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"id": 89017,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/89017/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Oparanya",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030",
"speaker": {
"id": 201,
"legal_name": "Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya",
"slug": "wycliffe-oparanya"
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"content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, why I am issuing this statement is because we had inconsistent results in some districts. The data for 2009 Census is fairly accurate. However, after performing routine data evaluation and assessment as recommended by the United Nations before releasing of any census results, we have observed that the results of the following eight districts are irregular. One is Lagdera. The population seems to be understated. The population for Wajir East, Mandera Central, Mandera East, Mandera West, Turkana Central, Turkana North and Turkana South districts were overstated. The results were considered irregular for the following reasons:- The rate of increase is higher than what was documented population dynamics; that is looking at the birth and death rates and migration trends; and inconsistency in what obtains for the rest of the country including the neighbouring countries. The enumerated figures fall way above the projected ones based on the previous census. Thirdly, the age and sex profile deviates from the norms, overall substantial excess of men observed as opposed to expected slight excess of females. In Mandera, the men are double the number of women. There was significant growth observed in household size. While the population was increasing, the household numbers were not increasing. The ratio shows substantial excess of persons in certain age groups contrary to expectations. The Government wanted this exercise to be as transparent as possible and, therefore, has proceeded to release the results for all areas enumerated. However, the Government has decided to repeat the exercise in the affected districts with a view to ascertaining the results at a date that will be announced soon. Mr. Speaker, Sir, my second Statement is on a petition by the Albinism Society of Kenya to the Government of Kenya through hon. Wamalwa. The society wanted four issues. First, they wanted to be granted a special code for persons with albinism to facilitate counting of such persons whenever they may be in Kenya during the upcoming census for purposes of establishing the number and places where such persons reside for future planning and policy formulation to cater for the category in Kenya. Two, they required introduction of an Act of Parliament to be known as Persons with Albinism Act or an amendment to the Persons with Disability Act to expressly provide for and cover persons with albinism so as to cater for their fundamental rights, unique needs and protect them from exposure to skin cancer, ritual killings, discrimination in employment and other problems faced by persons with albinism in Kenya and the world. Three, they required total waiver of duties on sunscreen lotions for persons with albinism in order to ensure efforts, ability, affordability and accessibility by all persons with albinism and reduce the rate of skin cancer which is threatening to wipe out persons with albinism in Kenya and the world at large. Lastly, they were petitioning to have one person of their own nominated to the Kenya Parliament and other institutions to represent others. Mr. Speaker, Sir, on the first request, I would like to observe that during the 2009 Census preparation process, the technical working group on disability worked closely with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics but they did not explicitly request for the creation of a special code. Again, the petition by the society came late when the 2009 Census questionnaire and other material had been printed. So, technically, the inclusion of the special code in the census was not possible. The Ministry has taken note of the concerns of the society and will in future census discuss with the group for inclusion on various aspects in the questionnaire. However, we are planning to have a special census for persons with albinism using the Provincial Administration. On the second request, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to inform this House that the Government and the National Council for Persons with Disability together with the other stakeholders in the disability fraternity are in the process of consultation with a view to amending the Persons with Disability Act. It is, therefore, recommended that the persons with albinism enjoin this group to facilitate inclusion on the main concern. Thirdly, I would like to inform the House that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance has indicated that it is consulting on the matter. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance will soon give this session agreed policy on this specific request. On the last one, in view of the constitutional, political parties can nominate one of these persons among the 12 to be nominated in the National Assembly or amongst the two in the Senate. I urge members of the Albinism Society of Kenya to strongly lobby the parties to ensure consideration and inclusion."
}