Members of Parliament on Wednesday unanimously voted in support of the Employment Amendment Bill, which seeks to stop employers from demanding clearance certificates from various government institutions before offering employment was tabled in parliament.

Nominated Member of Parliament Gideon Keter sponsored the Bill, which seeks to amend Section 9 of the Employment Act, 2011 in order to reduce costs incurred by the youth while seeking jobs by removing the burden of acquiring clearance certificates such as HELB, KRA (Tax Compliance), CRB, DCI (Good Conduct), and EACC from jobseekers.

“The solution to all these bottlenecks is that an employer will no longer ask job seekers for such documents as *KRA, DCI, HELB, CRB & EACC* clearance certificates until or unless an offer of employment is guaranteed,” said Keter.

“Job seeking should not be an adventure where job seekers must prove that they are not a *criminal* or haven’t engaged in any *crime* in the past. This country is not graduating *criminals* from universities and colleges every year. These are young men and women who are more than ready to offer their *skills* and knowledge for the advancement of this nation’s *greatness.* ” he further added.

Whereas the legislation does not stop potential employers from asking for these documents, the Bill ensures that employers don’t deny youth employment opportunities for failing to present them and may only request for any clearance or compliance certificates only upon granting an offer of employment.

“First give the graduates jobs then ask for clearance documents. Young people should not be punished for looking for a job, let them earn money first to afford paying for this documentation. Keter said.

Youth have lauded Keter for the historic legislation.

Amb James Omari: Great development. What a breather for the job seekers! Well done Gideon Keter & your colleagues.

Pauline Njoroge: Good job Gideon Keter. This is very commendable.

Isaac Lang’at: Quite an accomplishment. Congratulations and thank you very much. I was undecided on whom to vote for. Count on my vote at Sotiki polling station Tinet ward. I can also be your agent and I’ll do it for free. God bless you

Harry Salat: This is abig win for the Youths of Kenya – one of the best piece of legislation ever taken to the floor of the House. Congratulations Hon. Gideon Keter for this spirited fight. This took Your efforts and courage.

KUSO youths Should consider voting in Hon. Keter Gideon.

Erick Owino: Commendable Mheshimiwa. Now the HELB cartels with their extortion in penalties should be next on your to do list. Godspeed

James Msemby: The only youth who didn’t fail his mates or get carried away by power.

Annie Favoured Korrie: Wow! Wow! Wow! This is a milestone . Thank you for speaking on behalf of many youths seeking to be employed.

Employment (Amendment) Bill – Jobseekers will no longer need HELB, KRA and CRB clearance