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"content": "In Bangladesh, they also have what they call the Praks which is an ultra poor programme that focuses on the most vulnerable groups and seeks to build up productive assets based of the poorest households. These are examples to show there is a programme in Zambia, Lesotho and Malawi and all have got very positive trends in the impact that these interventions have had on the citizenry. Really, it is to say that this Bill is important because we are saying, yes, the Government has got some scattered programmes in different Ministries in gender, agriculture and in the Ministry that deals with ASAL areas. But we are saying it is not anchored on any legal framework. Therefore, the importance of making sure that all these interventions can be co-ordinated and controlled from one source. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to look at the different parts of the Bill. Very quickly, Part A of the Bill contains the preliminary provisions where “social assistance” is defined as assistance that is provided in accordance with this Bill, to persons in need and other persons. It includes financial assistance and social services. Clause 2 of Part A also defines basic assistance, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, money, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, funeral and burial expenses, comfort allowances, adoption services, medical care et cetera. So, that is the first part of the Bill. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the second part of the Bill provides for the establishment of powers and functions of a National Social Assistance Authority. This is established under Clause 3 of the Bill. As a corporate body, it is cushioned from personal liability. There are nine functions of the National Social Assistance Authority that are enumerated in Clause 4. Its main functions will be management, administration, payment of social assistance and enforcement of the provisions of this Bill. It shall be run by a management board comprising of the chair, director and members. It will have powers to investigate and establish a compliance and anti-fraud mechanism to ensure integrity of the social assistance programme. Part 3 of the Bill provides for vulnerable persons and the scope of social assistance under this Bill. If you look at Clause 17, you will find that it specifically says who the people that will be targeted are. They are orphans and vulnerable children, poor elderly persons, unemployed persons, persons disabled by acute chronic illnesses, persons with disabilities and any other person as shall be determined by the Minister in consultation with the authority. They maybe destitute children and even war veterans, if there will be need for them to be supported. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, Clause 19 of Part 3 says that a person shall be entitled to social assistance if that person falls under Clause 17 that I have just enumerated and is a Kenyan citizen who complies with any other requirement as may be prescribed by the Minister in consultation with the Authority and approved by Parliament. Part 4 of the Bill provides for financial provisions and the establishment of the National Social Assistance Fund. That is how it will be funded. We talk about where the funding will be coming from in Clause 34. The Fund shall be used inter alia to provide assistance to the vulnerable persons and facilitate research in matters relating to social assistance. It shall be administered by the Authority that we have just talked about."
}