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{
    "id": 1558918,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1558918/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 158,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) James Nyikal",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for this opportunity. I rise to support this Bill. Social protection is one of the features that distinguishes human societies from animal societies. It is only human beings who, in their right mind who create programmes to protect the vulnerable. Animals do not. This is, therefore, an extremely important Bill. It aligns with our 2010 Constitution, which enshrines these protections. Chapter 4, the Bill of Rights, particularly Article 43, outlines the areas where citizens must be protected: health, housing, access to clean water and sanitation, and social security. This Bill is in full conformity with these provisions of the Constitution. We also have to look at the issue of poverty in our country. When defined by a daily expenditure of approximately US$2.15, poverty in Kenya ranges from 26 to 46 per cent in various parts of the country. Poverty is even more prevalent in urban areas than in rural settings. For instance, in urban areas, any household with a monthly income of less than Ksh8,800 is classified as poor, while in rural areas, the threshold is Ksh4,300. This Bill aims to protect individuals in these categories. It is not merely about offering protection, it is about ensuring survival. Many families, with minimal social support can thrive and their children can attend school. That way, they will not only survive but also improve human capital. If children from such families are educated and supported, they experience upward social mobility. Furthermore, social protection is an investment, not only socially, but also economically. It has been proven that where there are cash transfers, for every dollar given as a cash transfer, there is an economic return of approximately US$8 in the economy. It is not merely money spent; it is money invested. It is also a political investment. Some may recall President Lula of Brazil, who was even brought back into office by popular demand after imprisonment. This was largely due to the social protection programmes he implemented, which lifted many Brazilians from poverty into middle-income status. This Bill is something we must strongly support. There was a Bill that was sponsored by the late Hon. Laboso, which I participated in, but it was not implemented. Having this Bill is the right thing. I hope we are serious about it this time. Social protection is in all areas of our lives. The basic necessities of survival like food, shelter, education and 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."
}