Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 675029,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/675029/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 140,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Mbui",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1750,
        "legal_name": "Robert Mbui",
        "slug": "robert-mbui"
    },
    "content": "They also handle security matters. We know very well that the village managers know everybody within their village. When people come to the villages, they are able to identify them and can put their people on alert to ensure that these people do not commit crimes within their regions. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, they also handle or promote development initiatives. When we are issuing bursaries in Kathiani Constituency, for example, these are the people that will help to actually identify the real needy members of the community. They are the ones who tell us the most deserving people because they know them. They also work together with their people in identifying the needy cases. When we distribute food aid during the drought season, they are also the ones who identify the families that are most affected. When there is a problem within the society, they are the first ones on site. If there is fire in a school and as a colleague has mentioned, you will find the village manager being the first person to get to that school to know what is going on. They are involved in health matters. They identify and advise sick people who do not go to hospital. They advise the Government accordingly so that these people are probably forced to seek medical attention, and so many other things. The Government is yet to recognise and appreciate the role these people are playing in this country. Unfortunately, I have observed that these people cannot benefit from a lot of the things we do. For example, we cannot give them bursary. For some reason, the rest public think they should be well off and that is why they are in those positions. When you attempt to give them bursary, the general public goes up in arms to say “this money is not for the leaders.” They are considered leaders. When we have those cash transfer programmes for the elderly, you cannot include these people in it. They are considered to be leaders. It is quite a very challenging position for them. I feel we need to really do something about it. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, we are talking about payment. I want to just refer to Article 41(1) of the Constitution which talks about fair labour practices. It is only fair that anybody who works and provides a service is paid for it. Article 41(2) of the Constitution talks about every worker having a right to fair remuneration and reasonable working conditions. Village Elders are people who are providing us service. They are working day in, day out, but they are paid absolutely nothing. It is important to note that this is modern day slavery to have people working without pay. I have been to meetings with them. The assistant chiefs and chiefs push them around, yet they are not paid for this service. As a House, it is important we ensure we put a stop to this and urge the Government to find whatever means necessary to make sure these people get paid every month so that they know they are serving a country and community that appreciates them. Being the budget- making Parliament, this House has the authority to find a way of making this possible. I would urge my colleagues to support this Motion. I am happy it has come to the Floor. Since I was elected, it is one of the things that are queried by village managers in every meeting. They always ask when they will be paid. Recently, we started introducing social assistance The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}