Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 836495,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/836495/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 39,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "legislation within their counties that are county-specific because of the different cultures in different parts of the country. The situation of older persons in Wajir is very different from the situation of older persons in Kisii and Nyamira counties, where Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri will tell you that a few years ago, older persons were endangered because they were being hunted down because of claims of witchcraft. I hope that this has stopped. Therefore, this and other activities should help us sensitise the society to actually embrace these older persons and not see them as strange. The next part of it talks about the standards and how the management of these homes needs to be done; and the services required to be rendered. So that it is clear, it is 24-hour care and support for those in need of rehabilitation, counselling, outreach and even recreational activities. We want them to exercise, walk on a treadmill and do some physical stretching and what-not, which is encouraged even for the young people. It commits and compels that a home for the elderly established by a county government must be compelled to admit an older person who qualifies for admission. It also sets out the rights of those persons and the services delivered. These rights include appointment of a representative, liberty to participate in social, religious and community activities and to access basic care and services within the home. We were keen as a Committee while we were doing this. We have children rehabilitation centres in areas like Bahati, Kariokor and Kayole Home for Girls in Nairobi, among others. In as much as they are set up, the kind of money that is being appropriated for rehabilitation of the vulnerable people in the society, including the famous street children, is not forthcoming. That is a matter that we were keen on as the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. We need to look at the budget estimates of all county governments to make sure that a certain amount of money is set aside for the most vulnerable in the society. A country’s greatness is not about the size of its military or the depth of its treasury but what it does for the most vulnerable in the society that they cannot do for themselves. That is how you know a country is great. Indeed, we believe Kenya is a great country and we must put our money where our mouth is. Additionally, there is provision for monitoring and evaluation of the homes for the older members by the County Executive Committee (CEC) member, the authority at the national level and the Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) of the specific counties. It will also ensure that the homes do not become dens of abuse. We have seen many of such socially motivated set-ups where they become dens of abuse and child trafficking. We do not want cases where instead of them being a haven for our older people and a fortress for them, they become a place where they get tormented. There is a provision for inspectors by respective CECs and county governments. The inspectors will have the necessary power to enforce the prescribed safety standards and requirements for those homes. Before the final part, the next part provides for a way in which matters are resolved by encouraging reconciliation and avoiding confrontation and delays in action. In some areas in this country, the older persons are endangered because young people 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."
}