The Bill was sponsored by nominated MP Johnson Sakaja/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 1 – President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday signed into law four Bills passed by Parliament.
The Bills assented to were the National Employment Authority Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 08 of 2015), The Small Claims Court Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 51 of 2015), The Mediated Version of the county governments (amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 1 of 2014) and the Mediated Version of the National Drought Management Authority Bill (National Assembly Bill No 42 of 2013).
The National Employment Authority Act gives effect to Article 55(c) and 56(b) of the Constitution by providing a legal framework for the State to take affirmative measures to ensure youth and marginalized groups access employment and economic empowerment.
It establishes an Authority that will assume the functions of the National Employment Bureau whose mandate is to maintain a database for all jobless youth to facilitate their employment.
The Bill was sponsored by nominated MP Johnson Sakaja.
When introducing debate to the National Youth Employment Authority Bill, Sakaja said his efforts will demand that hiring authorities like the Public Service Commission first refer to the database before advertising for jobs through the media.
Those aged above 35 will only be considered if the skills and qualifications required are not available in the youth database which will house details of job seekers like the county of origin and ethnicity.
“The government shall take affirmative action measures and actions designed to promote the employment of youth in management and other levels of employment regardless of their years of experience,” notes the law which provides that the State offers undisclosed incentives to private institutions that employ the youth within six months of completing their studies.
The Small Claims Court Act actualizes the provisions of Article 48 and 169 of the Constitution by establishing a Small Claims Court.
The court so established is meant to expedite resolution of disputes relating to small monetary claims through informal and affordable avenues with adherence to the principals of law and natural justice.
The Mediated Version of the county governments (amendment) Act, passed by both Houses of Parliament, designates the physical headquarters for all the 47 counties in the country.
The Mediated Version of the National Drought Management Authority Act anchors into law the National Drought Management Authority.
The Authority is envisaged to be responsible for matters relating to drought preparedness, mitigation and coordinated response to adverse effects throughout the country.
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