards therein. If put in place, the value and quality of services provided will be improved and the dignity of the clientele enhanced. This will also provide sound service ethos in the social service sector, just as it happens in other professions like engineering, human resources, law and medicine. That is because they have organisations that regulate those sectors. A major outcome of this Bill is that it will provide the Government, through the line ministry, with tangible indicators for the performance and contracting of their staff in the social service sector. A specific section in the Bill for additional training for those wishing to serve as social workers is an important provision for the staff development of the social service profession in Kenya. This will, therefore, make staff more accountable and provide clear measures to streamline social service provision in Kenya. Equally important, is the fact that with the passing of this Bill, social worker service in Kenya will be more accountable and respected, just as it happens in other countries that have social work service Acts in place, like the USA. I was there last year in October and I went through their Act. I noted that it has helped the country. It is also in Zimbabwe. In South Africa, the South African Social Service Profession Act 110 of 1978 provides for the establishment of the Social Workers Professional Association. Other countries that have a similar law are Singapore and Canada. The Bill will also bring order and provide tangible mechanisms to address cases of indiscipline or misconduct among some of the social welfare workers. The regulation in place and the structure specified in the Bill to address such cases will, in turn, ensure that the social welfare services by social workers are rendered in a highly professional manner. This, by extension, will also enhance discipline and commitment of social workers and staff in the civil service and also in the private sector. Social workers are key agents of change in Kenya's development governance structure with regard to the implementation of Government’s social and welfare policies at the national level, and in county governments, where they serve as community development officers and mobilisers, social protection officers, social development officers and child protection officers. Social workers are in courts, hospitals and in counties doing a tremendous job. Hon. Deputy Speaker, allow me, very briefly, to summarise the critical benefits of the proposed Institute of Social Work Professionals Bill. The Bill will thrive better if it is regulated by the law, as is the case with other professions like, as I said, law, medicine, engineering and many others. The Institute of Social Work Professionals Bill will also ensure that the contribution of social workers towards Kenya's socio-economic development is recognised through professional delivery of social services. Social workers will be empowered to effectively contribute to the Government development agenda and the social welfare obligation for the people of Kenya, as specified in the Constitution of Kenya. Social workers will be empowered to effectively contribute to the Government’s development. The Bill will also solidify the broad contribution of social workers in the social pillar of Kenya Vision 2030, and the Government's Big Four Agenda. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Bill will also give social workers a strong voice in the events towards realisation of the global Sustainable Development Goals, to which Kenya is a significant signatory and is committed. 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."
}