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{
    "id": 1560705,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1560705/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 656,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Tinderet, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Julius Melly",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move that the Learners with Disabilities Bill (Senate Bill No. 4 of 2023) be now read a second time. This Bill was referred to the Committee following its First Reading on 7th November 2023. It was submitted from the Senate on 26th October 2023. This is an important Bill that will amend at least 46 clauses related to learners with disabilities and the institutions that support them. The Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the education of learners with disabilities. It regulates the conduct of institutions serving these learners. It also addresses the broader community, promoting inclusive education in line with our constitutional values and Kenya’s international obligations. The Bill seeks to promote the teaching of learners with disabilities across the country. The Committee placed a public advertisement under Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution. Only one formal memorandum was received from the National Disabilities Forum. We invited and engaged key stakeholders on this Bill. We realised that up to 1.7 million Kenyans have various forms of disabilities. It was not good that we were going to consider this Bill with only one grouping. We invited the following stakeholders, among others: United Disabled Persons of Kenya, SIDE Relief, Kiambu Disability Network, Kenya National Deaf Association, Women Challenge to Challenge, and Students with Special Needs Association. The need to invite the stakeholders was based on the constitutional requirement of public participation in the law-making process. We must meet this threshold before bringing the matter before the House. The Committee held several meetings and reviewed the Bill clause by clause as required. To give background information, over 1.7 million Kenyans have disabilities of various kinds, such as hearing and mental impairments. We normally say the individuals are differently endowed. Of this number, 39 per cent access primary school education. It is important that Members are apprised that this statistic cuts across the Republic. Many families, communities and institutions have people with disabilities. Thirty-nine (39) per cent access primary education, but just 9 per cent attend secondary school. Despite progressive initiatives like Free 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."
}