Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 721885,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/721885/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 86,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Onyura",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 12833,
        "legal_name": "Michael Aringo Onyura",
        "slug": "michael-aringo-onyura"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this Bill. As it has been explained, the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill mainly makes corrections to existing laws. There are instances where the correction is just to change the terminology and align it with what is provided for in the new Constitution, or in a later Bill or definition. I have noted a few amendments regarding the old law where we used to have “Ministers and Permanent Secretaries”. We want to replace with “Cabinet Secretaries” and “Principal Secretaries.” These laws were enacted before devolution and it is necessary to take into account the changes that have been brought about by devolution. For instance, I have noted that we still have the local authority, which should be changed to “county”, so that it can be in line with the current laws. This Bill has a review of fees, charges and fines to bring them in line with the modern reality in terms of the value of our currency. This Bill tries to create consistencies in some of our laws. For instance, there is the creation of boards and councils. The terms of service for board members have been reduced to two terms of three years. There is an option for reappointment for a further term of three years. It is important to standardise that across our various boards, parastatals and statutory bodies. That is because consistency is good in the Public Service. I do not know what to make of the dairy industry. The Bill adds the definitions of “goat milk” and “camel milk” to the law, and I am not sure whether those who have been taking goat and camel milk have been committing offences. That clarification is good. I have noted amendments on the Employment Act that seek to remove ambiguities that existed in the Act. Conflicts arise from some of those ambiguities just as we have seen in the interpretation of the doctors’ CBA. When we plug any loopholes or loose ends in the law, then such controversies can be dealt with quickly and conclusively. The amendment to the Copyright Act is welcome becomes it seeks to streamline the operations in that field. I want to believe that it will also minimize exploitation of artistes by different entities. As we encourage our youth to develop their talents and skills, we should make sure that we safeguard their intellectual property rights. The section on the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is also welcome. I believe this institution is likely to play a very important role given the sort of changes that are being proposed in our education system. The section on the Crops Act is also useful as it provides details and clarifies the composition of the board and its powers and functions. That clarification is important. Finally, I will touch on the section on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act. I think that is also useful because we would really like to encourage middle level skills. Talking about that, it was a big mistake to do away with middle-level colleges. Right now, getting artisans and technicians in the market is becoming more and more difficult. I hope that, at some stage, the whole area of technical education can be addressed more comprehensively, so that we can bring back artisans and technicians. 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."
}