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{
    "id": 382265,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/382265/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 162,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Lesan",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 506,
        "legal_name": "Wilfred Rottich Lesan",
        "slug": "wilfred-rottich-lesan"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to make a few comments on the Motion. From the outset, I wish to mention that I support the amendment which is being made on this Motion in order to give it some teeth. In the past, we have had the Retirement Benefits Authority Act, 1997 which was amended in 2010. From what we have heard here, it is apparent that those amendments on the Retirement Benefits Act done before have actually not solved some of the pending problems mentioned by some of the speakers who have spoken before me. So, I am glad that Sen. Obure has brought this Motion and I am also even happier that it is going to be amended in order to give it some teeth to address the current situation where retirees have been suffering. Madam Temporary Speaker, the main problem that has been with the previous Act governing pensions, particularly retirement benefits, has been the keeping of records. Apart from the attitude of workers within the authority, I think lack of records has been the main problem. But we are very fortunate in this country that we now have Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). We also have computers. Therefore, at the moment, it is a pity that I am not able to get an electronic statement (e-statement) of my benefits from my employer while sitting on an armchair at home. This is possible. I do not have to come all the way to Nairobi when we have this kind of thing. I am sure with this Bill, such amendments will be made in the procedures so that it is possible to actually get the records up to date, and be able to get periodic statements of the status of the benefits of the individual at any time. This is an important amendment. It is one of the things that we could follow. Madam Temporary Speaker, it is always accepted that the benefits we look for from the retirement scheme is in monetary terms. I think it might also be possible to change the terms in which we can get these benefits into other forms. For example, I would like to have a medical cover as part of my retirement benefits so that I do not have to go around looking for money. I just turn up to the best medical provider and get treatment because, after all, the amount of money that I, probably, get from retirement is spent on medical services. Therefore, if I got this as part of the scheme, then I do not have to follow an officer at the office, like he says in Eldoret or Nakuru, to give me some money. I just report to the nearest medical officer to get this service. Madam Temporary Speaker, it is very appropriate that this Motion has come at this time and I think we, as Senators, will support it with the proposed amendment. In fact, I support the amendment because it goes a long way to serve the purpose which we intend to. Therefore, Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to support the amendments to the Motion."
}