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{
    "id": 933426,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/933426/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 216,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13188,
        "legal_name": "Getrude Musuruve Inimah",
        "slug": "getrude-musuruve-inimah"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to make a Statement. Kindly allow me, before I make the Statement, to congratulate you for being nominated to be in charge of the Disability Fund in this country. When people were congratulating you, I was not around. The President did a commendable job in nominating you, because of the keen interest you have on issues of disability. Kenyans must know that we have friends in the Senate, who are keen about fronting issues of disability. I want to wish you well, as you ventilate on issues of disability and ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) actually reach parity in this country. I have confidence in you. Madam Temporary Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 47(1), I rise to make a Statement on the election of Ms. Ashura Michael as the Speaker of the 2nd Sitting of the East African Youth Parliament, that took place from 14th to 15th November, 2019, in Arusha Tanzania. Madam Temporary Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Ashura Michael for being elected as the Speaker during the 2nd sitting of the East African Youth Parliament. Ms. Ashura Michael is a young deaf Kenyan who is passionate about her own cause. Her election to the position is an inspiration to many deaf persons in this country, and the East African region at large. Among the main categories of disability, the deaf are the most excluded, marginalized and hardly understood. Many of them live in a cocoon, because of the language barrier. The election of Ms. Ashura is, therefore, a big step towards dealing with this exclusion and marginalization that is normally meted on the deaf, and a confirmation that the deaf are equal to the task of leadership. I am happy about this election because the East African Youth Parliament will then be obligated to use sign language during their proceedings. Madam Temporary Speaker, the use of sign language is a challenge in our own Parliament. Despite Article 120 of the Constitution of Kenya providing for the use of English, Kiswahili and Sign Language, there are no sign language interpreters inside our Chambers and in our committee meetings. I, therefore, take this opportunity to challenge and urge the leadership of Parliament to highly consider employing sign language interpreters so as to fulfil that constitutional requirement. When PwDs are given an opportunity to lead, they work with a lot of zeal and determination, and they are able to perform, just like any other person. What PwDs sometimes lack is the opportunity to showcase their talent. I am happy that such an opportunity presented itself to Ms. Ashura. I am confident that she showcased her leadership skills and will continue doing so. It is my belief and hope that many more avenues will open up for PwDs to afford them an opportunity to lead, and act on their own issues and all other issues affecting our society. Madam Temporary Speaker, Ms. Ashura is an example of a world without limits. Although she is totally deaf, she has defied the odds and done what many able-bodied youths have not been able to do. She has been instrumental in empowering youths in The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}