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{
    "id": 497306,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/497306/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 194,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "October 30, 2014 SENATE DEBATES 24 Sen. (Dr.) Zani",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, let me start by thanking Sen. Njoroge for bringing this important amendment. I think it comes from the fact that from his observation, the bodies that have been entrusted by the Constitution to make sure that the interests of disabilities are executed, probably, have not been given enough teeth to bite. The National Council of People with disabilities, therefore, in the new amendment that is being sought are actually being given direction in terms of what they can do. I think this is correct because it is enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution is very clear in protecting the interests of different groups, especially those with disabilities. Section 27(4) that deals with equality and freedom from discrimination states:- “The State shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground including, among others after age, disability, religion, belief, culture, dress”. Article 54 emphasizes that the dignity and respect of every person must be upheld. It gives provisions about how the life of the people with disabilities can actually be enhanced to make their life easy. Some of these things are not very difficult. It is really a question of coming up with policy and putting it into place and just being very focused on it. I think this initiative to beam the light to a specific area to ensure that this happens is very critical; for example, issues that are dealt with in Article 54; reasonable access to all places, public transport and information. Really as a person and a human being, you cannot be productive socially or economically if you cannot move. I know there are different types of disabilities, but I think in this particular session, we are dealing with physical disability. It is very sad. If you have the right equipment, you should be able to move from one place to another. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I remember in one of the Committees when we were dealing with one of the cases that came up about an airline that had not made provision for a particular prominent Member to be able to move. The way he talked about it and the way that he felt, it was very clear that such provisions should be made and should be respected and nobody should ask or beg for it. We know, for example, in the developed countries, they have made a lot of progress. In Kenya, you will still go to a building and find that there is no ramp. That is the case even within the buildings of Parliament. Last week we had a meeting on the First Floor and one of our Members could not make it there. We had to move the meeting to this Chamber to enable her join the meeting. Somebody somewhere should be responsible. In Sen. Njoroge’s submission, the NCPD should be able to push for this agenda together with parliamentarians. Accessing materials and devices overcome all these constraints and it should be made possible for people with disabilities to be able to do that. With such provisions being put into place, it will make life very easy. I think this provision should not just start in adulthood; it has to start in consideration with all the institutions. How is disability handled, for example, within the family? We know that some of the children with disabilities have been hidden and not taken to school. How should it be handled within the institutions of education? What about the integration of people with disabilities into schools so that their issues can actually be dealt with? What about in religious and economic institutions? 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."
}