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{
    "id": 719005,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/719005/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 122,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Dido",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2749,
        "legal_name": "Col (Rtd) Ali Rasso Dido",
        "slug": "col-rtd-ali-rasso-dido"
    },
    "content": "people eyeball to eyeball. In the process, we must tell them the importance of exercising their democratic right by choosing the right leaders. They say that it is those who refuse to vote who allow countries to get bad leaders. For this reason, it is difficult for Kenyans to access basic amenities because things are made difficult the way even the Government is organised. If the IEBC and the Registrar of Persons work hand in glove, we, as Members of Parliament or the President and his deputy, would not be going out there to tell people to register. As soon as an individual gets an ID card, they know that they are on the roll of voters. That would be the easiest thing to happen in Kenya. Currently, in Marsabit County where I come from, the voter turnout is very low. We are facing a serious drought that we have not experienced over the last 20 years. Our people are going out to look for water, food and pasture. This has dispersed most of our people to even neighbouring countries and neighbouring counties. It is a tall order trying to reach them because of the way the voter registration has been designed. It is static even in populated areas. So, what about those who are going far away with their livestock? Something needs to be done. The idea of having a fixated period of 30 days for voter registration should be re-thought. We must think out of the box as a country, so that all eligible individuals are brought to the voters roll. Voter registration and issuance of IDs are inextricably linked. If Kenyans do not get IDs in time, or if IDs are not available, then we should not expect a good turnout or the numbers that we desire. It should not be seen that it is Kenyans who are not coming out to register. As has been said, the issuance of ID cards is the most difficult process Kenyans have been enduring. It is easier to get a passport than an ID. An individual is told to bring their father’s ID, their mother’s ID, death certificates and birth certificates. Consider a young person who was born in location “X”. The chief knows that person and so do the elders. However, it is made so difficult until that person forgets about looking for an ID. The process of seeking an ID card is a tall order. For that reason, unless we make it very easy to acquire IDs, then voter registration in itself will be a very difficult thing. We have Huduma Centres, post offices and many other service delivery points that can be used for voter registration. Those places could be used as outlets for the issuance of IDs. This Motion, while it does not address the exact situation of voter registration, it is important for us, as a law making body, to have an institution or instrument in place, so that with time, it is easy for the citizenry to know their rights and also the basic folds that they can easily place themselves in. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, in Australia, it is compulsory to vote. It is also compulsory when you reach the age of 18 years to be on the voters roll. For that reason, this country, as a developing country, must have the right instruments in place, so that we galvanise the energy of this nation to elect good leaders that the citizenry desire. These are the leaders who will bring development to the country. With those remarks, I beg to support."
}