{"id":60604,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/60604/?format=json","text_counter":31,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Mr. Mwai Kibaki","speaker_title":"PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS His Excellency the President","speaker":{"id":43,"legal_name":"Emilio Mwai Kibaki","slug":"mwai-kibaki"},"content":"Mr. Speaker, Sir, Article 55 of the Constitution provides that the State shall take measures, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that the youth: 1. Access relevant education and training; 2. Have opportunities to associate, be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life; 3. Access employment; and 4. Are protected from harmful cultural practices and exploitation. This constitutional mandate requires that the Youth Policy and the current institutional frameworks dedicated to the youth be supported by a legislative framework. My Government will prioritize the development of a youth employment and protection law. As a matter of urgency, I shall establish a taskforce which will work with our youth and other members of our society to assist develop a blueprint of this crucial bill. I have decided that this matter must be addressed urgently, although it is not given a five-year timeline by the Constitution."}