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{
    "id": 543858,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/543858/?format=api",
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    "content": "we collect, evaluate and utilize that information. I am sure that the presence of a village elder is going to solve this main problem of collecting information because the current state of insecurity and the greatest threat that people have is terrorism. Insecurity affects the very simple members of society who do not have any other form of protection except collect information and protect themselves. I see several advantages in having the village elders and this must be made clear so that we are able to support this amendment with good reasons. First of all, a village elder has the first advantage in that they understand the language of the community where they come from. Therefore, they get this information, first hand, in the language of the people where they come from. I believe in most cases especially in rural communities, these village elders are going to come from the communities where they can communicate in their own language. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the village elder is also physically present in the area of their jurisdiction or areas where they are likely to collect information. Without having to be called or using a vehicle to go to the site, the village elder is already present on the ground and this is an advantage and a useful thing to suggest. Thirdly, the village elder has a motivation because it is his or her own village and, therefore, without having to expect a reward or payment for working, the first thing that inspires the village elder to work is that they are defending their own territory. They are motivated to work within their village. They are the best people that we can use. Lastly, the village elder in terms of economics is the cheapest personnel that we could require or use in these areas. They are a manpower that is easily attained and can be paid very easily, not necessarily using monetary but using tokens and other things coming from within that community. In terms of affordability, the village elder is fairly cheap. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, of late and, in fact, since the new Constitution came into place, attempts have been made to take the Government to the people, and I am sure this is where the Government meets the people. This is the lowest member coming from the community to meet the Government. As part of our devolution process, this is currently the right thing to do; to have a point at which the national Government or even county government meets the people at the village level. I am sure it is the village elder that is the person that is going to make this connection. I support this amendment, and I hope Senators will also support it so that this can be applied both in the rural communities and even more so, now, as we know it can also be applied in urban communities as we implement what we suggested as the NyumbaKumi Initiative that we are going to use. I think the village elder is going to be useful. Thank you."
}