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{
    "id": 498263,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/498263/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 337,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Zani",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13119,
        "legal_name": "Agnes Zani",
        "slug": "agnes-zani"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I stand right from the beginning to support the National Youth Service (Amendment) Bill, Bill No.26 of 2014 and to congratulate Sen. Elachi for; one, thinking about the youth and; two, for agreeing that without a youth, a country cannot have a future. If we do not do something about our youth today and find ways of instilling discipline, a sense of life and direction now, it becomes very difficult for them to operate properly when they become adults. It was in 1980s that a programme was introduced in Kenya to allow people who were joining universities to attend the NYS programme. Many students who joined the universities around the late 1980s had to go through that programme. This programme was interesting because it linked two aspects. It linked the intellectual and the technical aspects. The programme which was for a specific group ended. However, many people remember that time with a lot of joy and realisation that there were certain values that they learnt. There were people, for instance, who came from elitist groups who had not had a chance to do manual work and to see what they were capable of. There were aspects of technical expertise that would be given to the recruits at that time so that they could learn different things in agriculture, sewing and about anything so that when they came out, they could do something for themselves. I think the most enjoyable part in that programme was the resilience that it built in the recruits. The young people; men and women, used to wake up at 5.00 a.m. and at times would run for long distances. Initially, they would run from Naivasha and they were expected to run all the way to Gilgil. At times, the run would be extended to Nakuru. They would start by climbing one hill, but they ended up climbing three hills. When they started, they thought that they would not do it. However, they did it and realised that they came out stronger and resilient. If such a programme is coupled with elements of patriotism and this is given in a context that makes these young people realise that they are doing it for the service of their country, then we will move on to a point where we can secure a future for Kenya. The way to secure a future for Kenya is to carry out these programmes at the level of the youth at a national context. That is why I am congratulating Sen. Elachi and support the amendment that seeks to have the NYS in each county. At present, the NYS is in much selected counties. We have it in Gilgil, Yala, Yatta and other specific places. However, if this was extended to all counties so that the 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."
}