{"count":1608389,"next":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=154545","previous":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=154543","results":[{"id":1563632,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563632/?format=json","text_counter":40,"type":"other","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"The Chairperson Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights. That Statement is also deferred."},{"id":1563633,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563633/?format=json","text_counter":41,"type":"heading","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE, LEGAL AFFAIRS AND HUMAN RIGHTS"},{"id":1563634,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563634/?format=json","text_counter":42,"type":"scene","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"(Statement deferred)"},{"id":1563635,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563635/?format=json","text_counter":43,"type":"other","speaker_name":"","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 and AudioServices, Senate."},{"id":1563636,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563636/?format=json","text_counter":44,"type":"other","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"The Chairperson Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare."},{"id":1563637,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563637/?format=json","text_counter":45,"type":"heading","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE"},{"id":1563638,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563638/?format=json","text_counter":46,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Murgor","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Thank you, Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity to read this Statement relating to the activities of the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare for the period between 11th February, 2025 to 30th April, 2025, pursuant to Standing Order No.56(1)(b) of the Senate Standing Orders. Mr. Speaker, Sir, during the period under review, the Committee held a total of 23 sittings, during which it considered 72 Statements, two Bills and four Petitions. Following the reconstitution of committees and recognizing the expansive nature of its mandate, the Committee conducted a Work Planning and Induction Retreat, to effectively integrate newly appointed Members and to ensure continuity in its operations. Additionally, the Committee conducted extensive stakeholder engagements with the ministries and agencies under its oversight, particularly during consideration of the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS). Attached to this Statement is a schedule of legislative business currently before the Committee (Appendix 1). Mr. Speaker, Sir, during the period under review, the Committee received 15 Statements addressing concerns on labour rights violations, mismanagement and delays in pension and statutory benefits, poor public sector human resource practices and inadequate enforcement of social protection laws. The Committee engaged the relevant stakeholders to provide detailed responses, which were circulated to the respective Senators for their consideration. During the period under review, a Petition was submitted concerning the failure of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), Kaplan & Stratton Advocates and Harrison Kinyanjui Advocates to pay compensation awarded to the Petitioners. The Committee reviewed the Petition relating to the enforcement of the judgment in HCCC No.279 of 2003. Following the review, the Committee convened sittings with the relevant law firms and the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC). To ensure accountability, the Committee recommended that the Advocates Complaints Commission undertakes several critical actions, including requesting compensation disbursement records from Kenya Breweries Limited, convening hearings with the involved law firms, assessing compliance with legal, ethical and fiduciary standards and examining the High Court records to address any discrepancies or unresolved matters. The Committee emphasized the urgency of the matter and requested an interim progress report within 14 days to ensure timely and effective resolution. The Committee remains seized of Petitions carried over from the previous sessions, namely, the multi-payment of annuity between Maziwa Sacco and former employees of the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) Ltd, the winding up and liquidation of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme and petition concerning persons with invisible disabilities. We will table reports on the same after completion. 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 and AudioServices, Senate."},{"id":1563639,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563639/?format=json","text_counter":47,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Murgor","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Committee is currently undertaking three inquiries as follows- (a) the welfare of Kenyan Migrant Workers; (b) the payment of one-off honorarium to former Councilors; and, (c) an inquiry into the fate of candidates shortlisted under the Diaspora Jobs Programme administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. The Committee has scheduled meetings with the concerned institutions. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the inquiry on the fate of candidates shortlisted under the Diaspora Jobs Programme administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection raises grave concerns of unethical recruitment practices impacting Kenyan citizens both domestically and abroad. The Committee has prioritized gathering firsthand accounts to fully understand the matter. Accordingly, the Committee convened meetings with some affected job seekers and will further engage the implicated recruitment agencies, the National Employment Authority (NEA) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Through these engagements, the Committee will make recommendations aimed at rectifying challenges and preventing recurrence in future. Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the next quarter, the Committee will prioritize the following areas within its mandate– (1) Protection of workers’ rights and enforcement of fair labour practices, including addressing labour exploitation, migrant worker welfare, and unethical recruitment practices under the Diaspora Jobs Programme. (2) Management and resolution of pension schemes, payment of terminal dues and unremitted statutory deductions for employees of state corporations, county governments and other affected institutions. (3) Strengthening of public sector human resource management, including staff recruitment, promotion and measures to eliminate ghost workers and ensure transparency and meritocracy. (4) Oversight of social administration of welfare initiatives such as the Inua Jamii Programme and the protection of vulnerable populations. (5) Enhancement of sports development policies, with a focus on promoting alternative sports and improving sports talent management at the county and national levels. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank your office and the Office of the Clerk of the Senate for the continuous support accorded to the Committee in executing its mandate. I also wish to thank the Members of the Committee for their diligence, dedication and valuable contributions to the activities of the Committee. I submit."},{"id":1563640,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563640/?format=json","text_counter":48,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Kingi","speaker_title":"The Speaker","speaker":null,"content":" Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.57(1). Proceed, the Senate Majority Leader."},{"id":1563641,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1563641/?format=json","text_counter":49,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Kingi","speaker_title":"The Speaker","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 and AudioServices, Senate."}]}