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{
    "id": 239729,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/239729/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 264,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. ole Metito",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 199,
        "legal_name": "Judah Katoo Ole-Metito",
        "slug": "judah-ole-metito"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the following Motion:- THAT, given the debilitating effects of HIV/AIDS in the country, taking cognizance of the high number of orphans estimated at 1.2 million; noting the increased primary school enrolment occasioned by Free Primary Education Programme, and further noting that the increase is not reflected in secondary schools; this House urges the Government to implement free secondary education programme for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other causes. 2538 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES August 2, 2006 First of all, I would like to give the background information about orphans and vulnerable children by saying that HIV/AIDS is emerging as the biggest social crisis that is facing mankind today. It is devastating since it is depriving households, families, communities and nations of the most productive and skilled manpower as well as well prepared youths. HIV/AIDS is relegating people to poverty and social discrimination. It denies them self-realization and complete freedom. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has affected every sector and threatens to reverse the progress made in poverty reduction and achieving the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development. Therefore, strong intervention by the Government and other stakeholders is urgent. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, HIV/AIDS has led to high mortality levels. It targets the age-groups consisting of care givers and parents. Therefore, generations of parents are dying and increasing the number of orphans to unprecedented levels. At the household level, death of parents leads to a rise in the number of child-headed households, child care givers and elderly care givers who are grandparents. Therefore, it is correct to say that the level of orphanhood continues to rise as the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to persist since no cure for the disease has been discovered. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, many children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kenya and their number has been growing steadily from 27,000 in 1990 to 900,000 in 2001 and to about 1.2 million in 2002. The number is expected to rise to about 2.5 million by 2010. Currently, it is estimated that the country is home to 1.5 million orphans as per the 2005 estimates. Orphanhood affects gender inequalities as girl orphans are overworked, are often sexually exploited by their care givers and drop out of school more readily than boys to play the role of parents, nurses and providers for the family when someone in the household falls ill. They are often deprived of their properties or parents' properties, such as land. In this regard, the Government has an important task of ensuring that the rights of children who are orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other causes are respected and their needs met. The Government should give the first priority to orphans when it comes to policies and programmes. It should ensure that adequate financial and human resources are availed to people who take care and support that vulnerable group. Concerns over HIV/AIDS orphans and vulnerable children should, therefore, be given the first priority in all public policies and programmes. In particular, those children should be empowered by providing them with free education at all levels. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to highlight the need for free secondary education for orphans."
}