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{
    "id": 681048,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/681048/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 83,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Maanzo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2197,
        "legal_name": "Daniel Kitonga Maanzo",
        "slug": "daniel-kitonga-maanzo"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I would like to support this very important amendment. It deals with what we currently call NGOs. This Act calls them PBOs, which was done in 2013. It is three years ago, but it has now come into force simply because the Act says “And shall come into operation on such date as Cabinet Secretary (CS) may, by notice in Gazette, appoint”. This means that once you leave it to the discretion of the CS, if he never gives such a notice for eternity, then this Act will never become law. By being deleted, then automatically the normal practice as with many other Acts of Parliament, it will become law once it is assented to by the President. It becomes law within 14 days and hence becomes operational. Kenyans can begin to benefit from it. Hon. Deputy Speaker, it is also noted that this Bill does not affect the functions of county governments because there is a new Constitution. It does not also add expenditure to the Government and, therefore, there will be no need for it to taken to the Senate because the NGOs and PBOs are based and controlled at the national level. Therefore, there is no need for the same to go to the Senate. It is a very good amendment and once it is approved by the President, it will become law. Kenyans will now start reaping from the benefits of NGOs and PBOs. There is need to have a law regulating these organisations. We are living in an era of terrorism, where we need to control finances coming and leaving the country and to know who is in charge. If that does not happen, insecurity becomes an issue. This is a multi-billion industry and a lot of donors and foundations are involved in it. Therefore, there is need for it to be regulated. There was no need to make a law which was not going to be effective. Parliament then is deemed to have wasted its time. This amendment is, therefore, timely and important. Kenyans can now start to reap the benefits of the PBOs Act of 2013. Hon. Deputy Speaker, for that reason, I would like to support it and I urge Members to also do the same. This is very important. We have all seen it. We have even been affected by it when demonstrations are being held in town. They are sponsored by organisations like these for good reasons. A proper law is important, so that we can have the country moving forward with proper development and partnership. There should be NGOs or PBOs partnership with the Government so that the development agenda is taken to the grassroots and those who have not received it are known. The operators, donors and the source of their money should also be known. I therefore, beg to support."
}