Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 248421,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/248421/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 334,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kenneth",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Finance",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 167,
        "legal_name": "Peter Kenneth",
        "slug": "peter-kenneth"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir. I want to thank hon. Members because this Bill enjoyed support from both sides of the House. I have always said that, sometimes, we need to have a bi-partisan approach to things that are good for the nation. Hon. Members have unanimously supported this Bill. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have heard some of the suggestions. Some of them are worth considering. In fact, many Members have said that the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) should be mandated to look into the deficiencies created by employers. That is a very good suggestion. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, we want to criminalise employers who do not remit pension contributions. The employee should be able to report that to RBA when he or she becomes aware that his or her remittances have not been given to a pension scheme. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, there were fears that, once we pass this Bill, how would employers take any action? The amendment is very clear. It states that within 15 days of deduction, the same must be remitted. That means that the employer will have to prove to the employee that he has remitted his or her deductions. Seven days, thereafter, that action will be criminal. The issue of \"after the fact\" was raised. I appreciate the concerns that have been raised. There are schemes that have failed because the employers have failed. Unfortunately, we can only act after this Bill has been passed. We might not be able to act in retrospect. I do not think we still have the data of those employers. As of now, it is very difficult to know employers who have deducted remittances and failed to remit them, unless the employees are able to bring it to the fore. I also appreciate the point raised by Mr. Muturi on Clause 6, Section 25(b) about the introduction of a minimum. It is worth consideration. I am sure that, once we look at it, we will be able to harmonise it. However, overall, the whole House has been in concurrence. 1148 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES June 6, 2006 With those few remarks, I beg to move."
}