Mr Ouma Jowi, National Coordinator Integrity Watch addressing the Press Conference
A governance lobby group has warned foreign forces that could be keen on interfering in Kenya’s political system to keep off the country’s internal affairs, while at the same time calling for mature politics, good governance, and constitutionalism from the government.
Integrity Watch says Kenya is a sovereign state and should therefore be left alone to run her affairs without external interference from states or formations wanting to drive their agenda.
Terming itself a collaboration of organizations and individual anti-corruption crusaders, bloggers, activists, and whistleblowers, Integrity Watch reaffirms that they have a mandate to give full effect to Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 on leadership and integrity.
Addressing a media conference in Nairobi today, the lobby underscored the need for observation of the rule of law, constitutionalism, and democracy in Kenya, holding all political leaders to account on the backdrop of anti-government picketing staged by the Gen Z bracket witnessed in recent weeks.
“The past few days our country has seen remarkable social movements for democratic change around the country…they have demanded greater justice and dignity, more transparent political processes, a fair share of political power and an end to corruption,” a statement by Mr. Ouma Jowi, National Coordinator Integrity Watch, reads in part.
“The rule of law and democracy are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. The rule of law is based on key democratic principles such as equality before the law, accountability, separation of powers, and participation in decision-making. Like democracy, the rule of law is a principle of governance anchored in participatory and consultative processes. To be legitimate, laws should be widely consulted and reflective of society’s needs and values.”
Jowi noted that a democratically elected parliament and a vibrant and strong civil society movement stand to provide ideal mechanisms for realizing the previous.
The lobby group condemned what it termed continuous incitements and the barrage of hate speech in political gatherings and on social media, urging Kenyans to hold dear the fact that we have only one country which is irreplaceable in case it is destroyed.
Among the demands Integrity Watch gave to the political leadership and Kenyans in general are that all social movements should uphold patriotism and constitutionalism, politicians to embrace tolerance and respect to such movements, and all social movements to consider dialogue on their different platforms in a bid to foster peace and unity.
Startimes Media, a leading Pay TV company, has rolled out a special price adjustment offer for all new subscribers.
This offer, which aims to provide affordable access to high-quality entertainment, is valid for one month, starting from July 10, 2024, and ending on August 31st, 2024.
Previously, new subscribers had to buy a DTH decoder for KSH 2999 and pay KSH 500 for the Smart bouquet in the first month, totaling KSH 3499.
While under the new offer, subscribers can purchase the DTH decoder for KSH 2999 and pay only KSH 200 for the first month of the Smart bouquet, reducing the total cost to KSH 3199.
Myke Mwai, Head of PR and Content Syndicate at Startimes in a statement emphasized the company’s commitment to making premium content more accessible to a broader audience across the Country.
He said that Startimes’ new price adjustment offer represents a strategic move to broaden the company customer base by making high-quality entertainment more accessible.
“We understand the importance of affordable entertainment, especially in these challenging times; our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the best of what Startimes has to offer without financial strain.” Mwai said.
Mwai said this reduction is aimed at easing the financial burden on new customers and encouraging more people to join the Startimes family.
“At Startimes, we believe that entertainment is not just a luxury but a necessity. It brings families together, provides educational content, and offers a much-needed escape from daily stresses. By reducing the initial cost for our new subscribers, we hope to make a positive impact on our community,” he explained.
He said that the Smart bouquet offers a wide array of channels, including sports, movies, news, and educational content.
PS Joseph MutariDuring the dialogue meeting on Ending Children Violence
Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs has today hosted 14 principal secretaries with a message of endinging violence against children.
Present were various stakeholders who discussed the need for children safety in society.
Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari observed that,
Additionally, households in the Inua Jamii Programme with expectant mothers and children under three years benefit from the Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health in Education (NICHE) programme, implemented in collaboration with our development partners. This programme aims to improve the growth and development outcomes of children in their early years and has benefited over 33,000 households since its inception in 2020.
Furthermore, the Presidential Secondary School Bursary Fund targets children in public boarding secondary schools, ensuring that vulnerable children complete their secondary education. My state department
disburses about Ksh. 400 million annually to support an average of 20,000 children in secondary school.
To protect children from online sexual exploitation, the ministry has developed and is overseeing the implementation of the National Action Plan on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (NPA-OCSEA) 2019-2026. In addition, all children officers have been trained on preventing and Countering Violent Extremism to enhance our efforts in protecting children from radicalization.
In the spirit of care reform, a key government agenda that seeks to promote family and community-based care for children, the ministry recently launched the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection.
The significance of family in the life of a child can not be overemphasized, as it is the very foundation that facilitates the actualization of child rights, including the right to education.
Earlier this month, my ministry conducted nationwide public participation on the Regulations that seek to fully Operationalize the Children Act, 2022. Upon completion, these regulations will enhance the efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.
“There is a need to come up with a better foundation for our children.
Bringing up a child is very crucial and should be enfercized more in society.” Said Joseph Motari Principal Secretary Social Protection.
In conclusion, today marks the beginning of a concerted effort to create a safer and brighter future for all children in Kenya. Our collective resolve, strategic planning, and collaborative spirit will drive us forward in eradicating violence against children, ensuring every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and protective environment.
The PS urges parents and guardians to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Keep children at home under adult supervision, ensure they know how to contact a trusted adult if needed, and provide emotional support by listening and reassuring them. Monitor their internet use, educate them on online safety, and limit their exposure to distressing news.
As this year’s Global Peace Leadership Conference drew to a close, young people took center stage as major drivers of the African Renaissance with participants calling for increased investment in youth led collaboration initiatives and activities in the continent.
The conference, which happened on the backdrop of a youth led countrywide protest against new proposed tax laws in Kenya, commenced on June 25, 2024, at the Konza Technopolis in Machakos County with a commitment by participants to environment conservation as an important tool for ensuring peace and social cohesion.
Led by Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, Chairman and Founder of the Global Peace Foundation and Priti Chandaria, Trutee Chandaria Foundation among other partners, over 1000 participants including primary and secondary school children planted 30,000 trees in support of the greening Konza initiative.
Conference organizers cancelled the official opening ceremony initially scheduled for Wednesday June 26, 2024 due to the week-long protests that intensified on June 25, 2024 leading to the death of multiple protesters on account of law enforcement and the destruction of property including the Kenyan parliament and city hall, seat of the county government of the capital city Nairobi, that were both partially set ablaze.
The ceremony was substituted by prayers for the nation and the injured with the conference issuing a statement urging for calm and dialogue in resolving the impasse between the state and aggrieved protesters.
“Every successful transformation movement is a peaceful one. Anything that leads to violence and destruction only begets more violence and destruction,” said Dr. Moon, Chairman and Founder of the Global Peace Foundation lauding the Kenyan youth for taking the reins in advocating for impactful causes and urged them to maintain the spirit of peace.
During the closing ceremony various speakers from across the continent championed youthful engagement in driving change and collaboration in the spirit of Ubuntu, while calling on African leaders to show their commitment to peace and ethical governance by investing in young people and who would take Africa to its next phase of prosperity.
”Promoting democratic principles, transparency, and accountability is central to the African renaissance story. Good governance, political stability and the respect for human rights are therefore critical tools that must be supported to help position Africa as a key player in global peace and leadership development,” said former President of Nigeria His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking during the Youth Leadership and Sustainable Development track, Moses Segun Obalade, Executive Director of the Peace Education and Network practice in Nigeria expressed the need for policies by African governments that reward and prioritize societal efforts and contributions towards the African renaissance spirit of Ubuntu.
His sentiments were further echoed by Somalia’s Abdisalan Dualeh, the Executive Director, Somaliland Youth Development and Voluntary Organization, who called for the creation and strengthening of youth led Pan-African organizations that would carry on the work of African integration and collaboration in pursuit of peace and sustainable development.
The session that zeroed in, on the urgency and agency of restoring African economies by promoting self-reliance of the youth as one means of achieving sustainable development, called for simplified market access and enablement through financial inclusion, the lack of which has impeded youth participation and access opportunities especially affecting many marginalized and rural communities across Africa.
“Financial access is still largely governed by an individual’s proficiency and understanding of financial concepts. Those with higher skills and expertise therefore have a better likelihood of achieving their financial goals.
Unfortunately, this also means the majority poor will keep getting left behind with each generational advancement and which is one of the narratives that an African renaissance can change by opening new avenues for collaboration and learning to ensure each year we are lifting up more and more people out of poverty,” said inclusivity champion, Rachida El Rhdiou, relating her perspective with the situation back in her home country of Morocco.
Otim Brian Joseph, the Former Deputy Youth Ambassador to the East Africa Community for the Republic ofUganda, called attention to the need for upscaling market access and skills transfer through digital technologies and programmes to reach far flung populations with priority on empowering women and youth entrepreneurs who currently need these services the most.
The Patron of the Global Peace Foundation in Kenya, industrialist Dr. Manu Chandaria, in his message to the conference vocalized his vision for an African renaissance that would unlock the enormous potential of Africa and its people while urging those blessed with resources and opportunity to take lead in facilitating Africa’s development and eventual transformation starting at the local level while contributing new ideas to the continent.
Among the key take outs of the conference was the call for Africans to also embrace their shared cultural, economic, and political heritage as a transformative movement to not only revive but also celebrate Africa’s unique diversity with a renewed commitment to fostering global peace and stability.
MediaMax journalist, Catherine Wanjeri was injured during protests.
Mediamax Limited journalist Catherine Wanjeri was on Tuesday, July 16 shot while covering anti-government protests in Nakuru city county.
The journalist was allegedly shot twice in the thigh by police officers from the photos depicted online.
During the demos, the reports indicate how Wanjeri was wearing a press jacket and had a press card during the shooting incident only to be shot while exercising her duty.
The Mediamax scribe was rushed to the Valley Hospital in Nakuru for immediate treatment as the Nakuru-based Press association released a statement condemning the act.
The Association has called for a thorough probe into the matter. “We condemn such violence against journalists and demand that the government and police take immediate action against the rogue officers involved” Nakuru Journalists Association statement read.
The statement further read, “We will not relent in our further pursuit of justice. We extend our deepest appreciation to the good Samaritan who acted swiftly to take Ms. Catherine to the hospital.”
Wanjeri was among three people who were shot at by the police in Nakuru. The second person was shot in the leg while the third one was shot in the back.
The shooting of the journalist caused uproar online with netizens condemning security officers over the incident.
Nakuru-based journalist said, “This arbitrary and violent act against a member of the press, who was identified by her press jacket, is unacceptable. Such attacks on journalists and the clampdown on the fourth estate undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom and threaten the very core of our democracy.”
Other social media users wondered why the journalist was shot yet she was wearing a press jacket.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) Director Dr Ruth Laibon Masha.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), a state corporation under the State Corporations Act through the National AIDS Control Council Order, appeared before the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity, and Regional Integration, chaired by Senator Mohammed Chute of Marsabit. The NSDCC informed the committee that as of June 30, 2024, it has an in-post staff complement of 143 employees from diverse backgrounds.
The report highlighted that 56% (80) of the employees are male, while 44% (63) are female.
Gender Composition
The report emphasized that the NSDCC strives for gender parity, integrating both perspectives in decision-making processes and program implementations. “NSDCC is committed to providing equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities and persons living with HIV, ensuring their needs are integrated into the organization’s daily operations,” part of the statement read.
The Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Masha, noted that there have been no new recruitments due to government austerity measures over the past five years. Additionally, three persons living with disabilities retired during this period, resulting in a decline in their representation within the workforce. Masha stated, “The NSDCC has prioritized and reserved positions in the approved establishment, subject to the lifting of the recruitment freeze, to ensure that the NSDCC recruits a minimum of three persons with disabilities, aligning with the expectations and guidelines for persons living with disabilities in Kenya.”
Age Diversity
The report detailed the age distribution of NSDCC employees aged 27 to 59 years old. It noted that five employees are aged 30 years and below, 37 are between 30-40 years, 67 are between 40-50 years, and 34 are between 51-59 years. “This age diversity ensures a blend of youthful energy and experienced insights, fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture,” Masha said.
The report also indicated that the NSDCC maintains a balance in community representation and takes affirmative action where necessary to ensure constitutional compliance. Strategies have been implemented to ensure the inclusion and representation of women, persons living with disabilities, and minority groups. “NSDCC adopts inclusive hiring practices to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Whenever vacancies are declared, the NSDCC posts these opportunities in every Regional Office to ensure that Kenyans in devolved structures are aware of and have access to these opportunities,” the report reads.
The report stated, “The council has ensured that all facilities are accessible to persons living with disabilities. We have developed policies promoting gender equality, non-discrimination, and support for persons living with disabilities. Regular training programs are conducted to raise awareness about inclusivity and diversity.”
Senator Mohammed Chute urged the department to ensure equitable distribution of funds to enable the organization to run its activities smoothly.
Leading retailer Naivas Supermarket has been awarded the esteemed Superbrands becoming the first retail chain to achieve the prestigious recognition.
The award is a recognition of its exceptional brand reputation and consumer trust, cements the supermarket’s status as a leader in the retail industry.
The Superbrands Certification is bestowed upon brands that demonstrate outstanding quality, reliability, and distinction within their respective industries. Qualified brands, such as Naivas, receive the Superbrands Award Seal, which can be prominently displayed on advertising and marketing materials, websites, packaging, and other brand assets.
Research conducted by leading market research firms including Nielsen, Synovate, BDRC, TNS, and others consistently highlights the significant impact of the Superbrands Award Seal on consumer behavior.
Studies have shown that consumers are more than 70% more likely to purchase products or services displaying the Superbrands Award Seal, underscoring the importance of this prestigious certification.
Speaking about the achievement, Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations at Naivas, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated Naivas’ commitment to living up to its mission of delivering a world-class shopping experience.
“We are honored to receive the Superbrands Certification, which reflects our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This esteemed recognition further motivates us to continue innovating and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers.”
Naivas Supermarket has distinguished itself within the retail industry through its commitment to always delivering value to customers.
It has remained ahead of the curve through innovation and delivering quality all geared towards customer satisfaction.
With a wide range of products including its fresh offering, convenient locations, and a reputation for excellence, Naivas has truly earned the trust of Kenyan consumers. As a Kenyan homegrown brand that has brought the global shopping experience to the country, it has always remained true to its values. Serving every customer with the unmistakable Kenyan hospitality who in turn have crowned it with one of the greatest honors a brand can earn globally.
In an ouster petition filed at the High Court, a lobby group has accused the former CS of spending Ksh94 billion of taxpayers’ money on white elephant power generation projects.
She is accused of contributing to recent frequent national blackouts by commissioning unusable high voltage transmission lines and commissioning feasibility studies on two new power plants that never worked.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has also been cited as an interested party in the case whose mention is slated for January 29, 2024, before Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
“There was illegal, unlawful, and irregular misuse of taxpayers’ money a fact confirmed by the Auditor General in her reports for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022,” says an affidavit by Francis Awino filed in support of the suit.
According to Awino, the former CS Miano is also why Kenyans suffer huge power bills and blackouts because huge losses were reported due to funds wastage and incomplete projects.
The CS is also accused of flouting procurement rules by spending Ksh645 million on feasibility studies for new power production plants that have never been constructed to date.
According to court documents, this includes Ksh592 million spent on a feasibility study for the construction of the Meru Wind Power plant and Ksh82 million for the Karura Hydro Power plant.
Miano was moved from the East African Community, ASALS, and Regional Development Ministry in October 2023 to the recent Trade Ministry in the last Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto and was finally fired for corruption and incompetence in the ministry.
While appearing before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee on December 21, 2023, former Energy Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir blamed the incessant nationwide blackouts on network overloads due to years of lack of investment in the country’s power generation and transmission capacity.
However, according to the petition filed before Justice Mugambi, Kengen spent Ksh79,324,783,562 on drilling geothermal wells between the years 2011 and 2015 but was never connected to the national grid.
The wells were financed through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, according to the court documents.
Despite the wells remaining idle, taxpayers continue to pay the principal sum and interest of the loans while at the same time paying through the nose for electricity procured from thermal Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
“No corresponding revenue had been realized to date and the Respondent did not give the details of when the wells are likely to be utilized in generation of power. As a result, there was no value for money obtained on the investment of Sh79,324,783,562 on drilling wells,” states the petition.
The petitioner also accused the former CS of allowing power transmission lines constructed by Kengen for Ksh4 billion in 2009 to be used by another company to generate revenue while committing taxpayers to service a loan used for their construction.
Also listed is the alleged irregular contract award for the construction of Hydro Plaza.
“Further, a review of procurement records revealed the works were initially awarded at a cost of Sh150,005,216 but the contract was terminated on nonperformance and subsequently awarded to another contractor at a contract sum of Sh261,264,205, an increase of or 74 percent of the earlier contract sum,” says the petition.
The case was expected to be mentioned before Justice Lawrence Mugambi on January 29, 2024, at the Milimani Law Courts.
Group photo for stakeholders during the Kayana Awards.
The highly anticipated Kayana Awards took place Yesterday in Nairobi where Various winners in various business categories were celebrated.
The event honoured the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSME) sector across various categories, showcasing their innovation, resilience, and commitment to community impact.
The award process, renowned for its transparency and inclusivity, began with the close of nominations on February 29, 2024. This was followed by the judges’ finalist selection from March 8 to April 5, 2024. Finalist voting took place from April 15 to June 7, 2024, overseen by our esteemed judges, including Victor Otieno, Chris Maara, Chebet Cheruiyot, and Mercy Kimalat.
“This year’s nominees represented a diverse array of businesses, each making significant
contributions to their communities and industries,” said Victor Otieno.
Voting Categories:
1. Commitment to Staff Development: This category acknowledged small business
owners who tapped into the strengths and talents of their employees, providing
mentorship, skill-based training, flexible learning options, and fostering a supportive
working environment.
2. Community Impact: This category highlighted businesses that significantly contributed to their communities through economic sustainability, social consciousness, community
cohesion, and cultivating relationships.
3.Environmental Impact: Recognized MSMEs committed to environmental sustainability,
showcasing their achievements to inspire others and promote best practices in the
business community.
4.Kayana’s Choice Award: Honoured business excellence based on reputation,
professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality of service or product within the
Kayana Community.
5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology: This category celebrated MSMEs that embraced
technology solutions to offer efficient customer service, enhancing their operations in the modern business landscape.
6.Most Innovative Business: Acknowledged businesses that introduced new ideas,
services, and products, meeting the evolving demands of the market through constant
innovation.
7.Most Resilient Business: Recognized businesses demonstrating exceptional resilience in the face of challenges, showcasing strategic planning and readiness to navigate market shifts.
8.
Strong Leadership: Sought to honour business owners who inspired their teams, made
responsible decisions, valued diversity, managed finances well, and created a culture of teamwork.
9.The Diaspora Excellence Award: This special category celebrated exceptional African
women entrepreneurs who successfully launched and scaled businesses across the
continent, contributing to economic growth and social development.
Kayana Female MSME Awards 2024 Nominees List:
1. Commitment to Staff Development:
● Winner: Essenpark Limited
● 1st Runner-up: MRX Media Limited
● 2nd Runner-up: Spectrum Engineering
2. Community Impact:
● Winner: Minat Bakery & Cake Zone
● 1st Runner-up: Kaya Nuts
● 2nd Runner-up: Soraya Teen Moms & Girls
3.Environmental Impact:
● Winner: Eco Makaa Solutions
● 1st Runner-up: Tupike Ventures
● 2nd Runner-up: Kiasili Farm
4.Kayana’s Choice Award:
● Winner: Diro Jewellers
● 1st Runner-up: Mutitu Honey
● 2nd Runner-up: HB Leather
5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology:
● Winner: Gwiji for Women
● 1st Runner-up: GRise Systems Solutions
● 2nd Runner-up: Nyumba Zetu
6.Most Innovative Business:
● Winner: Eco Nasi Leather
● 1st Runner-up: Viv’s In-houz Spa
● 2nd Runner-up: Zidallie Technologies Limited.
7. Most Resilient Business:
● Winner: De Vani Chocolatier
● 1st Runner-up: Virtually Yours by Connie
● 2nd Runner-up: Everest Enterprises Limited
8.Strong Leadership:
● Winner: The Chic Evangelist Collection
● 1st Runner-up: Teach for Kenya
● 2nd Runner-up: African Woman Global Network,
9.The Diaspora Excellence Award:
● Winner: Africana Woman
● 1st Runner-up: Lamalo Essentials
● 2nd Runner-up: Krypia Finance
Kayana Create cultivates a nurturing environment for women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to flourish. Their ethos revolves around fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, providing a platform where dreamers, doers, and visionaries can thrive.
Anchored on three core pillars, our commitment to the community is unwavering.
Participants during the People’s Anti-Corruption Summit 2024
By Melisa Mongina
Kenya has made little progress in enacting a whistleblower protection law despite numerous attempts from Transparency International-Kenya.
Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during The People’s Anti-Corruption Summit, Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International-Kenya, noted their endless efforts in ensuring that whistleblowers in Kenya get the protection mechanism they deserve.
“As Transparency International Kenya, we have worked tirelessly in the last 10 or so years to push for a whistleblower protection mechanism in this country and unfortunately we are not yet there. In 2013, we started the process of drafting a whistleblower protection bill. 11 years later, we are yet to see this bill enacted into law. But it is something that we continue to push. Because as we stand now we don’t have an effective mechanism to protect Kenyans who risk life and limb to report cases of corruption or other actual acts of wrongdoing. And this is so critical for us,” stated Sheila.
She further adds that most whistleblowers, especially those working in the government, are always at risk whenever they report corruption cases and some end up losing their jobs.
“We have seen the number of corruption cases that we’ve had, and for every case, there’s a whistleblower. Sometimes it doesn’t go well, for many of those whistleblowers. Some of them, especially those in government, end up being demoted. They end up losing their jobs,” added Sheila.
Sheila emphasized the need to have an institution that can comprehensively protect those whistleblowers who risk their lives when reporting corruption. She also added that the 2022 Ethics and Anti-Corruption Survey shows that many people fear reporting corruption cases due to intimidation.
“We take this moment to think about the next critical steps towards finally getting in place a whistle-blower protection legislative and also institutional framework because as it is now we don’t even have an institution which can comprehensively protect those who whistle blow cases of corruption. When you look at the last ethics and anti-corruption survey of 2022, many people will not report cases of corruption because they fear acts of reprisal and intimidation. This is what whistleblowers go through and we really need to see how we can change the landscape to make it safe for people to report corruption cases,” emphasised Sheila.
According to Sheila Roquette, Deputy Mission Director USAID, whistleblowers should be celebrated for their courageous actions in fighting corruption in the country.
“It is vital to come together to discuss the efforts that can highlight the role of whistleblowing in Kenya to increase awareness on the adverse effects of corruption, the need for reforms and to celebrate the courageous actions of the people who have fought against corruption,” noted Roquette.
Further, she states the United States consistently supports on strengthening of governance, institutions, and processes in Kenya.
“The United States has consistently supported the strengthening of governance, institutions, and processes. This includes helping to improve compliance with Kenya’s public financial management laws and supporting reforms to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse at the national and county levels,” stated Roquette.
Roquette also notes the importance of whistleblower protection legislation in mitigating the risks associated with reporting corruption cases. She adds that such protection and the law of whistleblowers is critical for attracting foreign investment.
“Lack of whistleblower protection legislation provides a loophole for unscrupulous actors who would pressure subordinates to turn a blind eye or to cover up corrupt acts. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure that whistleblowers don’t face retaliation, harassment, intimidation, or dismissal from employment. In the United States, whistleblower protections have played an important role in rooting out unethical behaviour. It has become part and parcel of the way we operate. And each year I take mandatory whistleblower protection training as a requirement of my job as a civil servant. Enshrining whistleblower protections and laws are also critical to attracting foreign investment,” added Roquette.
Queenter Mbori, Executive Director of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), highlights the need for press freedom, especially for investigative journalists who endanger lives and work to uncover stories on corruption.
“The second thing that I would like to highlight is press freedom. There seems to be a direct correlation between press freedom and corruption in this way because as a media, our role is to provide information on public sector corruption particularly where government activities are not very clear. The media, particularly investigative journalists, play a crucial role in exposing corruption,” said Queenter.
She urges the government and stakeholders to recognise the vital role that whistleblowers play adding that the lack of whistleblowers protection law in Kenya has become a threat to press freedom.
“I urge all those here present governments and other stakeholders to recognize the very powerful and significant role of whistleblowers by establishing and going by the theme of this year’s day which is a critical tool in the fight against corruption. The lack of a comprehensive whistleblower protection Law in Kenya is a real threat to press freedom and is a matter that we need to collectively address,” emphasised Queenter Mbori.
