Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

ODM nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has sought a statement from the Committee on Education regarding the lack of a dedicated prayer facility for Muslim students at Moi Girls High School, Kibra Constituency in Nairobi City County, despite Christian students having a designated space for fellowships.

“Mr, Speaker, this issue raises concerns about religious inclusivity and equity in public institutions in the country. It is important to ensure that all students, regardless of their faith, have equal access to facilities that support their religious practices, as guaranteed by the Constitution” she stated.

The Committee has been tasked to report on the steps the Ministry of Education is taking to provide Muslim students at Moi Girls High School in Kibra Constituency with a dedicated prayer room, similar to the facility available for Christian students.

Hamida also wants the committee to clarify the Ministry’s policy on ensuring religious inclusivity and equal access to facilities for students of all faiths in public schools across the country. The committee should also provide a timeframe within which the Ministry will address this issue and ensure that Muslim students have a proper space for prayer and religious activities at the school.

The Lawmaker is seeking a Statement from the Committee on Health regarding the deplorable state of healthcare services at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi County.

The Senator stated that this situation raises serious concerns about patients’ dignity, safety, and well-being relying on the hospital for essential maternal and general healthcare services. It also highlights broader issues of inadequate healthcare infrastructure and staffing at the facility, which falls under the responsibility of the County Government of Nairobi.

In the Statement, the Committee should report on the extent of overcrowding and the strain on facilities at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, and provide a report on the noted constraints to service provision to Kenyans.

The committee should further outline the measures being taken by the County Government of Nairobi to

address the overcrowding, including immediate interventions and long-term plans to improve healthcare infrastructure and services at the hospital. Finally, the legislator wants the committee to clarify the steps being taken to ensure that patients are not unfairly charged for services they are unable to access due to current constraints; and recommend measures the National Government, through the Ministry of Health, can support the County Government in improving service delivery at Mama Lucy Hospital

The National Assembly’s Regional Development Committee has visited various development projects in the North Rift and Mombasa Regions funded by KVDA and the Coast Development Authority respectively.

The Committee which was divided into two segments inspected projects meant to lift the life of communities targeted particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid regions.

A section of Members of the Committee led by its Chairperson Hon. Peter Lochakapong toured the region to establish progress on development projects which hold great socio-economic benefits for hundreds of families and greater residents of the region.

A second group visited the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) where they inspected the Kerio Roses Conservancy Project, initially a rose farm for exporting flowers that later evolved into a drought mitigation project.

Led by the leader of the delegation, Hon. Salah Farah Yakub, also visited Yokot and Etio Dam.

The Managing Director of KVDA, Mr. Sammy Naporos assured Committee Members that all dams will be completed by the end of January 2025.

Residents of Elgeyo Marakwet who are beneficiaries of KVDA projects hailed the Committee for what they termed advocating for funding North Rift Projects.

 Speaking after meeting the Committee they reiterated the need for more funding to KVDA so as to expand its projects.

“KVDA has done a tremendous job to uplift the life of locals. We urge this Committee to increase the funding in the next financial year,” said one of the residents. 

Members of the Committee led by Hon. Salah Yakubu allayed fears of disbanding Regional Development Authorities and assured locals that they would oppose proposals to disband the authorities. Members indicated that the regional development authorities have a great impact on local communities and must be left alone.

During the tour, the Committee also visited the Chebagon water pan serving 3,000 households in Marakwet East before visiting the Tot Mango processing factory in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

While in the Mombasa Region, the Committee toured the Boji Farmers Irrigation Project and the Wayu Boru Water Pan Project in Hola and Galole Constituencies, Tana River County.

Members established that the Boji Farmers Irrigation Project supports small-scale farmers in their agricultural pursuits though it was reported to be undergoing some challenges owing to the re-direction of its main water source which is River Tana.

The Ag. Managing Director of the Coast Development Authority, Ms. Pamela Maghera advised that the course of River Tana needs to be redirected to its course to revive the project.

The Wayu Boru Water Pan Project located in the Galole area is expected to harvest 12,000 cubic litres of surface water benefiting the residents who are currently struggling with acute water shortage.

Both delegations will be visiting other remaining development projects in the regions.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Wednesday said it received 314,117 applications for 46,000 advertised teacher posts between October 1 and 8.

TSC CEO Nancy Macharia, appearing before the Parliamentary Education Committee, said of these applications, 93,646 were for primary teacher posts against the 6,000 advertised, while 144, 177 were for junior secondary school (JSS) teachers against the 39,550 posts advertised.

TSC further received 76,294 applications for the 450 secondary school teacher posts it advertised, she told MPs.

In that vein, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Women Teachers Association Benter Opande welcomed the move, urging that the move will address the current shortfall of the teacher-student ratio. She urged the government to increase budgetary allocation to the Teachers Service Commission for the employment of more teachers now that the facts have been laid bare by the TSC. This will improve the teacher-pupil ratio

“The teacher-student ratio in Kenya is a critical factor that impacts the quality of education. According to the Basic Education Statistical Booklet 2020, the current recommended teacher-student ratio is 1:25 for pre-primary schools, 1:40 for primary schools, and 1:35 for secondary schools. But that is not the case in some parts of the country dealing with a teacher-student ratio of as high as 1:70.

She also emphasized the importance of continuous training, capacity building, and retooling of teachers, especially on ICT demands on innovative ways of teaching to make the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) a success.

She concluded by underscoring the need for government intervention to improve the infrastructure in schools and the government to seek partners to ensure the CBC program is sustainable.

BY Steve El Sabai

Mwingi West Mp, Charles Ngusya Nguna, has firmly expressed his opposition to a recent legislative proposal aimed at extending the term limits of elected leaders in Kenya.

Speaking during a public event in his constituency, Nguna reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Kenyan Constitution and maintaining the integrity of the country’s democratic principles.

The proposal, which has sparked a national debate, seeks to amend the Constitution to allow for the extension of the terms of elected officials, including the president, governors, and MPs, beyond the current two-term limit.

Proponents argue that the extension would allow leaders to complete long-term projects and offer stable governance, especially in times of crisis. However, critics, including Nguna, view the move as a potential threat to democracy, accountability, and leadership renewal.

Nguna stated, “I will not support any proposal to extend the term limits for elected leaders. Our Constitution was crafted with the interests of the people in mind, and it ensures that leadership is temporary, and accountable, and provides opportunities for fresh ideas to take root. We must respect our good Constitution and the will of the people.”

The MP’s sentiments resonate with a growing section of Kenyans who have voiced concerns over what they see as an attempt to erode the democratic gains made since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. The Constitution, which introduced a two-term limit for the presidency and other elective positions, was seen as a landmark achievement in promoting political accountability and avoiding the excesses of extended rule often seen in other African nations.

Nguna further emphasized that leaders should focus on delivering results within their current terms instead of seeking to elongate their stay in power.

“The Kenyan people have entrusted us with a mandate to serve for a specific period. Our responsibility is to work diligently within that timeframe and deliver on the promises we made. Seeking to extend our terms suggests that we are more interested in personal gain than public service.”

His remarks come at a time when various political leaders across the country are positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections, with some lobbying for constitutional changes that could affect both term limits and the structure of government.

Nguna’s stance has been widely praised by civil society organizations and political analysts who believe that the constitutional limits are crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy.

By standing against this proposal, Nguna joins a growing number of leaders who are advocating for the protection of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Kenya. As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the proposal will gain sufficient traction in Parliament. For now, however, Nguna’s declaration sends a clear message: Kenya’s Constitution should be respected, and attempts to alter its key provisions will face significant opposition from those determined to uphold the democratic values it embodies.

MPs have approved the mediated version of the Water Amendment Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 33 of 2023), following the adoption of a Report by the Mediation Committee on the Bill. 

The Water (Amendment) Bill (2023) seeks to amend the Water Act of 2016 by proposing reforms to enhance water service provision by incorporating Public-Private Partnerships and clarifying the roles of water service providers at both national and county levels.

While moving the motion on the Report, Co-Chair of the Mediation Committee, Marakwet East MP, Kangogo Bowen stated, “One of the contentious clauses was Clause 4 which proposes to transfer national public water works to county governments which the Mediation Committee rejected agreeing that such assets should remain under national jurisdiction to maintain centralized management of large-scale water infrastructure.”

Bowen also informed the House that the Committee also concurred with the Senate’s suggestion that the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) should play a pivotal role in overseeing bulk water purchase agreements, ensuring that regulatory standards are met in consultation with relevant county governments.

In its Report, the Mediation Committee highlighted the necessity of maintaining the independence of the Water Services Regulatory Board, particularly in setting national standards for water service provision without the approval of the Cabinet Secretary.

Majority Whip and South Mugirango MP, Silvanus Osoro lauded the Bill emphasizing the importance of maintaining regulatory autonomy and ensuring that water services across the country adhere to consistent quality and efficiency standards.

He added, “All Members will agree that water is life and the proposed amendments made are very positive.”

Speaking in support of the Bill, Seme MP, James Nyikal pointed out the significance of the Water (Amendment) Bill in improving public health says.

“This is a very important Bill. Water is the greatest determinant of health. If this Bill is implemented correctly we can improve the lives of our people.”

Dagoretti North MP, Beatrice Elachi called on the Senate to develop regulations to manage water infrastructure referencing Nairobi County saying, “The Senate needs to develop regulations for Water Infrastructure particularly in Nairobi. We need to update water Infrastructure.”

Additionally, the House noted the Mediation Committee’s concerns over the equitable distribution of funds from the Water Sector Trust Fund, which has historically supported marginalized counties.

In its Report the Mediation Committee emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of this Fund, ensuring that resources are directed towards counties with the greatest need, and preventing national entities from diverting these critical resources. The Water (Amendment) Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 33 of 2023) now proceeds to the Senate for concurrence.