Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 497298,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/497298/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 186,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "natural or human driven, which usually impact the foundation of human existence mainly to persons with disabilities who have special needs. Their little resilience can be reduced to void. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I continue to persuade the House to support this amendment, it is not possible to exhaust here the host of issues facing persons with disabilities which gradually undermine inclusion, enjoyment of fundamental rights and confidence. The persons with disabilities (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bill No. 24 of 2014), straight forward purpose is to enhance the quality of lives of person with disabilities acknowledging that it is possible to overcome disability. In the new Kenyan Constitution which was promulgated in 2010, Article 21 in particular, gives important obligation to state organs to protect and promote the rights and fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights. It mandates all state organs to address vulnerable group’s needs extending to person with disabilities. Furthermore, Article 54 of the Kenyan Constitution recognizes specific rights related to treatment with dignity and access to important social amenities and infrastructure, including educational facilities and communication facilities among others. These are matters that are also well articulated in the United Nations Convention (UNC). The Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bill No.24 of 2014) is forthwith to revitalize the services to persons with disabilities in time and dignity. While the existing Persons with Disabilities Act 2003, Section 3, established the National Council for persons with disabilities with broad mandate guarantying that rights and privileges rendered to persons with disabilities are grasped and given and was instrumental to bringing The National Development Fund which works towards the welfare of persons with disabilities. There are limitations the 2003 Act tends to look at the implementation in a progressive manner without reckoning the timing of services in an immediate and realistic form. It is a good contribution for the country to have laws, but it is important that the laws provide a monitor and able guide. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2003 and other policy efforts have tended to look at the implementation of the existing laws in a very gradual sequence. This extended to protract the time frame in which services to persons with disabilities need to be delivered. Consequently, this makes accountability for service provider performances an equally long grown out practice. The Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bill No.24 of 2014), is addressing this short fall. It provides timelines within which submission of reports to respective offices is due. This will enable state organs like the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and other state institutions with the duty for the implementation of our Constitution to be more proactive. The Bill will also facilitate timely performance reviews and compliance to providing the necessary tools and response plans to enable full functioning of persons with disabilities services. As I conclude, the Bill re-affirms our duty to Kenya as the Senate to provide legislative direction towards the improvement of the lives of our fellow people. Although the Government has done much - and also our partners in Kenya, including international Non Governmental Organization (NGOs) - in resource mobilization and support for persons with disabilities, we are now operating within a new development Government. It is expected and I am confident with this Bill, exceptional needs of persons with The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}