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Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

  • Reuben Kigame disapproves the Nominated Cabinet Ministers by President Ruto

    Reuben Kigame disapproves the Nominated Cabinet Ministers by President Ruto

     

    Reuben Kigame the leader for Jenga Mkenya Movement has today disagreed with the nominated Cabinet Ministers by the Kenya President. He gave the statement as follows;

    On behalf of the Jenga Mkenya Movement and all who desire a brand-new Kenya living within the country and the diaspora, we share our disapproval of both the process and list of those announced as being part of Kenya’s new cabinet. Our reasons are as follows:

    First, the appointments do not reflect national unity and inclusiveness but crony tribal considerations that reflect the interests of State House and associations with William Ruto rather than professionalism and meritocracy. As Jenga Mkenya, for instance, we would have appointed a professor of health sciences
    or research expert in health issues to be CS of Health, a university professor of education to head the education sector, etc. We would have included professionals from across the country and ensured that
    professionals living with disability were included.

    Secondly, today’s appointments retain several names from the sacked cabinet secretaries who were deemed incompetent for the job, some of them in exactly the same ministries they headed before. This
    is not just unacceptable. It is insanity on the part of State House and an insult to the citizens of Kenya who demanded new competent men and women. The people of Kenya did not want a reshuffle. They
    wanted the old team completely gone and unconstitutional offices such as that of the Prime Cabinet Secretary scrapped.

    Given a chance, Jenga Mkenya Movement would even have sought proposals from
    the people of Kenya, including the Generation Z that has led the recent demonstrations. If President Ruto was willing to engage them on X Spaces before, there was nothing too difficult about holding
    another X Space to hear suggestions of specific professionals for inclusion in the Cabinet.Thirdly, the partial naming of the cabinet is a clear sign that the Ruto Administration is incompetent and still committed to incompetence and mismanagement of Kenya. It shows that he is incapable of delivering clear, servant leadership of integrity and accountability for the people of Kenya. Ruto’s
    appointments reveal his commitment to the political elitism that has reduced Kenya to a den of robbers and looting cartels. It does not inspire faith in tackling tribalism, runaway debt, over taxation,
    unemployment, cartels, corruption and impunity.

    We therefore call upon all Kenyans who desire a new country to reject today’s cabinet appointments and
    get ready for the final push to remove this government from power in line with the Preamble and Article 1 of our Constitution. We want our country back so that we can entrust it to more competent citizens. I
    propose national strikes by every sector for at least seven days, a boycott of services and products belonging to corrupt officials, stay homes as well as peaceful demonstrations as provided for in Article 37 of our Constitution. We do not want coalition talks or dialogue with a system that does not listen to its citizens, abducts, tortures and kills them and then brings back cabinet secretaries responsible for all that.
    What we want is simple: a government of values, truth, justice, accountability, national unity and listens to its people, fights poverty, ignorance and disease, is not corrupt, lives within its means and creates jobs and livelihoods for its citizens. This is what we will fight for and bequeath to
    posterity.

  • MSEMAJI MKUU WA SERIKALI DR. ISAAC MWAURA AZUNGUMZIA MATUKIO YALIYOJIRI HIVI KARIBUNI

    MSEMAJI MKUU WA SERIKALI DR. ISAAC MWAURA AZUNGUMZIA MATUKIO YALIYOJIRI HIVI KARIBUNI

    Msemaji Mkuu wa Serikali Dr. Isaac Mwaura, hivi leo amenena kuhusu maswala yaliyoshuhudiwa kutokana na Maandamano ya Vijana.

    Kati ya Maswala aliyoyazungumzia ni ikiwemo kudumisha amani, kuwepo kwa mjadala kati ya serikali na Vijana wa Taifa na wakenya kwa Jumla.
    Taarifa yake ilisoma hivi;

    Serikali inasikitika kwa kuendelea kwa vurugu ambazo zimeikumba nchi katika mwezi uliopita tangu maandamano ya kwanza tarehe 18 Juni 2024, kwa juhudi za Wakenya kutoa maoni yao kuhusu masuala mbalimbali. Serikali inapenda kutoa pole kwa familia za Wakenya waliopoteza maisha yao na pia kueleza rambirambi kwa wale waliopoteza biashara na mali zao kwa vitendo vya uhalifu. Serikali inathibitisha tena msaada wake kwao pamoja na wale waliopata majeraha na wanaendelea kupona nyumbani au hospitalini huku tukiwaombea kupona haraka.

    2. Kwa upande mwingine, hatuwezi kusahau wafanyabiashara ambao wamepata hasara kubwa kwa biashara zao kubaki zimefungwa wakati wa maandamano na tunapenda kuonyesha mshikamano na wao wanapojaribu kujipatia mapato yaliyopotea. Kwa jumla, nchi imepoteza takriban Ksh. 6 Bilioni kulingana na Mamlaka ya kodi ya Mapato ya Kenya (KRA) kama matokeo ya maandamano na ikiwa maandamano yataendelea, uchumi utakuwa na athari kubwa katika mwaka wa fedha mpya pamoja na kusababisha upotezaji wa fursa za ajira kwa vijana wetu.

    3. Kama serikali, tunatoa wito wa kusisitiza kwa vijana wa Kenya kufikiria tena mipango yao ya kuendelea na maandamano, ambayo tayari yameingiliwa na vikundi vya wahuni, lengo lao likiwa kuleta fujo na kutishia amani ya nchi. Ningependa kuthibitisha kuwa Rais na Serikali kwa ujumla tumewasikia wazi na tupo tayari kuchukua hatua kuhusu masuala yenu kama ilivyodhihirishwa na maendeleo ya hivi karibuni yakionesha hatua na majibu ya Rais kama ifuatavyo:
    • Kukataa Muswada wa Fedha ambapo sauti zenu zilisikika, na muswada wa utata ukatupiliwa mbali kuonyesha nguvu ya kushirikiana.
    • Kupunguza bajeti ya Ofisi ya Mama wa Kwanza na Mke wa Naibu Rais. Hatua hii inaonyesha dhamira ya Serikali ya kusimamia na kuhakikisha uwazi katika operesheni zake, kujibu wito wenu wa nidhamu na uwajibikaji wa kifedha.
    •Mazungumzo moja kwa moja ya Rais na Wakenya kwenye majukwaa kama X-Space inaonesha dhamira ya mazungumzo ya wazi kwa wakati halisi.

    • Kubadilisha Baraza la Mawaziri kunamaanisha mwanzo mpya, lengo likiwa kuimarisha utawala bora na uwajibikaji.
    • Mabadiliko katika Tume Huru ya Uchaguzi na Mipaka (IEBC) ni hatua nyingine muhimu ya Rais wetu inayonuia kuhakikisha uchaguzi wa haki na wenye imani katika siku za usoni.
    • Katika kushughulikia wasiwasi wenu kuhusu uteuzi usiohitajika, Rais alisimamisha uteuzi wa Makatibu Wakuu Wasaidizi 50.
    • Pia aliagiza marufuku ya michango ya umma (Harambee) na maafisa wa umma, yote yakilenga kukomesha matumizi mabaya ya rasilimali za umma na kuendeleza uadilifu katika utumishi wa umma.

    4. Kuachilia Mkuu wa Polisi pamoja na hatua nyingine ni sehemu ya jitihada zetu za kurekebisha na kuimarisha idara zetu za utekelezaji wa sheria.

    5. Hatua hizi zinaashiria mabadiliko makubwa katika sera, ikionyesha nguvu ya sauti zenu. Ingawa hamu ya kuandamana ni kubwa, tunawasihi Wakenya wote tuwe na wakati wa kutafakari na kujichunguza ndani yetu. Ni muhimu tukubali maendeleo yaliyofikiwa hadi sasa katika kushughulikia masuala yaliyoibuliwa na kuruhusu mabadiliko yaliyochukuliwa kufanya kazi kwa faida ya ukuaji na maendeleo ya kiuchumi ya nchi yetu.

    6. Serikali inapenda kuwakumbusha Wakenya kuwa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya na Amiri Jeshi Mkuu wa Majeshi ya Ulinzi, Mheshimiwa Rais William Ruto ana jukumu la kikatiba la kulinda nchi dhidi ya vurugu na kutokuwa na utulivu.

    7. Kwa niaba ya Serikali kwa hivyo, ninatoa wito wa dhati kwa Wakenya wote kuenzi uzalendo na kubaki mshiriki, wenye lengo na wenye kujitolea katika kujenga Kenya ya amani na ya mafanikio. Kwa roho ya umoja na mshikamano wa kitaifa.

    8. Tukatae watu binafsi wenye tamaa ikiwa ni pamoja na wageni ambao hawatamani mema ya nchi yetu. Turejee kwenye maisha yetu ya kila siku na kujenga taifa letu kwa Upendo, Amani na Umoja na hii itapelekea kuwepo kwa jamii iliyoshikamana na yenye umoja.

  • Integrity Watch Lobby Group Calls for Political Accountability and Respect for Rule of Law

    Integrity Watch Lobby Group Calls for Political Accountability and Respect for Rule of Law

    Mr Ouma Jowi, National Coordinator Integrity Watch addressing the Press Conference
    Mr Ouma Jowi, National Coordinator Integrity Watch addressing the Press Conference

    A governance lobby group has warned foreign forces that could be keen on interfering in Kenya’s political system to keep off the country’s internal affairs, while at the same time calling for mature politics, good governance, and constitutionalism from the government.

    Integrity Watch says Kenya is a sovereign state and should therefore be left alone to run her affairs without external interference from states or formations wanting to drive their agenda.

    Terming itself a collaboration of organizations and individual anti-corruption crusaders, bloggers, activists, and whistleblowers, Integrity Watch reaffirms that they have a mandate to give full effect to Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 on leadership and integrity.

    Addressing a media conference in Nairobi today, the lobby underscored the need for observation of the rule of law, constitutionalism, and democracy in Kenya, holding all political leaders to account on the backdrop of anti-government picketing staged by the Gen Z bracket witnessed in recent weeks.

    “The past few days our country has seen remarkable social movements for democratic change around the country…they have demanded greater justice and dignity, more transparent political processes, a fair share of political power and an end to corruption,” a statement by Mr. Ouma Jowi, National Coordinator Integrity Watch, reads in part.

    “The rule of law and democracy are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. The rule of law is based on key democratic principles such as equality before the law, accountability, separation of powers, and participation in decision-making. Like democracy, the rule of law is a principle of governance anchored in participatory and consultative processes. To be legitimate, laws should be widely consulted and reflective of society’s needs and values.”

    Jowi noted that a democratically elected parliament and a vibrant and strong civil society movement stand to provide ideal mechanisms for realizing the previous.

    The lobby group condemned what it termed continuous incitements and the barrage of hate speech in political gatherings and on social media, urging Kenyans to hold dear the fact that we have only one country which is irreplaceable in case it is destroyed.

    Among the demands Integrity Watch gave to the political leadership and Kenyans in general are that all social movements should uphold patriotism and constitutionalism, politicians to embrace tolerance and respect to such movements, and all social movements to consider dialogue on their different platforms in a bid to foster peace and unity.

  • End Violence Against Children; Says PS for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs,

    End Violence Against Children; Says PS for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs,

    PS Joseph MutariDuring the dialogue meeting on Ending Children Violence

    Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs has today hosted 14 principal secretaries with a message of endinging violence against children.

    Present were various stakeholders who discussed the need for children safety in society.

    Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Citizen Affairs Joseph Motari observed that,
    Additionally, households in the Inua Jamii Programme with expectant mothers and children under three years benefit from the Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health in Education (NICHE) programme, implemented in collaboration with our development partners. This programme aims to improve the growth and development outcomes of children in their early years and has benefited over 33,000 households since its inception in 2020.
    Furthermore, the Presidential Secondary School Bursary Fund targets children in public boarding secondary schools, ensuring that vulnerable children complete their secondary education. My state department
    disburses about Ksh. 400 million annually to support an average of 20,000 children in secondary school.

    To protect children from online sexual exploitation, the ministry has developed and is overseeing the implementation of the National Action Plan on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (NPA-OCSEA) 2019-2026. In addition, all children officers have been trained on preventing and Countering Violent Extremism to enhance our efforts in protecting children from radicalization.

    In the spirit of care reform, a key government agenda that seeks to promote family and community-based care for children, the ministry recently launched the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection.

    The significance of family in the life of a child can not be overemphasized, as it is the very foundation that facilitates the actualization of child rights, including the right to education.
    Earlier this month, my ministry conducted nationwide public participation on the Regulations that seek to fully Operationalize the Children Act, 2022. Upon completion, these regulations will enhance the efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.

    “There is a need to come up with a better foundation for our children.
    Bringing up a child is very crucial and should be enfercized more in society.” Said Joseph Motari Principal Secretary Social Protection.

    In conclusion, today marks the beginning of a concerted effort to create a safer and brighter future for all children in Kenya. Our collective resolve, strategic planning, and collaborative spirit will drive us forward in eradicating violence against children, ensuring every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and protective environment.
    The PS urges parents and guardians to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Keep children at home under adult supervision, ensure they know how to contact a trusted adult if needed, and provide emotional support by listening and reassuring them. Monitor their internet use, educate them on online safety, and limit their exposure to distressing news.

  • GPLC Africa 2024 Endorses Youth Leadership In Push For African Renaissance

    GPLC Africa 2024 Endorses Youth Leadership In Push For African Renaissance

    As this year’s Global Peace Leadership Conference drew to a close, young people took center stage as major drivers of the African Renaissance with participants calling for increased investment in youth led collaboration initiatives and activities in the continent.

    The conference, which happened on the backdrop of a youth led countrywide protest against new proposed tax laws in Kenya, commenced on June 25, 2024, at the Konza Technopolis in Machakos County with a commitment by participants to environment conservation as an important tool for ensuring peace and social cohesion.

    Led by Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, Chairman and Founder of the Global Peace Foundation and Priti Chandaria, Trutee Chandaria Foundation among other partners, over 1000 participants including primary and secondary school children planted 30,000 trees in support of the greening Konza initiative.

    Conference organizers cancelled the official opening ceremony initially scheduled for Wednesday June 26, 2024 due to the week-long protests that intensified on June 25, 2024 leading to the death of multiple protesters on account of law enforcement and the destruction of property including the Kenyan parliament and city hall, seat of the county government of the capital city Nairobi, that were both partially set ablaze.

    The ceremony was substituted by prayers for the nation and the injured with the conference issuing a statement urging for calm and dialogue in resolving the impasse between the state and aggrieved protesters.

    “Every successful transformation movement is a peaceful one. Anything that leads to violence and destruction only begets more violence and destruction,” said Dr. Moon, Chairman and Founder of the Global Peace Foundation lauding the Kenyan youth for taking the reins in advocating for impactful causes and urged them to maintain the spirit of peace.

    During the closing ceremony various speakers from across the continent championed youthful engagement in driving change and collaboration in the spirit of Ubuntu, while calling on African leaders to show their commitment to peace and ethical governance by investing in young people and who would take Africa to its next phase of prosperity.

    ”Promoting democratic principles, transparency, and accountability is central to the African renaissance story. Good governance, political stability and the respect for human rights are therefore critical tools that must be supported to help position Africa as a key player in global peace and leadership development,” said former President of Nigeria His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Speaking during the Youth Leadership and Sustainable Development track, Moses Segun Obalade, Executive Director of the Peace Education and Network practice in Nigeria expressed the need for policies by African governments that reward and prioritize societal efforts and contributions towards the African renaissance spirit of Ubuntu.

    His sentiments were further echoed by Somalia’s Abdisalan Dualeh, the Executive Director, Somaliland Youth Development and Voluntary Organization, who called for the creation and strengthening of youth led Pan-African organizations that would carry on the work of African integration and collaboration in pursuit of peace and sustainable development.

    The session that zeroed in, on the urgency and agency of restoring African economies by promoting self-reliance of the youth as one means of achieving sustainable development, called for simplified market access and enablement through financial inclusion, the lack of which has impeded youth participation and access opportunities especially affecting many marginalized and rural communities across Africa.

    “Financial access is still largely governed by an individual’s proficiency and understanding of financial concepts. Those with higher skills and expertise therefore have a better likelihood of achieving their financial goals.

    Unfortunately, this also means the majority poor will keep getting left behind with each generational advancement and which is one of the narratives that an African renaissance can change by opening new avenues for collaboration and learning to ensure each year we are lifting up more and more people out of poverty,” said inclusivity champion, Rachida El Rhdiou, relating her perspective with the situation back in her home country of Morocco.

    Otim Brian Joseph, the Former Deputy Youth Ambassador to the East Africa Community for the Republic ofUganda, called attention to the need for upscaling market access and skills transfer through digital technologies and programmes to reach far flung populations with priority on empowering women and youth entrepreneurs who currently need these services the most.

    The Patron of the Global Peace Foundation in Kenya, industrialist Dr. Manu Chandaria, in his message to the conference vocalized his vision for an African renaissance that would unlock the enormous potential of Africa and its people while urging those blessed with resources and opportunity to take lead in facilitating Africa’s development and eventual transformation starting at the local level while contributing new ideas to the continent.

    Among the key take outs of the conference was the call for Africans to also embrace their shared cultural, economic, and political heritage as a transformative movement to not only revive but also celebrate Africa’s unique diversity with a renewed commitment to fostering global peace and stability.

  • Mediamax’s Nakuru based Reporter Shot by Police during Protest

    Mediamax’s Nakuru based Reporter Shot by Police during Protest

    MediaMax journalist, Catherine Wanjeri injured during protests.
    MediaMax journalist, Catherine Wanjeri was injured during protests.

    Mediamax Limited journalist Catherine Wanjeri was on Tuesday, July 16 shot while covering anti-government protests in Nakuru city county.

    The journalist was allegedly shot twice in the thigh by police officers from the photos depicted online.

    During the demos, the reports indicate how Wanjeri was wearing a press jacket and had a press card during the shooting incident only to be shot while exercising her duty.

    The Mediamax scribe was rushed to the Valley Hospital in Nakuru for immediate treatment as the Nakuru-based Press association released a statement condemning the act.

    The Association has called for a thorough probe into the matter. “We condemn such violence against journalists and demand that the government and police take immediate action against the rogue officers involved” Nakuru Journalists Association statement read.

    The statement further read, “We will not relent in our further pursuit of justice. We extend our deepest appreciation to the good Samaritan who acted swiftly to take Ms. Catherine to the hospital.”

    Wanjeri was among three people who were shot at by the police in Nakuru. The second person was shot in the leg while the third one was shot in the back.

    The shooting of the journalist caused uproar online with netizens condemning security officers over the incident.

    Nakuru-based journalist said, “This arbitrary and violent act against a member of the press, who was identified by her press jacket, is unacceptable. Such attacks on journalists and the clampdown on the fourth estate undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom and threaten the very core of our democracy.”

    Other social media users wondered why the journalist was shot yet she was wearing a press jacket.

  • Naivas gets recognition for brand exception, consumer trust

    Naivas gets recognition for brand exception, consumer trust

    Leading retailer Naivas Supermarket has been awarded the esteemed Superbrands becoming the first retail chain to achieve the prestigious recognition.

    The award is a recognition of its exceptional brand reputation and consumer trust, cements the supermarket’s status as a leader in the retail industry.

    The Superbrands Certification is bestowed upon brands that demonstrate outstanding quality, reliability, and distinction within their respective industries. Qualified brands, such as Naivas, receive the Superbrands Award Seal, which can be prominently displayed on advertising and marketing materials, websites, packaging, and other brand assets.

    Research conducted by leading market research firms including Nielsen, Synovate, BDRC, TNS, and others consistently highlights the significant impact of the Superbrands Award Seal on consumer behavior.

    Studies have shown that consumers are more than 70% more likely to purchase products or services displaying the Superbrands Award Seal, underscoring the importance of this prestigious certification.

    Speaking about the achievement, Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations at Naivas, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated Naivas’ commitment to living up to its mission of delivering a world-class shopping experience.

    “We are honored to receive the Superbrands Certification, which reflects our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This esteemed recognition further motivates us to continue innovating and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers.”

    Naivas Supermarket has distinguished itself within the retail industry through its commitment to always delivering value to customers.

    It has remained ahead of the curve through innovation and delivering quality all geared towards customer satisfaction.

    With a wide range of products including its fresh offering, convenient locations, and a reputation for excellence, Naivas has truly earned the trust of Kenyan consumers. As a Kenyan homegrown brand that has brought the global shopping experience to the country, it has always remained true to its values. Serving every customer with the unmistakable Kenyan hospitality who in turn have crowned it with one of the greatest honors a brand can earn globally.

  • This is Why CS Trade, Rebecca Miano was dismissed Of Procurement and Financial Fraud

    This is Why CS Trade, Rebecca Miano was dismissed Of Procurement and Financial Fraud

    Former Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has been accused of procurement and financial irregularities during her tenure as the CEO of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (Kengen).

    In an ouster petition filed at the High Court, a lobby group has accused the former CS of spending Ksh94 billion of taxpayers’ money on white elephant power generation projects.

    She is accused of contributing to recent frequent national blackouts by commissioning unusable high voltage transmission lines and commissioning feasibility studies on two new power plants that never worked.

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has also been cited as an interested party in the case whose mention is slated for January 29, 2024, before Justice Lawrence Mugambi.

    “There was illegal, unlawful, and irregular misuse of taxpayers’ money a fact confirmed by the Auditor General in her reports for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022,” says an affidavit by Francis Awino filed in support of the suit.

    According to Awino, the former CS Miano is also why Kenyans suffer huge power bills and blackouts because huge losses were reported due to funds wastage and incomplete projects.

    The CS is also accused of flouting procurement rules by spending Ksh645 million on feasibility studies for new power production plants that have never been constructed to date.

    According to court documents, this includes Ksh592 million spent on a feasibility study for the construction of the Meru Wind Power plant and Ksh82 million for the Karura Hydro Power plant.

    Miano was moved from the East African Community, ASALS, and Regional Development Ministry in October 2023 to the recent Trade Ministry in the last Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto and was finally fired for corruption and incompetence in the ministry.

    While appearing before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee on December 21, 2023, former Energy Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir blamed the incessant nationwide blackouts on network overloads due to years of lack of investment in the country’s power generation and transmission capacity.

    However, according to the petition filed before Justice Mugambi, Kengen spent Ksh79,324,783,562 on drilling geothermal wells between the years 2011 and 2015 but was never connected to the national grid.

    The wells were financed through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, according to the court documents.

    Despite the wells remaining idle, taxpayers continue to pay the principal sum and interest of the loans while at the same time paying through the nose for electricity procured from thermal Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

    “No corresponding revenue had been realized to date and the Respondent did not give the details of when the wells are likely to be utilized in generation of power. As a result, there was no value for money obtained on the investment of Sh79,324,783,562 on drilling wells,” states the petition.

    The petitioner also accused the former CS of allowing power transmission lines constructed by Kengen for Ksh4 billion in 2009 to be used by another company to generate revenue while committing taxpayers to service a loan used for their construction.

    Also listed is the alleged irregular contract award for the construction of Hydro Plaza.

    “Further, a review of procurement records revealed the works were initially awarded at a cost of Sh150,005,216 but the contract was terminated on nonperformance and subsequently awarded to another contractor at a contract sum of Sh261,264,205, an increase of or 74 percent of the earlier contract sum,” says the petition.

    The case was expected to be mentioned before Justice Lawrence Mugambi on January 29, 2024, at the Milimani Law Courts.

  • Breaking the Silence: Kenya’s Fight for Whistleblower Protection Legislation

    Breaking the Silence: Kenya’s Fight for Whistleblower Protection Legislation

    Participants during the People's Anti-Corruption Summit 2024
    Participants during the People’s Anti-Corruption Summit 2024

    By Melisa Mongina

    Kenya has made little progress in enacting a whistleblower protection law despite numerous attempts from Transparency International-Kenya.

    Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during The People’s Anti-Corruption Summit, Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International-Kenya, noted their endless efforts in ensuring that whistleblowers in Kenya get the protection mechanism they deserve.

    “As Transparency International Kenya, we have worked tirelessly in the last 10 or so years to push for a whistleblower protection mechanism in this country and unfortunately we are not yet there. In 2013, we started the process of drafting a whistleblower protection bill. 11 years later, we are yet to see this bill enacted into law. But it is something that we continue to push. Because as we stand now we don’t have an effective mechanism to protect Kenyans who risk life and limb to report cases of corruption or other actual acts of wrongdoing. And this is so critical for us,” stated Sheila.

    She further adds that most whistleblowers, especially those working in the government, are always at risk whenever they report corruption cases and some end up losing their jobs.

    “We have seen the number of corruption cases that we’ve had, and for every case, there’s a whistleblower. Sometimes it doesn’t go well, for many of those whistleblowers. Some of them, especially those in government, end up being demoted. They end up losing their jobs,” added Sheila.

    Sheila emphasized the need to have an institution that can comprehensively protect those whistleblowers who risk their lives when reporting corruption. She also added that the 2022 Ethics and Anti-Corruption Survey shows that many people fear reporting corruption cases due to intimidation.

    “We take this moment to think about the next critical steps towards finally getting in place a whistle-blower protection legislative and also institutional framework because as it is now we don’t even have an institution which can comprehensively protect those who whistle blow cases of corruption. When you look at the last ethics and anti-corruption survey of 2022, many people will not report cases of corruption because they fear acts of reprisal and intimidation. This is what whistleblowers go through and we really need to see how we can change the landscape to make it safe for people to report corruption cases,” emphasised Sheila.

    According to Sheila Roquette, Deputy Mission Director USAID, whistleblowers should be celebrated for their courageous actions in fighting corruption in the country.

    “It is vital to come together to discuss the efforts that can highlight the role of whistleblowing in Kenya to increase awareness on the adverse effects of corruption, the need for reforms and to celebrate the courageous actions of the people who have fought against corruption,” noted Roquette.

    Further, she states the United States consistently supports on strengthening of governance, institutions, and processes in Kenya.

    “The United States has consistently supported the strengthening of governance, institutions, and processes. This includes helping to improve compliance with Kenya’s public financial management laws and supporting reforms to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse at the national and county levels,” stated Roquette.

    Roquette also notes the importance of whistleblower protection legislation in mitigating the risks associated with reporting corruption cases. She adds that such protection and the law of whistleblowers is critical for attracting foreign investment.

    “Lack of whistleblower protection legislation provides a loophole for unscrupulous actors who would pressure subordinates to turn a blind eye or to cover up corrupt acts. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure that whistleblowers don’t face retaliation, harassment, intimidation, or dismissal from employment. In the United States, whistleblower protections have played an important role in rooting out unethical behaviour. It has become part and parcel of the way we operate. And each year I take mandatory whistleblower protection training as a requirement of my job as a civil servant. Enshrining whistleblower protections and laws are also critical to attracting foreign investment,” added Roquette.

    Queenter Mbori, Executive Director of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), highlights the need for press freedom, especially for investigative journalists who endanger lives and work to uncover stories on corruption.

    “The second thing that I would like to highlight is press freedom. There seems to be a direct correlation between press freedom and corruption in this way because as a media, our role is to provide information on public sector corruption particularly where government activities are not very clear. The media, particularly investigative journalists, play a crucial role in exposing corruption,” said Queenter.

    She urges the government and stakeholders to recognise the vital role that whistleblowers play adding that the lack of whistleblowers protection law in Kenya has become a threat to press freedom.

    “I urge all those here present governments and other stakeholders to recognize the very powerful and significant role of whistleblowers by establishing and going by the theme of this year’s day which is a critical tool in the fight against corruption. The lack of a comprehensive whistleblower protection Law in Kenya is a real threat to press freedom and is a matter that we need to collectively address,” emphasised Queenter Mbori.

  • Kenya’s Fight Against Rising Poverty, Insights from the 2024 National Review Report

    Kenya’s Fight Against Rising Poverty, Insights from the 2024 National Review Report

    The Launch of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review Report 2024
    The Launch of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review Report 2024

    By Melisa Mongina

    Kenya’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Forum has released the 2024 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report, marking an important step towards achieving the SDGs. Poverty, one of the indicators in the implementation of SDGs has been listed among the various challenges affecting the country’s economy due to its rapid rise.

    In his speech on Wednesday during the report overview of SDGs, Samuel Kimote cited poverty as one of the indicators that has affected and reduced the country’s performance in the implementation of SDGs, adding that they are focusing on its eradication as CSOs.

    “When you look at goal number one, poverty, you can note that it is increasing. In 2015 we were at 38.6% but currently, we are at 39.8%. This shows that poverty is increasing and whatever we do as CSOs remains relevant. This year’s theme is reinforcing the agenda 2030 focusing mostly on eradicating poverty in Kenya,” said Kimote.

    He further stated that their main focus as CSOs on goal number one was to ensure poverty ends in Kenya.

    “The methodology that we followed to come up with this plan was highly consultative. Each CSO noted their contribution to ending poverty in Kenya,” added Kimote.

    Kimote emphasizes that there should be clarifications from the government as to why poverty continues to rise despite the economic growth reported in the 2024 economic survey.

    “The government has provided the data. The report has only documented the collective efforts of all involved. For example, goal number one states that poverty has increased. So the government will tell us why that is so, yet the 2024 economic survey states that the country is growing at 5.6%,” said Kimote.

    The 2024 VNR report gives a balanced insight, detailing both the accomplishments and the obstacles encountered over the past four years. The report emphasizes the vital contribution of various stakeholders, particularly civil society organizations, in promoting sustainable development.

    According to Benson Kimani from UNDP Kenya, the increase in poverty has raised a lot of concerns despite having 17 goals that are equal and undivided.

    “I think despite us having 17 goals which are all important and undivided, we realized something that is of great importance to us stakeholders which is the increase in poverty. In 2014 Kenya made a deal to move from a low-income economy to a medium-income economy,” noted Kimani.

    George Awala, Co-chair of the SDGs Kenya forum,  states that a lot of people are now falling into poverty than before thus urging the civil society, government, UN agencies, academia, and private sector to have a deep look at the situation.

    “More people are falling into poverty than previously. We need to ask ourselves what we can do as a civil society. What can the government do? What can the UN agencies do? What can the private sector do? and also what can academia do? And I think the value of having a platform where we all come together to discuss issues around SDGs is that richness that comes from all these different players being able to talk, dialogue, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard,” noted Awala.

    Festus Wangwe, Director of Planning in the State Department of MSME, noted that the progress among key indicators such as poverty is not performing well. Further, he added that for them to reach their Vision 2030 target, their efforts need to be redoubled.

    “What is of concern is that the progress registered in all the SDGs indicators remains on a soft track, which means we are unlikely to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Unfortunately, the progress among key indicators such as poverty is not performing well. So it implies that we need to redouble our efforts if we have to make significant progress towards the achievement of these goals,” emphasized Wangwe.

    The 2024 VNR report has offered a detailed account of Kenya’s progress since the last review in 2020.