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{
    "id": 651043,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/651043/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 337,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Elachi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13115,
        "legal_name": "Beatrice Elachi",
        "slug": "beatrice-elachi"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move:- THAT, the Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 43 of 2013 be now read a Second Time. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is a Bill that brings in a critical component within the services that we give to Kenyans. Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, persons with disabilities are entitled to reasonable access to all places, public transport and information. Hence, the Government has the responsibility to make telecommunications and mass media available to persons with disabilities for their rehabilitation, self-development and self reliance. This Bill is sponsored by hon. Wanjiku Muhia, Woman Representative for Nyandarua Constituency. After we passed the new Constitution, it is the responsibility of not just the Government, but also the private sector to enable persons with disabilities to access any of their institutions. In some buildings, it is difficult for persons with disabilities to access or move around. We have had challenges even at the airports. A few years ago, we had a commotion at the airport when one senior person was mistreated by one of the airlines. We had to have a series of petitions and I appreciate to see Sen. Omondi seated here because she is the wearer of the shoe. She will tell you the challenges that they face not just in schools but also in hospitals. Some hospitals with staircases do not have ramps. Sometimes the roads that they have reserved for these people are so narrow. It is the responsibility of their handlers; parents or relatives, to help them. One of the amendments to this Bill is very clear that an institution or a body offering services to the citizens shall enable persons with disabilities to enjoy the services available within the institution or body. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we need to get aid devices for the deaf and blind. We should also hire qualified interpreters for the deaf and blind. This morning, we launched civic education documents. Sen. Wako and I attended that function. However, when I read through those documents, I did not see any that will help the blind and deaf to participate in this process. Therefore, by amending this Bill, we will ensure public participation as stipulated in the Constitution. We would also like to see our brothers and sisters with special needs participating in this process. We do not have to take it for granted, but we have to put ourselves in their shoes to understand the suffering they undergo. There are those who can afford to take care of themselves while there are others who cannot. It is the obligation of institutions, like schools, to ensure persons living with disabilities are taken care of. The Members of the National Assembly who manage the Constituencies Development Fund (CDF) should embrace these amendments so that they hire qualified interpreters for schools. They should also train teachers on Braille so that they can help blind students in their 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"
}