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{
"id": 1547710,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1547710/?format=api",
"text_counter": 244,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13599,
"legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
"slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
},
"content": "This tells you that this is an organized syndicate. These groups seek PWDs from villages or estates here in Nairobi, ensuring they are stationed at specific corners to beg for alms. While it is not the case for all of them, it is a phenomenon that cannot be ignored. It is, therefore, our responsibility to protect these individuals, ensuring they are not taken advantage of. In most cases, you will find that the money collected at the end of the day is not retained by the PWDs. They receive only a very small percentage of the earnings. Imagine, this is a cartel operation—a cartel boss essentially controls areas like Harambee Avenue. He stations five PWDs at every corner of Harambee Avenue, bringing them in the morning, placing them strategically, and then returning in the afternoon to pick them up and collects every coin they have earned that day. This not only exploits the PWDs, but also takes advantage of the empathy and generosity of the public. It is indeed an abuse of our good nature and our inclination to assist those who appear to be in need. This has unfortunately led to significant hostility being directed toward genuine PWDs. There is a perception among some that they might be part of the syndicates soliciting alms, while in reality, these individuals are being exploited by others who take advantage of their circumstances. The Bill proposed by the National Assembly, which I fully support, stipulates that anyone found exploiting PWDs by forcing them to beg or solicit alms in the streets will, upon conviction, face a fine not exceeding Kshs2 million and imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both. Once this provision is passed, I urge the National Police Service (NPS) to act swiftly. There are some straightforward and obvious cases in the streets of Nairobi. If you find somebody has been walking the same corner for the past 12 to 20 years, it should be a red flag that that person needs to be investigated. We want to encourage PWDs, even though they may be engaging in these activities against their will, to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure they are not victimized, as they are, in fact, the true victims in these circumstances. They are no different from the Kenyans we discussed earlier, who were lured into distant countries only to fall victim to exploitation by cartels operating in these online scams. Lastly, the New Clause 73A provides that every Government agency constructing residential and commercial buildings shall reserve at least 5 per cent of these buildings for acquisition by PWDs. Furthermore, the terms and conditions for such acquisitions to PWDs shall include interest-free and longer repayment periods. This is a live matter, especially here in Nairobi. I believe it is crucial to clarify that when referencing 'Government agency,' it includes both the national and county levels of Government. As you know, the Nairobi City County Government is currently undertaking the largest housing construction project in the country. Thirteen old council estates are being redeveloped under what the county government refers to as the Urban Regeneration Programme. Groundbreaking has already taken place at the Woodley site just a few weeks ago, and there are approximately 12 other estates awaiting similar development. 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."
}