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Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

  • The 2024 International Competition Network Advocacy Workshop Kicks off in Nairobi

    CAK chair of the Board Mr. Shaka Kariuki address the press during the conference

    The First International Competition Network (ICN) Workshop planned by Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) took place in Nairobi at Ole sereni with a theme Bouncing Back: Competition Advocacy and Resilience to Global Shocks.

    “The competition regime in Kenya, and Africa, has occasioned immense benefits to our citizens. Earlier this month, Uganda joined the jurisdictions determined to promote competitive markets and enhance consumer welfare by enacting a competition law, while Rwanda has commenced implementation of its own legislation. Regional agencies have also expanded the scope of their mandate to regulate conduct that has a cross-border dimension, an important ingredient for regional trade and integration. Of note here is the East Africa Community Competition Authority Act, which is now operational, and the COMESA Competition Commission which is also actively executing its mandate. It is important to note that these regional agencies have entered into partnerships with national agencies, including the Competition Authority of Kenya, in order to enhance efficiency, transparency and predictability when handling matters with a cross-border dimension in order to promoted investment, while sanctioning anti-competitive conduct appropriately.” Said Mr. Shaka Kariuki, Chair, Competition Authority of Kenya.

    The Kenyan Government recognizes the important role that Competition play in the economy, and has over the last 13 years supported the Authority in delivering its mandate. Specifically, policy guidance, human and financial resources support, and approval of the requisite documentation by the National Treasury have been instrumental in the Authority’s successful competition position that we are today. The Authority uses market inquiries as one of its advocacy tools that has resulted in either policy reviews or amendments of the Competition Law to make it more versatile, or enforcement actions that eventually enhance consumer welfare.

    “The need for a robust competition policy and effective advocacy has never been more pronounced, than in the current economic landscape. A landscape characterized by unprecedented technological advancements and interconnected market dynamics, emerging challenges occasioned by climate change, and unforeseen global emergencies. Hence, the theme of this workshop: Bouncing Back: Competition Advocacy and Resilience to Global shocks. As we convene here, we must take advantage of the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue, share best practices, and generate strategies that will not only respond to, but also shape, the future of competition policy worldwide.” Said
    Dr. Adano Wario Roba, Ag. Director General, Competition Authority of Kenya

    In addition to this, various toolkits including sample contracts for the insurance and retail sectors, code of practice for the retail trade, Public Interest Guidelines, and Competition (General) Rules, 2019, and compliance programs for businesses have been developed to enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability in the application of the law. Our engagement with our diverse stakeholders has seen an increase, not only in compliance with the law, but also increased consumer awareness of their rights and obligations.

    Finally, the Authority continues to use the ICN work products for its mandate delivery to enhance predictability, transparency and accountability a feat that would not have been possible without ICN networks’ invaluable contributions to the development of our Authority. For that, we are eternally grateful.

     

     

     

  • NCCK Champions for Healthy Meals in School to curb Non Communicable Diseases

    The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) held a two-day forum to review the prevalence, trends and impact of Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) among adolescents.

    The forum which was held at Jumuia place Limuru, brought together Chairpersons of
    County Coordinating Committees, NCCK representatives on County Education Boards, Church Education Secretaries, Secondary School Principals, NCD survivors and other stakeholders in the education sector. The participants were drawn from Kakamega, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Meru, Kiambu, Kitui, Mombasa and Nairobi counties.

    NCCK reflected on the role of diet on emergence and management of Non Communicable Diseases, and were inspired by the scripture recorded in Genesis 9: 3
    Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants,
    I now give you everything.

    Prevalence of NCDs Among Adolescents
    We have noted with deep concern the rising trend of adolescents contracting Non Communicable Diseases. It is saddening that the probability of a young person dying early from an NCD stands at just over 18percent.

    Statistics from the Kenya Adolescent Health Survey of 2020 indicated that 1.4 percent
    were diagnosed with high blood pressure, 0.9% with asthma, 0.6% with cancer, 0.4% with diabetes, and 26.8% with sickle cell. This means that NCDs are now a major health concern for all school learners.
    Appreciably, healthy eating plays a very key role in managing these conditions.

    Unhealthy Meals in Schools
    We are deeply dismayed that learners in schools are not served nutritionally balanced food at every meal. The reasons for this state of affairs include high cost of foodstuffs, weak implementation of existing laws and guidelines on nutrition, and ignorance-driven attitude that focuses on filling the stomach rather than nutritional value. Cultural practices and beliefs also affect the foods that are served to learners by schools. On its part, the government bears responsibility since the capitation for students does not include meals.

    Further to these, there is a glaring lack of systems and structures to oversee procurement of foodstuffs for schools. It is notable that both the Boards of Management and County Education Boards do not have a spelt out mandate to oversight the food served in schools, with the responsibility ostensibly being hidden under the provision on “student welfare”. As such, the
    procurement of food in a school is wholly dependent on the principal, who may or may not form a committee to work with.
    The lack of quality control of foods procured for learners in schools is a great exposure that could spike the prevalence of NCDs among adolescents.

    Strategies for Nutritionally Balanced Meals in Schools to remedy this situation, NCCK made the following recommendations:
    a) To the Government
    Calls upon the government to make a deliberate decision to focus on the nutritional value of the meals served to learners in schools. The health of the learners should invite as much attention
    as the learners’ presence in the school.
    Towards this, we urge that nutritionists be appointed at the subcounty level with mandates to work with schools to ensure that they serve food to learners that is healthy and relevant to socialcultural settings. There may be need for collaboration between the Ministries of Health and
    Education on this undertaking.
    We further urge that the government displays this concern for the welfare of the learners by expanding the school feeding programme to all schools.

    In addition, we strongly recommend that NCD risk factors reduction and controls are included in the school curriculum as part of skill building.

    b) To County Education Boards
    We encourage all the County Education Boards to include monitoring of the health status of learners as a standing agenda. This will enable them track the trends on prevalence of Non Communicable Diseases and other health conditions and to proactively take remedial actions.
    c) To School Boards of Management
    As the immediate caretakers of learners, we challenge all School Boards of Management to adopt the procurement of food and composition of meals served in their schools as key focus areas. It should be an agenda in every Board meeting. This will enable the Board to adequately support the Principal in ensuring foods procured and meals served are of the right quality and composition. On their part, we encourage the Principals to embrace stakeholder engagement in the procurement and composition of foods served to the learners.

    d) To Parents and Communities
    Recognizably, healthy eating is a practice that one learns at home. There have been reported cases where learners demand unhealthy foods from the school leadership. We therefore challenge all parents to inculcate healthy eating habits in children from the time they are weaned. Secondly, we call upon all parents to educate their children on the nature and risk factors
    surrounding Non Communicable Diseases. Let us all overcome the fear and stigma on NCDs so that we protect each other.
    5. Our Commitment
    On our part, we have committed to use our platforms, especially the pulpit, to promote healthy eating and to create widespread knowledge on Non Communicable Diseases. We are also working to promote development and implementation of policies aimed at streamlining the procurement of food in all schools.
    6. Conclusion
    In conclusion, we reiterate that management and control of Non Communicable Diseases is very expensive on the individual, the society and the government. It is imperative on all of us to promote healthy eating as one of the strategies in risk factor reduction. We remain committed to supporting all learners access adequate food of appropriate quality.

  • Jubilee Party Worried by the State of Affairs in the Nation,

    Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni together with Lari Constituency address the press,

    Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni on wednesday February met with party Members from Lari Constituency inorder to address the needs and concerns of the Communities.

    The various leaders drawn from Lari Constituency raised the issues of high cost of living and high cost of basic commodities like food. They further observed that Kenya needed good leadership and better policies that can address the many problems the citizens are facing.

    “our primary focus is on actively engaging grassroots leaders from every corner of our country. It was an honor to host a group of party members from Lari Constituency. Together, we delved into discussions surrounding the Jubilee Party’s agenda and the current state of affairs in our nation. Our commitment remains steadfast in fostering dialogue and collaboration with local leaders to address the needs and concerns of our communities effectively.” Said Jeremiah Kioni Secretary General Jubilee Party.

    The SG further observed that, there was need for Mount Kenya fraternity to have unity of the region as the next general Election comes near.

  • 16,000 new classrooms in readiness for Grade 9, says PS Kipsang

     

    The government will construct 16,000 classrooms across the country in readiness for the transition of learners to grade nine next year, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, has said.

    Dr. Kipsang said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Projects Coordination and Delivery for Projects, Mr. Elijah Mungai, at the Olympics Primary School in Kibra Sub-county in Nairobi yesterday.

    The Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, Ms. Mamta Murthi, visited the school. In attendance were the Manager of Practice, Education at World Bank Group, Meskerem Mulatu, Senior Educational Specialist at the World Bank office in Nairobi, Ms. Ruth Charo, Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno, and the Regional Director for Education in Nairobi, Ms. Margaret Lesuuda, among other senior officials in education.

    Dr. Kipsang said the government plans to construct 10 additional classrooms to cater to the learners who will transition to grade nine next year.

    “We welcome the World Bank to support and partner with the government to build even more classrooms in this school,” Dr. Kipsang said.

    Ms. Murthi praised Kenya for the strong educational outcomes that schooling stimulates in children.

    Murthi said the schooling system in Kenya was ably imparting to learners the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that students ought to acquire.

    She said Kenya was also doing well in the enrolment rate of children in schools, noting that education was a critical factor in determining the future of a country.

    The Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno, said the government worked through its structures to ensure a 100 percent transition of learners from primary to secondary education.

    The headteacher of Olympics Primary School, Mr. Cyrus Okumu, said that the school had developed a friendly learning environment and excellent instruction for learners in the school.

    He attributed the huge learner population (5108) to supportive teaching and non-teaching staff that made learning enjoyable.

    “Children keep returning to school because of the good learning experiences good pedagogy creates,” Mr. Okumu said.

  • 100,000 Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Beneficiaries Risk Missing Out for Failure to Enlist with M-pesa

    100,000 Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Beneficiaries Risk Missing Out for Failure to Enlist with M-pesa

    Joseph Motari
    Joseph Motari

    An average of 100,000 beneficiaries of the Social Protection Inua Jamii program risk missing out on cash if they fail to register to receive the funds via mobile money transfer, Mpesa, the Principal Secretary State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari has said.

    The PS spoke while announcing the release of over KSh2 billion for January payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the government’s cash transfer program and another KSh5.9 million for a complimentary nutrition improvement arrangement.

    PS Mutari said that following a presidential directive late last year that the beneficiaries would be receiving their stipends through Mpesa rather than through select banks, all beneficiaries or their caregivers needed to register for Mpesa payment by dialing *222# from their Mpesa registered lines.

    He expressed concern about the 100,000 people who have not yet switched from bank to mobile money transfer, saying they could miss their money if they don’t do so by the end of February 2024.

    “The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection released KSh2,089,844,000 for January payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii Programme and a further KSh5,930,000 for Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE), which is a complimentary program,” PS Mutari told a news conference today.

    “Following a presidential directive, Inua Jamii beneficiaries will be receiving their stipends through Mpesa. This will start with caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) and persons with severe disabilities (PWSD). So far, 207,000 have enrolled for the Mpesa payment and have received their December payment. However, we note that there are around 100,000 who have not enrolled through *222#. The caregivers must register to continue receiving their Inua Jamii stipends,” explained PS Motari.

    He added that the lot will be paid through a bank account for the last time and that there is only this month to enroll for Mpesa payments, warning that those who have not shifted to Mpesa could miss out because they remained non-compliant.

  • Somali President’s economic advisor named among three most influential people in Africa

    Somali President’s economic advisor named among three most influential people in Africa

    Dr. Mohamed Osman has been feted as one of the three most influential people in the continent by the Paris-based ‘Africa Intelligence magazine. In mid-January, the monthly ‘5 Magazine’ recognized him as “Top 25 Somalis of 2023.”

    The African Magazine placed Dr. Osman alongside Nigeria’s Tolu Obamuroh, a rising star in the legal arena of Abuja, and Kenya’s Wanjiku Thiga, who is making significant strides in combating rising femicide rates.

    “Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights new generations of influential figures, and this week’s selection underscores the diverse and dynamic leadership emerging across the African continent,” said the opening paragraph of ‘The Africa Intelligence’, a Paris-based publication by Indigo Publications.

    The magazine highlights daily French and English insights “essential for understanding Africa’s regional and local issues,” according to its website.

    Established nearly four decades ago, Africa Intelligence became a daily publication in April 2020 “to better capture the continent’s rapidly evolving developments.”

    What Was Dr. Osman Feted For?

    Dr. Osman is widely known for his economic expertise and pivotal role in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud’s administration.

    He was similarly recognized for his influential contributions in shaping Somalia’s financial policies, which advocated for environmental and educational advancements.

    “This accolade not only highlights his (Dr. Osman’s) exceptional achievements but also reflects the growing impact of young leaders like Obamuroh and Thiga in transforming their respective countries’ business and political landscapes,” the African Magazine stated in his profile summary.

    It continued: “In the dynamic landscape of African politics and economics, few figures have risen as rapidly and impressively as Dr. Mohamed Osman.”

    Heralded as one of the 25 most influential Somalians of 2023 by Five Magazine, this 37-year-old economist is not just a national asset but an international influencer in the realms of economic policy, environmental advocacy, and educational empowerment.

    Dr. Osman’s expertise and influence stretch far across borders, reaching his homeland of Somalia where he serves as a key member of the Presidential National Economic Council, where the country’s economic policies are shaped.

    His role was particularly conspicuous in the Nairobi negotiations of the previous year, which successfully led to Somalia’s historic admission into the East African Community.
    Additionally, Dr. Osman was instrumental in Somalia joining the ambitious Great Green Wall of the Sahara and the Sahel initiative, which unites nearly 20 African nations in a collective effort to combat desertification. Termed the largest living structure on the planet, the initiative stretches 8,000km across Africa.

    Educational advancement is another arena where Dr. Osman has left an indelible mark. Holding a PhD in conflict resolution from the United Nations University for Peace, he became the university’s regional representative in 2018. His academic journey also includes a diploma in economics from Mogadishu University, an institution that he founded.

    He’s also the head of the Sadar Development and Resilience Institute, formerly known as the Resilience Innovation Hub. An education enthusiast, Dr. Osman holds a double Master’s Degree in Economic Policy and Planning, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding from Makerere University and Kampala International University in Uganda, respectively.

    Dr. Osman’s influence extends to fostering future leaders and innovators. He initiated the presidential PhD scholarship program, named after President Mohamoud and funded by Qatar Charity, reflecting his vision for nurturing intellectual and leadership capacities in Somalia.

    Moreover, as the primary contact for the Resilient Africa Network (RAN), funded by the United States Agency for International Development, he has played a vital role in creating the Somali Response Innovation Lab. This initiative symbolizes a collaborative effort to address Somalia’s most pressing challenges.

    Through his diverse roles and relentless dedication, Dr. Mohamed Osman is not just a policymaker or an academic. He is a visionary continuously working towards a resilient, educated, and prosperous Somalia. His journey and achievements bring hope and inspiration to his fellow citizens, young leaders, and change-makers across Africa.

    Dr. Osman’s educational initiatives, especially the presidential PhD scholarship program, have opened doors for countless young Somalis, equipping them with the tools to contribute effectively to their nation’s development.

    “This program highlights my belief in the transformative power of education and its role in nation-building. It’s a testament to my dedication to addressing immediate challenges and laying the groundwork for long-term societal progress,” Dr. Osman said in a past function.

  • PS State Department Social Protection and Citizen Affairs Calls for remaining 100,000 persons Inua Jamii Beneficiaries to enroll on Mpesa Payment

    PS State Department for Social Protection and Citizen Affairs.

    PS State Department Social Protection and Citizen Affairs Calls for remaining 100,000 persons Inua Jamii Beneficiaries to enroll on Mpesa Payment.

    The Ministry of Labor Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs through Principal Secretary Joseph Motari has Released Kenyan Shillings 2 Billion ( 2,089,844,00) for beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii programme and further 5 million (5,930,000) for Nutrition improvement through cash and Health Education (NICHE) which is a complimentary programme.

    “The stipend will facilitate payment of Elderly, orphans and persons living with disability.
    The payment commences today 7th February, following that Inua Jamii will receive their stipends through Mpesa. Starting with orphans and vulnerable children, by dialing star *222 # the care givers can help beneficiaries enroll to the payment Mode.” Said Joseph Motari Social Protection and senior Citizen affairs Principal Secretary.

    During the press conference at NSSF Building Nairobi.

    The PS further observed that, the Ministry has already started to pay for the month of January and noted that there are 100,000 persons who have not enrolled to the Mpesa Payment. Care givers are advised to enroll on the payment mode.

    This is an amnesty for only this month that they will be paid those who did not register for January and December. From February all are required to be registered through Mpesa to receive payments for month of February going forward.

    The funds are to caution the beneficiaries from poverty, hunger and improve their lives. Beneficiaries are also advised to have a saving culture for future use of funds.

    He also called upon the Govenment officers in various Counties and Local administrations to expedite the sensitization to the beneficiaries regarding the new changes by the Ministry.

  • NCCK Calls for Urgent Government Intervention on High Cost of Living

     

     

     

    The Programmes Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has
    held a meeting at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, to reflect on the
    state of the nation.

    The Programmes Committee was joined by the Chairpersons of the NCCK County Coordinating Committees and the Regional Committees.

    The meeting took note of the findings of a survey conducted across the country which
    indicated that 71% rated the performance of the government at below average, and 74 percent indicated that the country is headed in the wrong direction.

    “This is a very worrying state of affairs, and there is an urgent need for remedial action.
    Having considered the guidance of God given in Proverbs 27: 5 – Better an open rebuke than hidden love – we humbly request to share the following message with you.
    Kenyans Are Suffering, Please Listen to Their Cries, The people of Kenya, whom you committed to serve and protect, are in great pain. The Constitution of Kenya provides in Article 129 (2) that “Executive authority shall be exercised in a manner compatible with the principle of service to the people of Kenya, for their well-being and benefit”. Said Reverent Canon Chris Kinyanjui General Secretary NCCK.

    NCCK urged the President to Uphold the Constitution of Kenya and Rule of Law
    and commended him for public commitments to uphold the Constitution of
    Kenya in all your work and to lead the government in adhering to the Constitution and Laws of Kenya. NCCK were particularly alarmed at the expanding osmotic relationship between the three arms of government. In the Constitution of Kenya, the Executive, the Legislature and Judiciary were created separately to provide checks and balances to ensure justice. However, the Executive is progressively and visibly tearing down these boundaries resulting in loss of confidence in the institutions of governance.

    NCCK also, pleads to an end the public attacks on the Judiciary.
    Where there is suspicion of corruption against any judge, let the proper procedure be followed to have them investigated and necessary action taken.In the same breath, we urge that the Legislature be let free to hold the Executive accountable as is provided for in the Constituttion.

    NCCK also urged the Government to Cut down the Cost of Living observing that,
    the biggest concern of the people of Kenya is the high cost of living. The soaring cost of
    commodities coupled with dwindling expendable income, has pushed more Kenyans below the poverty line. The collapse of businesses, both big and small, has exponentially raised unemployment levels in the country. The situation is unsustainable regardless of any macro-level economic measures being put in place.
    Indeed the cry of the people of Kenya is akin to that of the people of Israel that is recorded in Nehemiah 5: 3 – 4 Others were saying, ‘We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine’. Still others were saying, ‘We have had to borrow money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards’.
    To remedy the situation, they strongly recommend that the Government to provide reprieve for the people by lowering taxes and freezing the increment of statutory deductions for health and retirement insurances. Instead, we urge for measures to promote growth of exportoriented businesses. This will earn the nation the much-needed foreign exchange and also increase tax income without unnecessarily aggravating the people.

    Reverent Canon Chris Kinyanjui General webt on to Call for donations from all kenyans to donate Kenyan shillings 1:50 cents to support the disabled children to access education. To donate, One will send word elimu to 29888 through safaricom line. The amount is then deducted from the airtime on a daily basis.
    He further observed that the funds will be accounted for by NCCK and will help support 350,000 children who are not able to access education. It is an urgent programme and funds should be available in the next 3 months.

     

  • PSG address on State of the Nation, Governance and Economy

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Public Service Governance (PSG) President Esther Waringa has called on unity within the arms of National Government inorder to deliver effective services to Kenyans.

    She observed that the high cost of living continues to make life difficult for majority of kenyans and the need to evaluate the cost of energy which is the major contributing factor. Agriculture also needs to be improved to tackle the issue of high cost of food and shortage in the country.

    Public Service Governance (PSG), PSG is
    an organization that facilitates efficiency and effective public service delivery through strengthening and capacity development of public service institutions.

    “We have done so much in this country to bring sense in governance and public service and will do more. No country can realise its revenue base by taxing more its own people. A wise, able and concerned government will reduce taxation on its own people and maximize on alternative ways of raising revenue. There are so many taxes that Kenyans are expected to pay to Government that may cause an economic collapse of the Nation by Kenyans feeling overburdened and therefore not able to fulfil this tax obligation. We are here to advice the government that there are a multiple of alternatives to raise Government development fund other
    than taxing the already burdened Kenyans. This is because one of the greatest reasons why governments are in power is to give an enabling and conducive environment for its people to live in their country. We need a Wanjiku centered economy, the government need now a wanjiku centered economic advisory.
    We must now as a country implement economic stimulus projects that will drive the 7 key Kenya’s economic drivers into productivity and the proceeds from this funds could finance the Government development agenda. “Said Ambassador Esther Waringa President PSG.

    The Housing Levy and SHIF must not be sourced from Kenyans going through tough times.
    Key economic drivers have not been given adequate planning, resources and focus by
    government and stakeholders for them to be able to inject a considerable income to the country’s GDP.

    ENERGY (Chief Economic Driver)
    A great percentage of the economy revolves around energy. From business, to household to public and private sector. The cost of energy determines any business profitability or failure. Energy and Transportation play a critical role in manufacturing and consumption. The high cost of
    manufacturing and transportation has threatened sustainability of the manufacturing industry hence investors seeking investment opportunities in our neighbouring countries. thousands have lost their jobs even as we are seeking job opportunities through housing projects, many are losing jobs because of high cost of doing business. The rising costs do not attract foreign direct investments by multinationals because it’s no longer profitable. Equally, the cost of manufacturing and transportation is shouldered by the consumer, Kenyans now buying these good at a very exorbitant price. Kenyans bearing the whole burden of production and
    manufacturing. A litre of fuel is subjected to nine levies giving the Government 79.32. Value added Tax being the highest at Ksh. 29.19 per litre followed by Road maintenance levy.

    AGRICULTURE (Important Economic Driver)
    Agriculture remains a great potential industry towards job creation and enhancing our GDP. The agricultural sector contributing 33% of the Kenya’s gross domestic product from 15-17% of land coverage in Kenya. This % of land coverage must be enhanced to 30% in order to have an impact in production that will boost our GDP. With the high rate of poverty we must increase the land under agricultural production, more seedlings must be given to farmers, more fertilizer and more land utilities to enhance production in the next planting period.
    Every devolved unit of the 47 counties must employ progressive interventions to earn revenue through agribusiness. Agribusiness and agri–industrialization is the most effective dossier to deurbanization. What is the position of County Aggregation Industrial Centres were launched recently to grow manufacturing and enhance agro industries? When I see everyday the streets in Nairobi full and the capitals population growing I tell myself that devolution has not yet given us results since we promulgated the 2010 constitution that birthed devolution.

     

  • Faith Communities Unite Against Fossil Fuels, As it Launches Africa Office in Urgent Climate Call

    Faith Communities Unite Against Fossil Fuels, As it Launches Africa Office in Urgent Climate Call

    Faith communities urged to strongly condemn fossil fuels extraction as Green Faith launched the Africa office The religious communities and people of all spiritual backgrounds across the world gathered in Nairobi to advocate for climate change.

    As climate change continues to worsen globally, the world has been facing grave climate and environmental crises for a couple of decades. The Green Faith movement is structured to support and increase the moral power for climate justice among grassroots religious and spiritual people.

    Africa has been called upon to speak in the strongest terms possible against fossil fuels and extractive industries because of the evident human rights violations, family displacements, cultural interference, and impacts on the environment associated with the said industries.

    Speaking during the launch of the GreenFaith-Africa office in Nairobi, Meryne Warah, the GreenFaith Global Director for Advocacy, drew the attention of the multi-faith gathering at the All African Council of Churches (AACC) premises in Nairobi to the destruction the fossil fuel industry had caused people in Africa.

    “We have enough renewable natural capital that can be harnessed to provide energy in Africa while at the same time living harmoniously with biodiversity,” said Ms. Warah, adding that the faith communities were best placed to speak truth to powers that make decisions allowing foreign companies to destroy Africa’s beauty, environment, and biodiversity through the oil and extractive industry.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of indigenous communities, women, and youth from several parts of Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and the DRC. There were also faith leaders from the Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and other communities.

    Several teams presented videos showing the effects of fossil fuels in their communities. Tanzania and Uganda shared videos of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) affected persons, many complaining about poor compensation for land taken and disrespect for their kin’s graves during displacement, among other ills.

    Nigeria had evidence of oil spills and gas flaring in Port Harcourt, in the Niger Delta, which has polluted rivers and the soil, killing the farming and fishing communities’ sources of livelihood and increasing cases of respiratory and other diseases.

    Reacting to the videos, Rev. Dr. Gibson Lesmore, the Director of Programs at the AACC, said: “We, as human beings, have a moral duty to preserve the embodiment of God in humanity, and that is by protecting our habitats.”

    He rebuked efforts to sustain fossil fuel proliferation by playing with language, especially at the global climate talks.

    “They are now talking about phase-down when we need phase-out. Oil exploration in Africa is aided by insiders. We know the insiders, but we are not telling them the truth. Let us be united to speak truth to power around issues of climate change because these are matters of life and death. Silence is violence,” he said.

    He called for more attention to the solutions different African and indigenous communities offered. “Listen to African indigenous knowledge and nature-based solutions, even in the face of development and technological advancement,” he said, adding that the global North’s efforts to dangle the carbon market when they had refused to honor the $100 billion climate fund pledge were pretentious.

    “Faith communities are our only hope. We must not politicize issues of climate change. Capitalism places its efforts on profits against human well-being. Matters of climate change are matters of life and death. No hypocrisy. No deceit. No lie,” he said.

    Green Faith Executive Director Rev. Fletcher Harper said: “Africa is on the frontline of the climate crisis. Global North corporations want to exploit the continent’s resources and addict Africa to fossil fuels. This is patently immoral. Our GreenFaith Africa team is campaigning for clean, safe, affordable, reliable energy for every African. We’re calling for millions of green jobs to lift people from poverty. We demand an immediate stop to new fossil fuel projects and loss and damage funds for those who have suffered permanent losses from climate change. Our faiths require nothing less.”

    The Hindu council of Kenya’s Sujarta Kotamraju urged participants to strengthen the link between spirituality and ecology. “Our differences in faiths must not enable destruction of mother earth, especially through fossil fuels extraction,” she said, adding that faith has a role to play in driving climate justice.

    Elija Toirai, a representative of the indigenous community, said: “We must flow with nature in everything we do. The values we teach our children should encourage conservation. Indigenous people know climate change destroys their spaces. Certain cultural and ceremonial activities do not happen anymore, or their frequencies have reduced because climate change has messed up some of the sacred places where they used to happen”.

    He said indigenous people bring historical and indigenous knowledge that helps deal with climate change, and calling for more inclusion is a solution finding. He thanked GreenFaith for strategically working with faith and indigenous communities as equal partners.

    Ms Warah added: “When talking about Loss and Damage, it also means losing your identity. The indigenous communities have lost their identities. This is not something you can ever get back, even with the Loss and Damage fund”.

    Sabina Chege, the Kenya Women of Faith Secretary, said women were disproportionately affected by climate change, and needed to be more economically empowered to offer solutions. “Women must be involved more in the fight for climate justice.”

    Ezekiel Chibeze, the Executive Director of Strategic Youth Network for Development Executive Coordinator from Ghana, said youth have a role to play in climate education. “We are pushing advocacy and showing that young people have a solution to bring to the table. We are championing green ideas and jobs by turning organic waste into fuel for the stoves and also having young farmers in agroecology to deal with food security and enable the agriculture sector to employ more people. We have to do our job now.

    In the next 30 years, we will have a new crop of young people. We must nurture them now.”
    Salim Bayani, a Muslim faith leader, said: “We were born with the responsibility of taking care of the environment. Nothing that is on this earth has come through the Bible or the Quran, or other holy books”.

    GreenFaith-Africa is now in 12 African countries. It brings together Christians, Muslims, those with traditional African beliefs, Hindus, and others for climate justice. It works with grassroots people of faith to stop new fossil fuel projects, and to call for universal access to clean energy and green jobs that can lift communities to a better future. Currently, GreenFaith is campaigning to stop the EACOP and has sustained momentum against any new oil and gas expansion or project.