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{
    "id": 528965,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/528965/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 183,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "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 disabilities, including employment will be addressed better within the national and county governments in a predictable manner and appraisals conducted in reasonable timelines which is immediate rather than unnecessarily lengthened. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill does not legislate powers nor does it limit fundamentals rights and freedoms. Since the Bill concerns county government in terms of Article 110(1) (a) of the Constitution, the amendments that are proposed are intended to promote and ensure the full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities at the national and county levels of government. For that matter, because of the quorum issue, -----"
}