{"count":1608389,"next":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=136925","previous":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=136923","results":[{"id":1385651,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385651/?format=json","text_counter":731,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Ali Roba","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise to support this Affordable Housing Bill. As I rise, the unfortunate business of being in the Senate or Parliament as a whole, has exposed me a little bit to the hypocrisy of Parliamentarians sometimes. Why do I say that? If the tables were turned and our colleagues on the Minority side happened to be on this side, there will be emotional support for this programme on the basis of the fact that it is a Government agenda. May be I am one of the leaders on this side that did not vote for Kenya Kwanza Government, but joined it after election. Having been in Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance at that point, I bear witness that, the Kenya Kwanza Government campaigned on the platform of affordable housing for the population of this country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is a transformative agenda. It may have gaps, but there is opportunity to remedy over time. However, this ship has already left the dock. It is in the high seas as it is because this implementation has gone very far. As I support, I want to make sure that the Committee also takes care of issues of critical concern within the Bill. I draw the attention of the Committee to provisions of Article 32(1) (2) and (3) in particular, where it talks about; “(1) Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. (2) Every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching or observance, including observance of a day of worship. (3) A person may not be denied access to any institution, employment or facility, or the enjoyment of any right, because of the person’s belief or religion.” When I read this, I mean, the Muslim population in this country must also benefit from this housing programme. I implore upon the Committee to make sure that they do the necessary amendment of Section 41 of this Act in order to make sure that, the issue of payment of interest is defined further in order to cater for the larger Muslim population in the country."},{"id":1385652,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385652/?format=json","text_counter":732,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Ali Roba","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."},{"id":1385653,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385653/?format=json","text_counter":733,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Ali Roba","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"For now, Majority side will have their way and the Minority side will have their say. However, in the context of the four minutes that were decided, everyone has managed to contribute, but this is the position we hold. I support."},{"id":1385654,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385654/?format=json","text_counter":734,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Wakili Sigei","speaker_title":"The Temporary Speaker","speaker":null,"content":" Sen. Mandago."},{"id":1385655,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385655/?format=json","text_counter":735,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Mandago","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":13577,"legal_name":"Kiplagat Jackson Mandago","slug":"kiplagat-jackson-mandago"},"content":"Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, for this opportunity. I first register my support for this Affordable Housing Bill and to make two or three statements. Firstly, I take great---"},{"id":1385656,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385656/?format=json","text_counter":736,"type":"scene","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"(Several Senators consulted loudly)"},{"id":1385657,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385657/?format=json","text_counter":737,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Wakili Sigei","speaker_title":"The Temporary Speaker","speaker":null,"content":" Order, Members. Sen. Kinyua and Tobiko, take your seats and allow Sen. Mandago to be heard in silence."},{"id":1385658,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385658/?format=json","text_counter":738,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Mandago","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":13577,"legal_name":"Kiplagat Jackson Mandago","slug":"kiplagat-jackson-mandago"},"content":"Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for that protection. Housing is a fundamental need for every Kenyan, especially at the family level. It is our responsibility as the leadership of this nation, regardless of political affiliation to ensure that Kenyans across who cannot afford be given an opportunity to live in decent housing. It is unfortunate that elected leaders and people who are working, earning a lot of money, who take mortgage from taxes paid by Kenyans can stand in this House to oppose the opportunity that has been created by the Government to make sure that citizens living in deplorable conditions access housing. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Constitution is clear in Article 43. It does not just talk about housing, but also sanitation. For how long should the people of Kibra live there with flying toilets, while elected leaders who represent them, take a mortgage of Kshs25 to Kshs30 million from taxpayers, while living in good sanitation? They want the people living in Kibra to continue with flying toilets. Allowing the people of Kibra to continue using flying toilets is unconstitutional because the Constitution requires us to provide proper sanitation. This Bill because will not only provide affordable and social housing. It will also create employment for the many trained young people of this nation who have gone through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) training and will give them opportunity to utilize their skills."},{"id":1385659,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385659/?format=json","text_counter":739,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Wakili Sigei","speaker_title":"The Temporary Speaker","speaker":null,"content":" Thank you. Sen. Korir."},{"id":1385660,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385660/?format=json","text_counter":740,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Korir","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I also thank the Committee for coming up with this Bill. This is one of the Bills that the Government has been waiting for because affordable housing is one of the promises made during campaigns. This Bill is trying to cure the criteria on how these houses will be allocated. This Bill also establishes the board that will oversee the management of the fund and ensure efficient utilization. I will not labour much, but this Bill has given room to a number of youths who will get employed in several areas and this will enable the country to grow economically."}]}