Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised corruption concerns surrounding implementation of the National Fertilizer subsidy (NFSP).

National Fertilizer subsidy has recently coke under scrutiny due to reports of substantial Breaches of duty, acts of incompetence , and allegation of fraud and Corruption.

“The NFSP was rolled out in September 2022 to offer subsidised fertilizer at half the price of Commercial fertilizer to support agricultural productivity and stabilize food prices in Kenya. However in recent weeks, several complaints have been raised, indicating systemic severe issues within the Ministry of Agriculture and National cereals and produce Board (NCPB) and highliting an elaborate scheme to defraud farmers through the very program intended to bring them relief.” Said Faith Odhiambo President Law Society of Kenya.

She further observed that, thevpurpose of the NFSP is ostensibly moot. The programme was initiated to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing cost and delays. Farmers have raised concerns over bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption and unprecedented delays in their attempts to access fertilizer. There are also confirmed instances of fake fertilzer being sold to unsuspecting farmers, greatly jeopardising farmers outputs and incomes.

Further frustrations has resulted from severe delays in the  deliverly and distribution of fertilizer by the NCPB. There are reports also, of laste tendering and slow manufacturing process by contracted suppliers. Farmers have also decried the transition from a voucher based system to the distribution of fertilizers through the NCPB leading to inefficiencies in the distribution process.

The overall consequence of these is that, farmers have failed  to break even, lost significant sums of money in buying fake fertilizer and the agricultural sector has been spun into a crisis at a time when Kenyans contend with strained economic realities that cannot survive food insecurity.

LSK therefore, Call out the Cabinet Secretary and demand that he takes action to address the unprecedented horror show guise as the National Fertilizer subsidy program and offer reparations to affected farmers. The CS should also implement several recommendations to address the real issues. LSK will petition Parliament to call for the immediate removal of Mr. Mithika Linturi from the office of Cabinet Secretary by dint of Article 152 (6) of the Constitution on the grounds of gross misconduct , violation of the Constitution and incompetence to hold public office. LSK will also, pursue a class action on behalf of farmers to seek compensation against the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Ministry, NCPB, KEBS and the responsible officials.

865 Commissioners of the 24th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), convened at St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi and discussed emerging isssues of the Nation.

Guided by the theme “… we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15), they discussed the following;

Education
The Church fully supports the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum. However, we note the gaps in infrastructure, staff and junior secondary school placement while the delay in the release of capitation is affecting the quality of education. We urge the government to swiftly resolve these issues.

We urge that the disjointed bursary funds be consolidated under the Ministry of Education and be administered fairly. Funding of university education should also be aligned to serve all Kenyan students whether in private or public institutions.

Additionally, we encourage that an ideal and advanced character formation and life skills programme be adopted for all Kenyan youths to equip them for successful lifestyles.

Health Care
The Church calls for speedy transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the prompt disbursement of funds to prevent further healthcare service disruptions.
The Church notes with great concern the ongoing health workers’ strike and its negative impact on the citizens. We strongly urge the parties involved to urgently resolve the standoff to ease the suffering of Kenyans.
The Church commits to partner with government and other stakeholders to address mental health issues affecting Kenyans. The Church will also partner with the government to promote access to mental health services and partner with experts and like-minded stakeholders to provide rehabilitation services.

The Church encourages all to observe healthy-living practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and frequent medical check-ups to avoid and manage lifestyle diseases.

Food Security
The Church appreciates the government’s efforts to eliminate hunger. However, we urge the government to promote innovative agricultural practices and reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture. We encourage the government to ensure that the
seeds- preferably hybrid- are certified and fertiliser is not compromised for maximum yield. Farmers are advised to reach out to field extension officers for expert advice.
Cost of living
The Church notes with great concern the high cost of living remains high. In this regard, the Church implores the government to ease the hardship that the citizens are experiencing.

Insecurity and National Cohesion.
We are gravely concerned by the escalating insecurity in certain parts of this country which have been declared as ‘disturbed’. We also acknowledge the relentless effort by the government to quell this insecurity.
As a Church, we respond to the President’s call to action to use evangelism as a tool to curb the chaos. It is our longstanding tradition to collaborate with the government and we will play our role in pacifying the disturbed areas in pursuit of the Great Commission.

Road Accidents
In light of the alarming surge of road accidents nationwide, the Church urges the government to prioritise road maintenance and enforce strict measures to ensure the roadworthiness of all vehicles. We also call upon the Kenya Police to uphold high professional standards and integrity in dispensing their duties and urge road users to act responsibly.

Illicit Brew, Drugs and Substance abuse.
The Church acknowledges the government’s war on illicit brew, drugs and substance abuse. We however urge the government to intensify its efforts to combat substance abuse, including prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement and public education campaigns.
In that regard, the Church will cooperate to amplify this fight and avail her resources including personnel to this end.
The Church is concerned with the court ruling concerning the legalisation of consumption of traditional brews like Muratina. We still maintain the view that alcohol is harmful and detrimental to human health and development.

Youth and unemployment
Recognising the youth as Kenya’s dominant demographic, we appreciate the government’s efforts to generate employment through initiatives like affordable housing, digital jobs, and labour exports.
Nevertheless, we challenge the government to not just maintain but ramp up efforts Nevertheless, we challenge the government to not just maintain but ramp up efforts in prioritising job creation, amplifying skills development, and fueling entrepreneurship. It’s time for action that matches the urgency of our youth’s aspirations.

Family Ethos
The Church is dismayed by the court ruling that allows the formation of an association of the LGBTQI+. We also strongly condemn gender-based violence and femicide whose cases have been on the rise.
To this end, the Church will endeavour to be a safe space for all those hurting both for their refuge and healing and also a nurturing ground for wholesome families.

In the spirit of the theme of the 24th General Assembly from Joshua 24: 15 “…we will serve the Lord.” The Church is calling upon everyone to collaborative action towards a better society. The truest testimony of our faith is how we serve one nation and one another.

The Church remains committed to pray and engage objectively all stakeholders to seek solutions to the challenges affecting humanity.
Finally, we mourn the passing on of the Very Rev. Dr. George E. Wanjau, the Moderator of the 11th and 12th General Assembly who served the Church and the nation with diligence and distinction. We send our condolences to the family, friends and the nation.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) held a consultative meeting at Christian Students’ Leadership Center, Ufungamano House, to reflect on the anticipated governance and electoral reforms proposed in the report of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) that was recently passed by Parliament and earmarked for implementation.

NCCK assessed the nine (9) Bills that are being processed by the National Assembly,
and taken into consideration the age-old definition of Democracy A government of the people, by the People, for the people.

Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya clearly states that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya, and is exercised either directly or through democratically elected
representatives. The state organs are of themselves required to act in accordance with the Constitution.
For this reason, it is of absolute necessity that the Report of the National Dialogue
Committee be taken to the people of Kenya for validation before it is implemented.

NCCK calls upon Hon Moses Wetangula and Hon Amason Kingi, the speakers of National Assembly and Senate, to have the report published in a manner accessible to
all Kenyans. Secondly, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee should hold sittings in the Counties to receive feedback from Kenyan citizens, and thereafter review the
Palriamentary Bills attendant to the NADCO report to reflect the wishes of the people.
We urge all our Members of Parliament and Senators to always remember the warning of God in Isaiah 10: 1 – 2
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.

National Dialogue Committee was established as a platform to negotiate political compromise to a crisis the politicians had conjured up in their perpetual
struggle for power and money. It is therefore a major concern for Kenyans that the National Assembly is seeking to effect the recommendations of the Committee, especially a massive review of the Constitution, without a recourse to the people of Kenya.
It is therefore a very major red flag for Kenyans that The Constitution of Kenya
(Amendment) Bill 2023 drafted as part of the NADCO report is seeking to amend 25
articles and add 6 new ones in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Having considered the governance and electoral reforms outlined in the Bills arising from the NADCO Report, we are of the considered opinion that some leaders are working towards subverting the will of the people.
NCCK calls upon all Kenyans to actively read and comment on the 9 Bills presented in the NADCO report and to demand that electoral reforms be focused on improving governance, accountability and legitimacy by:
Securing peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, safeguarding the performance and credibility of electoral institutions
Three, improving the participation and representation of the youth, women and persons with disabilities in elective bodies.

The Principal Secretary State department of Internal Security and National Administration joined the Petroleum Institute of East Africa today to discuss on how to combat illicit Petroleum trade.

The auspacious occassion which was graced by chief Guest Dr. Raymond Omollo Principal Secretary Ministry of Interior state department for Security and National Government also saw attendance of Other stakeholdes including; EPRA, KCB and other invited guests.

The main theme for the meeting was
Combatting Illicit petroleum trade in Kenya
As one of Economic catalyst on Bottom up approach transformative Agenda.

Lubricants are also Counterfeited, leading to engine Knock down and hence accident. Common people are sold the counterfeit Lubricants from street dealers and not able to verify the authenticity of the product. LPG illegal refilling Gas is also among products counterfeited.

“The theme of today’s briefing ‘Combating Illicit Trade in the Petroleum Sector as a Key Catalyst to the Government’s Bottom-Up
Economic Transformation Agenda’ serves as a beacon to giude our efforts towards a safer, more prosperous future. It encapsulates the essence of our vision as government of being able to provide a firm footing for legitimate trade and movement of petroleum and its products, not restrain it.
I stand before you today to address this pressing issue of illicit trade
in petroleum products that affects not only the petroleum sector but the very fabric of our national security. It usually goes unsaid but access to reliable, quality petroleum products is deeply intertwined with national security as it influences security operations both in terms of fuel for vehicles and aircrafts as well as power for police stations and communication systems, especially in far flung and hard to reach areas not yet connected to the national grid.” Said Dr Raymond Omollo PS state department Internal security and National Administration.

There has been alot of work going on in the Petroleum Industry in terms of growth and regulations. Latest incident of gas explosion at Embakasi being a challenge. It is our responsibility for the safety of the country. Hence there is need for self regulation and sustain the gains made in the Industry.
The regulator must do his work to avoid insecurity in the sector.

The illicit trade of Petroleum product affects the security operations. Fuel for vehicles and Planes. Transport is also affected and storage and refilling facilities.
Illegal Petroleum facilities along our Highways are also a security threat.
Accomplices of this are even the NGAOs EPRA and citizens. There is need of intelligent led agencies and tighten the Measures and prosecution of the players involved.

He further added that, there is need of public Sensitization, officers trained and Members of Parliament made aware on issue of illegal Petroleum and Gas trade..
Multifacet approach is also required involving collaboration between Industry players, regulators, Government agencies and Public.
Lubricants are also Counterfeited, leading to engine Knock down and hence accident. Common people are sold the counterfeit Lubricants from street dealers and not able to verify the authenticity of the product. LPG illegal refilling gas is also among products counterfeited.

Githunguri MP, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, has spoken out against the mistreatment of women during childbirth and the postpartum period.

She is urging the Ministry of Health to develop a national policy specifically aimed at preventing obstetric violence (OBV) in healthcare facilities throughout the country.

“Pre- and post-partum mistreatment and dehumanized care have become a recurring concern for women seeking maternal healthcare,” stated Hon. Wamuchomba while moving a notice of motion in the National Assembly.

Obstetric violence, as defined by Hon. Wamuchomba, includes disrespectful and abusive language, physical and verbal assault, neglect, forced medical procedures, and humiliation.

“Sustained class-based disparities shape different maternal and infant health outcomes with women of low socio-economic status experiencing greater levels of obstetric violence; further concerned that, this not only affects women’s physical and mental health, but also impacts on the overall health outcomes of mothers and their newborns, significantly contributing to high maternal mortality rates”, added Hon. Wamuchomba.

In her motion, Hon. Wamuchomba has called for the development of a national policy to address and prevent obstetric violence and a framework for regular monitoring and reporting of cases to curb incidences of pre- and post-partum mistreatment of women seeking health services.

Stakeholders in the private security sector have called for time to carefully scrutinize the recommendations to pay private security officers a monthly salary of Ksh 30,000.

Duncan Kobetbet, the Managing Director of Dango Five Security, says even though they aren’t opposed to the new recommendations, there has to be a proper approach to the matter at hand.
“We are not opposing the new regulations but all we are asking is more time to study, understand and harmonize them. For example, we have top-tier security companies with very established brands but for as small players in the industry, we are likely to be disenfranchised. He noted.

He also said that there requires to be a very elaborate format like for example company who have capacity to manage bigger assignment and those small company to be given there category depends on your capacityAnd as long as they pay tax and necessary to government.like tenders in roads depends with the NCA1 to NCA8 PSRA to put companies in category
“It’s only a few customers who will make us pay 30k including government institutions to pay good amount,” he added

His sentiments come amidst uproar by a section of Stakeholders in the private security space who have expressed discontent in some individuals’ casual way of dealing with the welfare of the private security officers. On Saturday, the Private Security Regulatory Authority together with the Union (Kenya National Private Security Workers Union) gathered hundreds of guards at Uhuru Park, in what was termed as the launch of nationwide mass registration of guards so that they can get a Guard Force Number (GFN).
Some players in the sector who sought anonymity questioned the motive and the grounds on which the two entities (the Regulator and the Union) converged the meeting, and under which circumstances the guards can be assigned a number before undergoing the training as enshrined in the Act. The Act that was to be tabled before Parliament was thrown out because of among other reasons, lack of public participation.

The Saturday meeting at Uhuru Park went on but notably, key government representatives were absent. The loud absence of representatives from the Ministry of labor and Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
On the same vein, Mr. Kobetbet, a man with a heart of gold, has joined efforts with the family of the police officer who drowned whilst trying to save people from flash floods. Mr. Kobetbet, acknowledging the support accorded to the family so far by the disciplined forces including the Kenya Defense Forces, called for more efforts to trace officer David Chesire who met the unfortunate fate in the line of duty. So far, frantic efforts have not bore any fruits with the family combing each and every nook, including visiting morgues but all in vain. By Thursday, it was the twelfth day without any trace of the officer.