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{
    "id": 983611,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/983611/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 198,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Migori CWR, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Ms.) Pamela Ochieng",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13261,
        "legal_name": "Pamela Awuor Ochieng",
        "slug": "pamela-awuor-ochieng"
    },
    "content": "The elderly have been put on the cash transfer programme, which I heard the previous speaker mention. However, I think the programme offers too little money. One, it is supposed to be Kshs2,000 per month. Two, it is supposed to be given every two months, but the reality on the ground is not the same. The elderly, ladies and gentlemen never get the funds in time. As a House, we need to support, if possible, that the funds be increased. Much as most of the elderly people may be illiterate, I see them as a serious resource in our nation in terms of engagement to mentor the younger generations in the orderly coexistence of the human community. Due to urbanisation and new technologies, majority of the young people have fled to urban centres. Most of our rural homes are deserted. Only the elderly live there. When you look at the relationship, even in communication, between the young and the old, there is no cohesion. We have most of the time talked about national cohesion. I do not think we will ever achieve it because we are leaving the elderly out. It is high time we provided infrastructure and ways of bringing the elderly to the fore to take their central place and help mentor our young. They can teach them how people live together and in harmony in the society, without infringing on the rights of each other. We need to think about the healthcare for the elderly. We also need to think about the registration process, the data, to give us all the names and locations of the people we have. The greatest challenge the elderly are facing is a decent shelter which can promote their well-being. I cannot overemphasise the fact that most of the elderly’s names get lost between the social offices and the national Government. It is my prayer that we give the elderly people earnest care even as we talk about them. We also know that we will be part of the elderly club at some stage. Therefore, I support and propose that we come up with meaningful ways of taking care of the elderly in this nation, whether they have gone to school or not, whether they are retired or not, and whether they have never worked before. They are part and parcel of our community. Dismissing them just because they are elderly is not good. I have heard young people really complain when elderly people are appointed to some positions. They forget that old is sometimes gold. We want to harness the wisdom of the elderly persons. It is my prayer that this House will find it worthy to secure and promote the welfare of the elderly, and protect the elderly in our community. Thank you."
}