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{
    "id": 1547311,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1547311/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 844,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Suba South, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Caroli Omondi",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to add my voice to this Motion. What we are discussing is an element of what is called the ‘gig economy,’ where individuals on a freelance basis or side hustle engage in certain activities. They are not in formal employment in the normal sense. The gig economy is a very important sector in modern economy and most of the bodaboda or e-hailing riders fall in this category due to the economic activities they undertake. I acknowledge that this is a very good effort, and I congratulate Hon. TJ Kajwang’ for bringing this matter to the attention of the House. This is a sector that employs a lot of youth, particularly university and college students. Actually, in the Western world, it is one of the sectors that offer opportunities for students to earn in order to pay their school fees and foot bills for accommodation and food. However, there are many challenges. Recently, in the United Kingdom, there was a big debate because technology companies do not want to recognise freelancers or side hustlers as workers. They were being categorised as contractors because with contractual workers, you do not have the obligation of observing employment rights. They cannot form a union or collectively bargain for their benefits, minimum wages and levels of compensation or even articulate health-related issues. When you are riding a motorcycle, there are very serious health concerns that an employer should pay attention to. They include gear, provision of health insurance, emergency attendance in case of an accident, among other issues. Many of them have been treated rather badly because they use Apps belonging to technology companies, over which they have no control. The relationship is so skewed that they can be deactivated at will without recourse or notification and it has been very difficult for many of them. In the Western world, these issues are being discussed and courts and national legislators have intervened. I think this sector will expand. Today, most deliveries are done by motorcycles but the future is drones. Soon, food delivery and a lot of other things will be delivered by drones. Now, the challenge will be the same. Individuals can buy their own drones but they will not have the technology to coordinate their movement and circulation. These technology companies will still be the keystone in that food chain. We need to pay attention and ensure that these technology companies apply the same standards in Kenya as they do in their mother countries. I think we should insist that. If Uber in Kenya is not treating its workers similar to England, then that is unacceptable. There is no difference between a university student in the University of Nairobi and the student at Oxford riding a bicycle, motorbike, or operating a drone to deliver food. I think we need to insist on universal application of standards and put a lot of effort to allow local companies also to thrive in this sector. I think all the local companies that tried to develop similar technology have been frustrated. I do not know whether it is by the telecommunication companies but for whatever reason, at some point there was local attempt in this delivery sector. Today, most of them tend to be foreign. As the legislature, we need to figure out a legal framework that facilitates local companies to enter this economic space and thrive. There are usual security issues associated with this kind of business. Many people have had problems with some delivery companies but most importantly, the legislative framework that we..."
}