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"id": 189688,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/189688/?format=api",
"text_counter": 196,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Prof. Sambili",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports",
"speaker": {
"id": 28,
"legal_name": "Hellen Jepkemoi Sambili",
"slug": "hellen-sambili"
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"content": " Thank you, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I would like from the outset to thank hon. Members for their support and contribution to the Vote of my Ministry. Secondly, I wish to sincerely thank the Members for their support towards the revival of football spirit in this country. Many hon. Members attended matches including the leadership of this country. His Excellency the President and the Right Honourable, Prime Minister attended matches and as a result of that, Harambee Stars has moved from position 130 to position 92. I want to thank all the Members very sincerely. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I would like to respond to various points that hon. Members have made. On the matter of the Development Estimates which were missing in the district allocation booklet, I would like to clarify that the policy of the Ministry is to collaborate with the Constituency Development Fund in the development of youth polytechnics and Youth Empowerment Centres. I, therefore, request hon. Members to nominate or identify one youth polytechnic within their constituencies that will be turned into an empowerment centre. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I want to respond to the points that have been raised this afternoon because I had a written response. I would like to assure Mr. C. Onyancha that with respect to accreditation, the Ministry is working with the Kenya Institute of Education in developing a curriculum for youth polytechnics. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I would like to respond to the contributions of Mr. Mwathi with regard to the Kshs1 million allocated to each constituency for sports. The Ministry will be expecting suggestions from the constituencies regarding the formation of sports committees. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, we hope that those committees that are already in place will be empowered to look at proposals that will be developed regarding the use of that 1826 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES July 15, 2008 Kshs1 million so that we do not duplicate responsibilities. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, in the 2008/2009 financial year, Kshs100 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of youth polytechnics. This will benefit 23 institutions which are spread equally in every province, separate from those that have been identified by hon. Members. A further 16 institutions out of the identified institutions will be equipped with the Kshs100 million allocated for the purchase of specialised plants like computer labs, equipment and machinery under Head 689. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, let me clarify that the youth polytechnics are under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and that they are different from the national polytechnics of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret, which are under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in order to streamline the operations of the youth polytechnics, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has developed a draft national youth polytechnics policy. This will provide guidelines on the management of these institutions. I request this House to support by contributing and giving suggestions for the improvement of the institutions when it is presented here in the House. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, a number of hon. Members have suggested that the curriculum being taught in youth polytechnics needs to be market-driven. I am glad to inform this House that the Ministry, in conjunction with the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), has reviewed and developed a new youth polytechnic curriculum that will address the identified shortcomings. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the new curriculum is in its first year of piloting in 35 youth polytechnics across the country. The curriculum emphasises skills development, self- employment and enables the progression of the trainees up to university level. The Ministry has noted the need to expand the youth polytechnic training, and I wish to point out that 40 youth polytechnics were revived last year and nine new ones are being constructed this year. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, Kshs465 million provided in the 2008/2009 Financial Year for vocational training will be used to subsidise tuition fees for the trainees in public youth polytechnics, beginning in January, 2009. In order to ensure that the training among the nomadic communities reaches a good number of the trainees, the Ministry has put in place programmes such as multi-shift systems that target training of youth polytechnic students. That means that training will be done in shifts and that will assist in reaching the youth in those particular areas. On the issue of the youth polytechnics instructors, the Ministry has employed 700 instructors and plans to employ another 4,500 by 2012. However, there is no budgetary allocation for recruitment in the 2008/2009 Financial Year, and I am glad to note that the hon. Members are supporting the Ministry in asking for more funds so that we can reach our youth. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, on Information Communication Technology (ICT), the Ministry has ensured that ICT training is one of the 13 trades in the new youth polytechnic curriculum. Further, in the 2007/2008 Financial Year, the Ministry procured and distributed 100 computers to various youth polytechnics. The Ministry is also seeking collaboration with development partners in the area of ICT, in partnership with our Ministry of Information and Communications. In that respect, 210 computers were made available by the Microsoft Foundation and the Digital Opportunity Trust. These computers have been distributed to various youth polytechnics. Regarding the Youth Empowerment Centres, an allocation of Kshs250 million has been made under Head 904 and the Ministry plans to construct 50 youth empowerment centres in this financial year. Hon. Members will be expected to identify the preferred location in their constituencies, and also contribute some money from their Constituencies Development Fund July 15, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1827 (CDF) allocations for the preparations of the development of the youth empowerment centres. The centres will be a one-stop-shop for the youth providing information on employment, sports facilities, guidance and counselling and so on. The inclusion of ICT within the centres will bring the youth to the current trends in globalization. We know the challenges that are there like the lack of electricity and the relevant infrastructure. I want to thank the hon. Members for supporting the Ministry in asking for more money. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the Ministry has formulated strategies and designed programmes of activities that will empower the youth through the following areas: environment, crime and drugs, health, leisure and so on. Regarding employment, the Ministry is undertaking the following; co-ordination of an inter-Ministerial task force on youth employment to absorb the youth in labour-intensive projects such as the Roads 2000 Programme, which targets the construction of urban-rural roads; the development of internship and placement policy and networking with the private sector on attachments for university, college graduates and youth polytechnics trainees; training, entrepreneurship and business development services. That also includes the development of policy for affirmative action in public procurement for youth products and services. The Ministry is in the process of creating a database of all youth enterprises for this purpose. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, on guidance and counselling which was raised last week, the Ministry has already started a Youth Guidance and Consultancy Section which has embarked on preparing a framework on guidance and counselling to assist in the development of a guidance and counselling action plan, which will also include training of peer counsellors. The Ministry intends to partner with the Ministry of Education to enhance this programme. Regarding character building, the Ministry is sensitizing the youth on crime, problems of drugs and substance abuse as well as health issues. In the 2007/2008 Financial Year, the Ministry sensitized the youth in three correctional institutions, and we intend to continue with that in the current financial year. The Ministry has identified the following measures which are aimed at building character among the youth: Issues to do with human rights sensitization, life skills education, and peace education, which was done through the zuia Noma campaign. In addition to the above, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Kenya Scouts and Girl Guides Association, has developed a programme called \"scaling up the best practices in youth development and empowerment in Kenya\". This programme is geared towards equipping the youth with knowledge and life skills. Regarding the issue of mentorship and leadership training, which came up this afternoon, the Ministry has been training and will continue to train the youth on leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, life-skills, conflict resolution, peace education and good citizenry, among other areas. Towards the leadership development of the youth, the Ministry has collaborated with the Presidential Award Scheme and has trained 100 youth leaders in every province on leadership and life-skills. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, on mentoring, the Ministry has conducted 21 career fairs aimed at sensitizing 22,911 youths, mostly students in High School, on career choices. We would like to ask hon. Members to assist the Ministry to get various professionals to talk to our youth, particularly Form Four and Form Three students. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, regarding the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, which was transformed into a parastatal or State Corporation in May, 2007, the Fund was created to address the needs of the youth, especially the unemployment problem. Over the last one year, the Fund has disbursed Kshs1.2 billion to over 40,000 youth enterprises countrywide. This is quite an achievement. 1828 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES July 15, 2008 However, the Fund is managed by a Board of Directors whose membership is drawn from young private sector professionals. But the Fund has also just concluded its recruitment exercise in which nearly all positions were taken up by young people below the age of 35. Some positions like that of Marketing Professional, are still being advertised. We intend to get the best of the youth. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the Fund is evolving in response to the needs and expectations of its clients. I have just completed the three-year strategic plan that is focused on addressing the emerging issues and inherent limitations. The hon. Members are kindly requested to give us suggestions like the ones that have been raised this afternoon. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, from the list distributed to the hon. Members showing the disbursement status of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), the amount of Kshs715.8 million shown as commitment by 28 financial organizations is not an amount committed by them, but rather funds that have been lent to them by the YEDF for on-lending to the youth. Let me also state that any donors that would be willing to invest in the youth are welcome. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I would like to say that we have taken note of what was said this afternoon by the hon. Member for Samburu. If there are financial intermediaries that are abusing this particular YEDF, then we are willing to consider because we are committed to assisting the youth of this country. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, on the involvement of the Members of Parliament in the management of the Fund at the constituency level, the area Member of Parliament is an ex-officio Member of the YEDF committees at the divisional level. In this role, the Member of Parliament is expected to positively influence the decision as to which group receives the funds at the constituency level. This is because he or she is the one who knows best the needs of his or her people. The area Member of Parliament is allowed to nominate his or her representative to the divisional committee. In view of the fact that the funds available are not adequate to match the needs of the youth, the Fund will explore a partnership with the Constituencies Development Fund (CDF) with a view to strengthening the Constituency Youth Enterprise Scheme capacity to meet the needs of the youth. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the status reports of the Constituency Youth Enterprise Scheme in each constituency will be availed to the respective Members on quarterly basis. Very soon, perhaps this coming week, the Ministry will be launching the report of the YEDF. At that point, we will give detailed information on the status of the allocations for each constituency. The Fund allocation criteria was based on the districts and the number of youth for the funds disbursed through financial intermediaries. This afternoon, we have been told that the youth do not actually understand this. I would like to say that there are forms for accessing these funds and the youth can even fill them by hand. We will be willing to avail them to the Members, so that they can distribute them to the youth of this country. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the Constituency Youth Enterprise Scheme allocation was Kshs2 million to each constituency. This allocation criteria will be reviewed, taking into consideration the constituency's size and population in addition to the repayment performance. The Ministry has taken note of the low YEDF uptake in some areas, especially the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). We have targeted sensitization programmes or campaigns that involve area's stakeholders, especially the leaders and local leaders, so that we can have training activities which will be conducted to inculcate entrepreneurial culture among our youth. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the Ministry has also taken note that there are areas with no financial intermediaries. Indeed, this has come up this afternoon. We would like to say that where the financial infrastructure is almost non-existence, it posses serious disbursement July 15, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1829 challenges to the YEDF. However, a number of options are being pursued to reduce the magnitude of the challenges. This includes the opening of partnership talks with key financial institutions that have widespread reach, especially in remote areas. These include Kenya Commercial Bank as well as teachers SACCOs. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, on the National Youth Service (NYS), I would like to confirm that the Service is, indeed, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. I also concur with the hon. Members that the equipment of the NYS is obsolete and in need of replacement. In the 2008/2009 Financial Year, an allocation of Kshs100.7 million has been made under the Development Vote to renew obsolete plant and machinery. I also welcome the suggestion that the Government Ministries give the NYS first priority in undertaking public works. I am glad to inform this House that the NYS has the capacity to undertake such projects. It is already undertaking projects such as the Tana Basin roads project as well as the construction of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) perimeter fence and the Budalangi dykes project. The NYS has also successfully completed the following projects: The 112 kilometres Kindaruma Hydro-electric Scheme, 130 Kilometres Thika-Garissa Road, 400 Kilometres road linking Kenya and Ethiopia and 42 Kilometres Machakos-Wundanyi Road, among others. I also welcome the suggestion that the NYS be used to maintain Government vehicles. My Ministry will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine how these suggestions can be implemented effectively. We welcome comments made by hon. Members on employment creation through the Tana Basin Roads Project. I also concur that the allocation of Kshs900 million should be increased to create more jobs for our youth. On youth and sports, I would like to thank hon. Members, as I said from the outset, for their contributions on how to improve the sports sector of the Ministry. I would like to say that on the issue of sports diversification, the Ministry, through the Department of Sports, has requested for extra funds to assist in promoting smaller disciplines such as darts, judo, karate, pool and others. To this end, the Government has also allocated Kshs1 million per constituency to enhance sports. As we heard this afternoon, this amount is not enough, because our youth are blessed with energy and they need to constructively use it in various sports. I would like to request hon. Members that as they give the Ministry proposals on the development of sports, let them consider all sports, including athletics. This is because there are areas in this country which are very good in swimming, for example. Therefore, we would welcome suggestions that would develop that particular sport. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, on the motivation of sportsmen and sportswomen, the Government has already set in motion a programme of awarding sportsmen and sportswomen who excel in international competitions. In the 2008/2009 Financial Year, an allocation of Kshs60 million has been made to cater for incentives. Although this is not sufficient, it is a step in the right direction. I want to thank the hon. Members for suggesting that the Ministry be given more money. On the rehabilitation of stadia, the Ministry, through the Sports Stadia Management Board, is in the process of identifying suitable public grounds with the aim of rehabilitating and refurbishing them. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the Ministry had requested for funding of Kshs200 million this financial year to develop stadia across the country and rehabilitate the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret specifically because there are a lot of youth there who are keen and gifted in sports. However, these were not availed to the Ministry. It is hoped that the funding will be availed, perhaps, during the Supplementary Budget as has been suggested by my colleague this afternoon. On the issue of promotion of sports, the Ministry has put in place a deliberate effort to promote sports in the country and bring us funds to our stadia. I am happy to report that these efforts are bearing fruit and lately, we have seen stadia filled to capacity. The Ministry takes the 1830 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES July 15, 2008 issue of agents and managers with a lot of seriousness. I have directed all sports organisations, particularly Athletics Kenya to register all foreign and local agents wishing to transact business with our athletes. This is because we have learnt that some of the agents who come to this country really do not have this country at heart. We would want to deal with that issue effectively. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, in my contribution last week, I talked of the need to address declining standards in boxing. However, I wish to state that boxing is one of the sports where Kenya has been performing fairly well in the international arena. In the Ninth All Africa Games held in July, 2007, Kenya entered seven boxers in the game and managed to win three medals. Our country was placed fourth overall. I am glad to report to this House that Kenya has also won four slots in the Beijing Olympic Games which will take place in August, 2008. On the issue of sports management and administration, the Ministry has noted the concern of hon. Members that sports administration has not been very effective thus leading to poor performance of our teams. The Ministry will be working with the international federations to ensure that elections are held and the youth take up the leadership of sports in this country. This is because they are the beneficiaries. They are the men and women with the gift of sports. So, they should be given an opportunity to contribute to sports and manage it. In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his Ministry for formulating a foreign policy that recognises successful sportsmen and sportswomen as part of our diplomacy. This was said last week and our Ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve on the policy, taking into consideration issues of foreign employment of our youth. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I once again take this opportunity to thank hon. Members for supporting our Ministry."
}