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Author: Kenyaleo Editorial Team

  • How Corruption Steals Lives in Kenya’s ASALS

    How Corruption Steals Lives in Kenya’s ASALS

    Mothers at an Isiolo County health facility being taken through the process of measuring child growth including detecting stunting and malnutrition. Image courtesy of NRT.

     

    By OMBOKI MONAYO

    The night *Halima’s labor pains began, her husband was engulfed by fear. At 10 p.m., he rushed her to Merti Sub-County Hospital in Isiolo County, only to discover that her critical condition required immediate transfer to the Isiolo County Hospital, the region’s sole Level 5 referral facility.

    However, a chilling reality struck: the ambulance essential for such emergencies had been out of service for two weeks.

    “We had to think fast and find a way to help the mother and save the pregnancy,” recalled *Jillo Mohammed, a health worker with the county government, his voice heavy with the memory of that frantic night.

    Isiolo County, a vast expanse of arid land covering over 25,000 square kilometers, is home to only one public Level 5 referral hospital located in Isiolo town.

    The county’s road network spans 1,259.9 kilometers, but only 225.7 kilometers are paved with bitumen or tarmac. The remaining roads, often impassable during the rainy season, pose significant challenges for residents seeking healthcare.

    On average, residents live 25 kilometers from a health facility, with a mere 5% residing within 1 kilometer of one.

    Those in the remote northern regions bordering Marsabit and Wajir counties face particularly daunting journeys to access critical emergency services.

    In Halima’s case, the medical team turned to Action Against Hunger (ACF), a local NGO, which provided a vehicle for the arduous journey to the referral hospital.

    The four-hour drive was fraught with peril, navigating rocky terrain and fallen trees, obstacles left by elephants.

    “We hoped and prayed and did what we could to help her. By the time we arrived at the hospital, she was in a bad state, delirious from the pain,” Jillo recounted.

    Tragically, despite their efforts, Halima lost her baby after being admitted for life-saving treatment.

    Her experience starkly illustrates the dire consequences of inadequate infrastructure and limited healthcare access in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

    For many expectant mothers, the journey to a referral hospital can exceed 100 kilometers, and can be particularly treacherous during the rainy season.

    “Pregnant mothers can find themselves in sudden danger if complications arise,” Jillo warned. “In northern Isiolo County, some areas are over 100 kilometers from Isiolo Town, with roads that deteriorate significantly during rains,” added the medic.

    A 2022 SMART survey, carried out by the government and development partners in Isiolo County including UNICEF, ACF, USAID and others, highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare initiatives, including the capacity to reach remote populations using medical outreach teams. These measures would include improved ambulance services.

    Dr. Abok Roberts, head of the Nutrition and WASH department at Save the Children Kenya, emphasizes the urgent need to protect children under five. Urgent remedial measures are required to save the lives of neonates.

    “Neonates, who are aged between 0 and 28 days, are the most delicate and prone to life-threatening complications,” he stated.

    “When it comes to maternal and child health, where is our biggest fight as a country? Research shows that 51% of under-five deaths occur within 28 days after delivery. Lowering the neonatal fatality rate can be achieved if we ensure that we reduce these deaths,” says Dr Abok.

    This crisis is compounded by a systemic issue: corruption within Kenya’s governance which often has negative effects on the healthcare sector.

    Billions of shillings annually vanish in corruption scandals.

    If utilized for their intended functions, including healthcare, these funds that could dramatically improve maternal and child outcomes, particularly in underserved ASAL regions.

    Corruption manifests in various forms, from misappropriation of funds to substandard service delivery. These practices hinder the government’s ability to invest in necessary healthcare infrastructure, exacerbating an already critical situation.

    The impact of corruption is stark. Between 2019 and 2022, Isiolo County lost Ksh 196 million to corruption, according to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

    This money could have funded a modern Mother and Child Hospital in Merti, akin to the one built in Wote, Makueni County for just Ksh 135 million, with the Ksh 61 million balance being set aside for community health education awareness, purchase of nutritional supplements for selected vulnerable families grappling with malnutrition, revamping the ambulance services and supporting community health providers.

    According to the Auditor General’s report covering the 2022/23 financial year, a modern market built by the devolved unit reportedly cost Sh545m, money enough to build 4 mother and child facilities at the Wote hospital’s estimates, providing a facility for each of its four sub-counties.

    The export abattoir that cost 651m could fund the building of the four facilities and provide an additional Sh111m for additional healthcare-related expenditure.

    These losses extends beyond funds; it signifies lost lives and opportunities for vulnerable populations.

    Recent scandals, such as the procurement of substandard HIV kits and the misappropriation of COVID-19 response funds, have further devastated the national healthcare system, resulting in drug shortages and frequent strikes by healthcare workers.

    Imagine the impact had the Ksh 196 million been used as intended. A well-equipped hospital could provide essential services, while remaining funds could support community health initiatives and reliable ambulance services, potentially saving lives.

    The fight against corruption in healthcare is a battle for human dignity and the right to health. It necessitates robust accountability mechanisms and community engagement to promote transparency and ethical leadership.

    By reclaiming stolen public funds and investing them in vital healthcare initiatives, we can envision a future where mothers and children in Kenya’s ASALs receive the care they deserve, free from the shadow of corruption.

    Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the story, names indicated with an asterisk have been changed to protect the individuals interviewed for the story.

  • Majority of Kenyans call for Government Investment in Climate Resilient Infrastructure, Wind and Solar energy,

    Majority of Kenyans call for Government Investment in Climate Resilient Infrastructure, Wind and Solar energy,

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    Majorities of Kenyans support greater investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and wind and solar energy in order to respond to changing weather patterns and environmental degradation.

    The latest Afrobarometer survey reveals.
    More than four in 10 citizens say they have personally adapted to changes in climate by
    changing the crops they plant or the food they eat, the hours they work, and their water consumption patterns.

    A majority of Kenyans say they are familiar with the concept of climate change. Most
    citizens who are aware of the phenomenon blame human activities as its main cause
    and say urgent action is needed from the Kenyan government as well as developed
    countries.

    Key findings
    ▪ Most Kenyans want their government to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure (82%) and solar and wind energy (62%) in response to changing weather patterns and
    environmental degradation.

    Three-fourths (74 percent) say the government should put more pressure on rich countries to provide resources to support Kenya’s response to climatic changes.
    A slimmer majority (54%) support a ban on cutting down trees for firewood or
    charcoal, while fewer than half say the government should require families to
    switch to cookstoves that use cleaner fuels such as electricity or gas (42%) and
    promote the use of taxis and buses that run on electricity (36%).
    ▪ In substantial numbers, Kenyans say they have adapted to changing weather
    patterns by reducing their livestock or changing their grazing patterns (45% of those who keep livestock), reducing their water consumption or changing their water
    source (45%), changing their work hours (43%), or changing the crops they plant or
    the food they eat (42%) (Figure 2).
    ▪ About six in 10 Kenyans (61%) say they have heard of climate change (Figure 3).
    ▪ Among those who have heard of climate change:
    More than four-fifths (82%) believe human activity is the main cause or acontributing factor (Figure 4).
    Strong majorities support measures to limit climate change by the Kenyan government (72%) and rich countries (81%), and most say that wealthy countries have an obligation to help Kenya fund its response to climate change (83%).

    Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys were launched in January 2024. Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice.

     

  • Kenya Continues to Build Business Process Outsourcing Market Share Amid Digital Economic Growth

    Kenya Continues to Build Business Process Outsourcing Market Share Amid Digital Economic Growth

    Kenya is emerging as one of the leading Global Business Services (GBS) market destinations and attracting more than $500 million USD in revenues annually, Sama AI CEO Wendy Gonzalez has disclosed. Projections show that $254 million USD, over half of these revenues, will come from business process outsourcing (BPO) in 2024.

    Kenya has emerged as an attractive investment destination in the highly competitive GBS market, which includes BPO as a submarket. BPO has grown to include AI supply chain providers such as Sama, Gonzalez explained.

    Speaking at the University of Nairobi during a public lecture on Generative AI, Gonzalez noted that the GBS market reached $1 trillion USD in revenues last year, with South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco also playing in the maturing league. With its $500 million GBS revenues, Kenya is leading among emerging GBS destinations including Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Ghana. She projected that at current growth rates, Kenya will emerge as the leading provider of digital work opportunities with a positive local economic ripple effect.

    “Studies have shown that digital work increases formal employment opportunities and is the fastest-growing sector. Kenya has made very good headway amidst stiff competition and must avoid complacency by guarding its market positioning and providing an enabling environment to further deepen the GBS market opportunity,” said Gonzalez. She added, “Kenya is a preferred destination due to the quality of human capital that is versatile enough to serve various market segments, including Generative AI, thanks to digital training and academic progress. Several countries are, however, fighting hard to edge Kenya out of its growth track, which necessitates close attention to secure market positioning.”

    While commenting on the skills required to secure our national market positioning, Gonzalez noted that by 2030, an estimated 50-55% of jobs in Kenya will require digital skills. “Yet there are significant gaps in basic and advanced digital skills—particularly in rural areas and among women,” she said. To help bridge this skills gap, Sama has collaborated with the University of Nairobi to advance AI skills in one of the first partnerships of this kind in Kenya.

    Both the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui and University of Nairobi Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson also spoke at the lecture.

    Principal Secretary Tanui stressed that AI is no longer science fiction, saying: “We are living in an era where AI is not just a possibility—it is our present reality, and the sooner we fully embrace it, the better prepared we will be for the future.” He noted that Generative AI alone could add between $2.6 and $4.4 trillion USD annually to the global economy. To bring some of this growth to Kenya, the government is establishing policies and frameworks that foster innovation and invest in research and development while protecting the rights and interests of all citizens, following the principles of ethical AI development and usage.

    “With 65% of organizations already integrating Generative AI into operations, its impact is undeniable, from enhancing customer service to revolutionizing industries. As we embrace this digital future, partnerships and education in STEM are key to preparing our workforce for the opportunities ahead,” he added. “It is our collective responsibility to develop ethical guidelines that govern AI use in a manner that upholds human dignity and values. As a government, we will establish policies and a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting the rights and interests of all citizens. We will continue to invest in research and development and champion the ethical use of AI.”

    Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, underscored the institution’s pivotal role in equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital economy, adding: “The University of Nairobi is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our graduates are not only job-ready but also future-ready.”

    Sama and the University of Nairobi’s partnership is poised to advance Generative AI capabilities in Kenya and in Africa as a whole. This collaboration will provide part-time employment opportunities for UoN faculty and students, equipping them with practical experience in GenAI. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of bridging the digital divide and positioning Kenya as a global AI value chain leader.

  • Universal Child Benefit: A Lifeline for Kenyan Families

    Universal Child Benefit: A Lifeline for Kenyan Families

    By OMBOKI MONAYO

    Nairobi, Kenya – In the arid landscapes of Kenya’s Kajiado South County, the scars of drought still linger. Lucy, a local resident, recalls the harrowing experiences of 2022 when her community faced severe food shortages and livestock losses. “It was a struggle to survive,” she shares. “We were barely able to feed our families.”
    Moses Partoti, another resident, echoes Lucy’s sentiments. “Livestock prices plummeted during the drought,” he remembers. “A goat could barely fetch Kes500.”

    For Lucy and Moses, and countless others in Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, and Narok Counties, relief came in the form of the Universal Child Benefit (UCB) program, implemented by Save the Children. Coming on the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown that had also interfered with many families’ livelihoods, the program provided families with a monthly stipend of Ksh800, offering a vital lifeline during difficult times.

    Beyond the financial assistance, the UCB program has been instrumental in empowering parents with knowledge and skills to nurture their children’s growth and well-being. “We were taught about positive parenting and how our wives could properly breastfeed the babies,” explains Moses Partoti. This shift in thinking has led to a significant reduction in malnutrition cases within his community.

    Achieng, a mother of four from Kisumu, is another beneficiary of the program. “My child used to fall sick frequently,” she recalls. “The UCB helped me buy nutritious foods like omena, ugali, and porridge. He is now much healthier and growing up into a normal, active, and happy boy.”

    Mukami, a mother of a child with a disability, is also grateful for the UCB program. “He now enjoys meals of rice, beans, milk, and other foods that he can easily chew and digest,” she says.

    The UCB program extends beyond nutrition, encompassing a holistic approach to child care. It encourages families to diversify their diets by growing fruits and vegetables in kitchen gardens, further improving nutrition and reducing cases of malnutrition, diarrhea, stunting, and pneumonia.

    The program’s impact goes beyond individual families. Mothers have been organized into Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, where they pool their savings and support each other. “We started a merry-go-round with a contribution requirement of Kes200 for each member,” explains Moses. “This financial empowerment has enabled women to purchase essential household items and food.”

    Beatrice Otieno, Program Development, Quality and Impact Director at Save the Children, emphasizes the program’s focus on promoting positive childcare practices. “

    UCB addresses issues such as neglect and aims to assist families during critical developmental stages,” she says.
    Positive parenting was also a key component of the program. Alice, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher in Kajiado, recalls how she helped a student who was withdrawn and distracted due to parental conflict. By intervening and supporting the family, Alice ensured the child returned to a stable environment.

    Recognizing the program’s success, Save the Children is advocating for its expansion across Kenya. “We hope to engage the counties through the Council of Governors to make the UCB program universal and sustainable,” says counseling psychologist Viellinah Gitau.

    The government is also taking steps to strengthen social protection programs. Richard Obiga, Senior Program Officer at the National Social Protection Secretariat of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya, says the government has been running similar programs including the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), Hunger Safety Net Program (HSNP), the Universal Child Benefit (UCB), and the Older Persons’ Cash Transfer (OPCT). He confirms that the UCB program results have been factored into proposals contained in the Social Protection Bill that is soon set to be presented in Parliament.

    “We are in the final stages of refining the Bill including making the necessary corrections that were made when we took it to the Attorney General’s office. We hope that the Bill will become law so that we can aggressively source for both government and partner funding to further protect vulnerable sections of the population,” says the program officer.

    While Kenya has made significant strides in reducing child mortality, with the under-five mortality rate decreasing from 96 per 1,000 live births in 1993 to 41 in 2022, the rates remain higher than the global average of 18 per 1,000 live births. This underscores the continued need for programs like the UCB to empower communities and ensure that children not only survive but thrive, laying the foundation for a safer, healthier future.

    Richard Obiga, Senior Program Officer at the National Social Protection Secretariat of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya, confirms that the UCB program results have been factored into proposals contained in the Social Protection Bill that is soon set to be presented in Parliament..
    Program Development, Quality and Impact Director at Save the Children, speaks at a recent media workshop.
    Lucy, a Kajiado County resident, showcases some of the eggs that the chickens in her brood have laid. She used some of the funds from the UCB to start the chicken rearing project.
    Save the Children Counselling psychologist Viellina Gitau speaks to the media at a workshop hosted by Save the Children on August 9, 2024. She advocates for positive parenting in Kajiado County where she works with local communities.

  • KEFWA Holds Annual General Meeting,

    KEFWA Holds Annual General Meeting,

    KEFWA President James Situma Address the press after the AGM in Zetech University.

    The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, held its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), where different stakeholders met and discussed issues affecting the football players and way forward.

    The 12th anniversary of Kefwa AGM saw the attendance of Coach Robert Matano, former Harambee stars Coach Ghost Mulei, who graced the occasion and advised young players to be disciplined and determined with Passion too.

    Various topics were also highlighted, including smart ways of investing for the football players, enrolling in academic careers once the players were near to retire, or even earlier, players’ rights and remuneration.

    “We have had a couple of strides since 2012, I guess, and, you know, it has been a journey of so many challenges that concerns the players. But we are so happy because we were once observers, then we were candidates, and then now we are fully members, full members at FIFPro, who are our donors, who always guide us, give us direction on how we can fight for the rights of the players.
    So I can say we have a couple of strides, of course, with so many challenges.
    But again, we have so many positives, so many wins, whereby we have seen, we have come up with so many products on board
    to see how players can maybe transit from playing football and how we can represent players legally around the country, even the professional players.
    So I think in many ways, we have many products that we have really helped the players, even bridge the Gap.” Said James Situma KEFWA President.

    Group photo for KEFWA AGM Stakeholders 2024.

    KEWA President further observed that, it’s one step at a time and believes, we need to come together as players to make sure that we strengthen the union so that we can have that bigger voice to champion for their rights.Players are so frustrated with the current situation that they are not being paid by their current teams. it’s frustrating at times when you are not. Maybe you don’t have something to put on the table for your family.They should still continue boarding and make sure that we continue having that strong voice so that we can voice out because when we are together, I think moving one direction, it will be okay.
    Meantime, as we speak, of course, what we really need is to have one voice because election is coming up, you know, we’ll have people walking left, right and center, maybe, you know, promising events.
    So, we’ll be so careful, we will involve them 100 per cent in any decision we make.

    “When you look at KEFWA, they have professionalized everything, and there are proper structures with good management that look into issues of Players.
    Kenyan Premier league can be classified as semi-professional, and the rights of players need to be looked into.
    Our neighbours, Tanzania Yanga and Simba, have moved ahead due to proper infrastructure and sponsorship consistency.
    Kenya Federation of Football has moved a step further, but there are more strides needed.” Said Innocent Mutiso Doping Control Officer at (ADAK) Anti Doping Agency of Kenya.

    KEFWA, who are in partnership with Zetech University, are encouraging football Players to also double in academic qualification in order to better their lives.

  • Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya Offers Insight on Special Economic Zones,

    Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya Offers Insight on Special Economic Zones,

    Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya address the press at the Ministry Headquarters Nairobi.

    The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya has today given a current update on the special economic zones in Kenya, which are intended to open up areas for Key investments.

    The CS was accompanied by Investments Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, Board Chairman KPA, ChairLapset , CEO and Chairperson Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

    The CS met the various stakeholders today to review the progress of Dongo kundu Project, Special economic zones in the country. He observed that Progress was made in Dongo Kundu and investment was done on several sectors including; energy, pharmaceutical, and Glass and Local Investors are 60 percent while International investors make 40 percent .

    Speaking during a visit in Naivasha Last week, Mvurya highlighted that investors who had failed to set up operations within one year of receiving their licenses will face revocation of those licenses. He further directed the Special Economic Zones Authority to enforce this mandate, stressing that investors must report to their designated sites within six months or risk losing their licenses. “We are giving every investor six
    months to report to the ground, and if they don’t, we will move on to the
    next person,” said CS Mvurya.
    19 companies have expressed interest in setting up operations at the Naivasha
    SEZ, with 11 of them already cleared and awarded licenses. The CS attributed
    this progress to the government’s continuous efforts to ease the process of doing business, urging investors to take full advantage of the incentives available.

    “KPA has 1.4 billion for compensation of affected persons. The process will begin this week, 400,000 acres marked to begin compensation. 1648 affected persons will be compensated.” Said Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment,Trade and Industry.

    Cabinet Secretary Mvurya also observed that they will have a meeting with the leaders in the region to discuss the Dongo Kundu project.
    He further noted that areas for economic zones will be gazetted and also have investors who are already being screened. Correct documentation will be prepared in order to gazette them.
    The CS also noted that, there are 19 investors in Naivasha, and 3 more will come later.
    Investors have been issued with licence, and SEZ will make a reviewed list of the investors and also want to work with the county Governments to make sure the infrastructure is interlinked. This will make it easy for the infrastructure to meet the standards required.

  • NCCK Holds it’s 65th General Assembly and Calls for Parliamentarians to Listen to the People,

    NCCK Holds it’s 65th General Assembly and Calls for Parliamentarians to Listen to the People,

    Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui General Secretary NCCK address the press during the 65th General Assembly at Limuru.

    The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) held her 65th General Assembly
    at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, from 20th to 23rd August 2024.

    The theme of the General Assembly was Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities.

    The General Assembly is highest governance organ in the NCCK, and meets once every
    three years, bringing together delegates from the member churches and organisations from across the country. Founded in 1913, the NCCK is the oldest Council of Churches in the world, and has over the last 110 years worked to improve and enhance the well-being of the people of Kenya.

    The 65th General Assembly has transacted the statutory business and prayerfully reflected on matters of national concern, and now shares the following message:

    1. Build a Better Kenya for All
    This General Assembly has taken time to pray for the nation, taking note that we have
    gone through difficult and challenging times over the last few years. Despite having had
    peace before and during the 2022 General Elections, the period thereafter has been
    marked by perpetually rising cost of living, emotive political activity, weakened physical
    and mental health, and fatal demonstrations that resulted in deaths of dozens of Kenyans.
    The state of justice, inclusivity and democracy has deteriorated, leading to strife and conflicts as citizen groups feel excluded from decision making and national life.
    In the Bible, we learn that God intended the world to be an excellent place for all people
    to live in, as we read in Genesis 1: 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
    It is a responsibility for all of us, therefore, to put effort to make Kenya a nation that works for all.
    It is in this context that we recognize and commend the young people of Kenya, who are commonly referred to as Generation Z, for picking up the mantle and organizing
    transformative demonstrations that pricked the conscience of our nation and spurred
    radical governance changes. We further remind all of us that the Gen Z comprise of 17million Kenyans, who cannot be ignored a they will shape the current and future of our nation. As such, any policies and plans made by the nation and the church must focus on creating a nation where the Gen Z and Gen Alpha will live in and thrive.

    2.Comprehensively Address Climate Change
    This General Assembly recognizes that Kenyans in all the counties have been heavily impacted by climate change, leading to deterioration in health and increasing food insecurity. More people are sleeping hungry, and livelihood options for many have been wiped out. Despite the impact of climate change, this General Assembly is concerned that the government not done enough with regard to mitigation and adaptation interventions.
    We therefore call upon all County Governments to speedily develop, enact and implement climate change mitigation laws and policies for safeguarding of life. The policies should include strategies to comprehensively educate the citizens on mitigation and adaptation
    so as to promote household food security.
    Towards this, we call upon the National Assembly to speedily repeal the draconian Seed and Plan Varieties Act which prohibits the sharing and exchange of indigenous seeds. NCCK also demand an immediate withdrawal of the other agriculture related Bills that threaten to stifle small-holder farmers in a blatant attempt to benefit foreigners and multi-national
    corporations. The Bills we are referring to include the Livestock Bill 2024; the Mung BeanBill 2024; the Nuts and Oil Crops Development Bill 2023, the Price Control (Essential Goods) Amendment Bill 2024; and the Food and Feed Safety Control Bill 2023

    We remind all Parliamentarians that passing anti-people laws will come to affect them individually, as we learn from the Bible in Isaiah 10: 1 – 3 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What ill you do on. the day or reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches?

    On our part, the member churches of the NCCK have committed to use our structures to deliver climate change related messages from the pulpit and other platforms accessible to us. In addition, we have launched a programme in which we will plant 1.5 billion trees in spaces accessible to us over the next ten years. Further, we will initiate and implement programmes to promote good nutrition for all, and will especially advocate against marketing of unhealthy foods on media.

    3.Properly Structure Education
    This General Assembly has reviewed the state of education in Kenya. It is unfortunate that the education system is marked by confusion, inequality and injustices. We urge the Ministry of Education to speedily address the concerns that have been raised regarding the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC). The transition to Grade 9 next year is still unclear as regards the availability of facilities and teachers in public primary schools. How
    many classrooms have been constructed to accommodate the learners? How many
    teachers have been employed to ensure all learners are within the standard teacher-pupil ratio, Further, this General Assembly is appalled at the wastage of public funds being witnessed through multiple scholarship programmes. We are convinced that the only reason these
    scholarships have been set up is to enable the officials to steal the money. We strongly
    recommend that all the bursaries and scholarships, which total close to KShs 100 billion, be collapsed into a tuition fund that will provide capitation so that we can have truly freeeducation for all.
    Further, there is need to urgently review the proposed University Education funding model. It is grossly unjust to have a model that makes education a preserve of the rich. The government should engage in comprehensive public participation so as to have a structure that benefits all qualified Kenyans.

    4.Safeguard School Re-opening
    This General Assembly is cognizant that parents across the country are waiting and
    preparing for the reopening of schools next week. However, there is uncertainty following the reports that teachers and lecturers are planning to go on strike. We call upon the
    Ministry of Education and the Teachers’ Service Commission to engage in meaningful dialogue with the teachers so as to safeguard the education of our children.
    Further, the General Assembly has noted with concern the circular reportedly sent to
    Regional and County Directors of Education directing that all school going children must
    be registered on the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). We find this to be a backdoor
    method of pushing Kenyans into the scheme which is yet to be understood and regarding
    which Kenyans have raised concerns. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the
    circular and comprehensive public participation so that parents can present their views on the same. Strategies, however good, must not be forced on Kenyans.

    5.Reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
    This General Assembly is deeply concerned that the country still does not have a
    functional Electoral and Boundaries Commission. This is a major betrayal of Kenyans by the leading political formations, who seem to have conspired to delay the process through technicalities in Parliament and in the courts.
    This dereliction of duty has put the country in great danger, while denying Kenyans the
    capacity to exercise their constitutional rights as relates to elections and review of electoral boundaries. We demand that Speaker of National Assembly nominates the two representatives from the Parliamentary Service Commission to the IEBC appointments panel, and that the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal speedily addresses the dispute regarding the nominees from the Orange Democratic Movement.

    6.Independent Investigations of Extra Judicial Killings
    The General Assembly has observed that over the last two months, more than 60
    Kenyans were killed in the hands of the police. The whereabouts of an unknown number remain unclear after they were abducted by persons believed to be security agents

    We share our heartfelt condolences with all the bereaved families, and are praying for
    quick recovery for all those affected. We thank all the people who contributed generously for the medical care of the injured, and all who are supporting those who lost businesses and livelihoods.
    To address this issue, we demand that an independent commission is set up to investigate these killings and disappearances in a context where the victims and survivors will be free to give evidence. Kenyans are fully aware that the police cannot fully investigate themselves for the same wrongs they are suspected of committing. We must all remember that a government that treats its citizens unjustly loses moral legitimacy to govern.

    7.Listen to the People of Kenya
    This General Assembly takes cognizance that the main reason behind the Gen Z led
    demonstrations was the failure by government officials to listen to the people. Public participation and petitions have been ignored, and Kenyans are opting for demonstrations to capture the attention of responsibility holders. For how long will this disrespect of
    citizens continue, We caution the government to remember that the Kenya that works for all is a nation where every voice is listened to, and especially on the following issues:
    One, have a clear and workable economic recovery plan that brings to end the
    uncontrolled borrowing, brings down inflation and interest rates, and accords all Kenyans equitable opportunities for livelihood options. The economy of Kenya should be for Kenyans, not foreigners.
    Two, decisively deal with corruption. It is a major concern for Kenyans that in the last two years, corruption cases involving government officials were withdrawn, and stealing of public funds is increasing with uncontrolled impunity.
    Three, bring down the level of taxation in the country. The recent threats by the new
    Cabinet Secretary for Treasury to re-introduce the taxes that were in the rejected Finance Bill 2024 are unsettling, and are likely to push the country back into demonstrations. Four, develop a marshal plan for the youth, recognizing that the country has had a youth bulge and if we don’t plan for this population, the country will disintegrate into chaos Five, we demand that the National Assembly immediately withdraws the Ethics and Anti Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2024. The legislature must not be used to fight the
    Commission for standing against and exposing corruption.

    8.New Council Officials
    The  General Assembly, having executed its statutory mandate, is pleased to announce
    the election of the following to hold office for the next three years:
    Chairperson – Reverend Dr Elias Agola (Presbyterian Church of East Africa)
    Vice Chairperson – Bishop Dr John Okinda (Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of
    Africa)

    In conclusion, NCCK calls upon all Kenyans to endeavour to work to build a better nation. Let each of us play our part, just as we pray in the National Anthem.

     

     

  • Pan African Equipment Group Takes Title Sponsorship for Patron’s Cup 2024 at Muthaiga Golf Club

    Pan African Equipment Group Takes Title Sponsorship for Patron’s Cup 2024 at Muthaiga Golf Club

    Pan African Equipment Group will be the Title Sponsor for this year’s Patron’s Cup. This is according to Muthaiga Golf Club who will be hosting the event.


    The tournament set to take place from August 23 to August 25, 2024. This year’s tournament, honoring the legacy of Kenya’s third President, Hon. Mwai Kibaki, promises to be an unforgettable event.
    The event will feature 15 elite clubs battling it out across five pools.


    The sponsoring Company will also be offering an exciting Hole-in-One prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Joining them are several other distinguished sponsors, each contributing uniquely to the event.
    Pan African Equipment Group is a leading provider of agriculture and heavy equipment solutions.
    Viutravel, Kenya’s first homegrown online booking platform, is dedicated to showcasing both the explored and unexplored sides of Kenya. CBK through their Dhow CSD platform, enables easy investment in government securities, and they will be on-site during the tournament to help attendees open accounts and learn more about their services.
    Dawa Life Sciences offers top-notch pain relief products to keep participants performing at their best throughout the tournament. Zanna Leather Crafts, known for their handcrafted leather products, will be part of the event, offering high-quality, locally made items. Inchcape Kenya, as a will provide an opportunity for attendees to test drive their luxury BMW and Changan units, bringing a touch of automotive elegance to the tournament.
    “The support from our sponsors is instrumental in delivering a top-tier tournament experience,” said Stella Macharia, Sponsorships Director for the Patron’s Cup. “Their involvement not only enhances the event but also strengthens the sense of community and celebration of Kenya’s golfing heritage.”


    The Patron’s Cup 2024 is expected to draw numerous fans to Muthaiga Golf Club, where they will witness three days of competitive golf and enjoy a vibrant event atmosphere, complete with entertainment and networking opportunities.

  • MPs wants Utalii college mandated to certify all hospitality professionals

    MPs wants Utalii college mandated to certify all hospitality professionals

    The National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife advocates for Kenya Utalii College to be granted the authority to certify all professionals in the hospitality industry.

    Led by Chairperson Hon. Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), committee members voiced concerns over the lack of regulation in the sector’s training standards.

    They emphasized the need for standardized training during a meeting with officials from the Tourism Professionals Association (TPA) led by Chairperson Prof Ray Mutinda.

    “If we make it mandatory that all practitioners in the tourism and hospitality sector must have a certification from Utalii College before practicing, there will be standardization,” Hon. Mbiuki suggested.

    “Our agenda as a Committee is to have the premier college elevated and be the institution that certifies all the professionals in the sector, ” he added during the session chaired by Hon Abdi Ali (Ijara).

    “We support having Utalii College as an institution that certifies us. We are proposing that training should continue at the lower levels, and we should be allowed to work with other stakeholders to establish a minimum curriculum for the learners, ” said Prof Mutinda.

    In the afternoon, the committee met with Stephen Kinyanjui, CEO of the Tourism Promotion Fund (TPF).
    At the session chaired by Hon. Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Mr. Kinyanjui updated the MPs on the projects funded by the TPF in the last and current fiscal years.

    The Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow with the CEOs of the Kenya Tourism Board, Tourism Regulatory Authority, and Tourism Research Institute to discuss their strategic plans in detail.

  • KEPHIS Hosts a priemier International Seed Quality Conference

    KEPHIS Hosts a priemier International Seed Quality Conference

    During the Exhibition visit by CS Agriculture at Kephis Headquarters.

    The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is holding the first-ever Seed Quality Conference in Nairobi, aimed at increasing the quality of seeds in the Kenyan market.

    The conference was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Andrew Karanja as chief guest.
    Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Kiprono was also present during the occasion. Other present stakeholders included; the Board Chairperson, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Board, and Prof Theophilus Mutui Managing Director of KEPHIS.

    “Kenya’s economic growth and attainment of the sustainable development goals are heavily reliant on the agriculture sector, having significant bearing on food security, economic growth, and social stability. The agriculture sector provides 60 percent of all employment in Africa, and it is the largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of many African Nations.” Said Dr. Andrew Karanja CS Ministry of Agriculture.

    Addressing participants of the conference, Ministry of Agriculture CS Dr Andrew Karanja says access to quality seeds and inputs is a critical determinant of agricultural productivity as it lays the foundation for successful and sustainable agriculture.

    On his part, PS Dr Kipronoh Ronoh noted, that Kenya continues to produce high-quality seeds of many crops in response to the needs of farmers, but more needs to be done.

    In his opening remarks, KEPHIS MD Prof Theophilus Mutui observed that the conference aims to provide an opportunity for the seed actors to share experiences, achievements, challenges, opportunities, and solutions in the context of nine thematic areas.