Category: NEW

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

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.

July 10, 2024
East africa’s premier tourism expo to be held in October 2024

PS-for-Tourism-John-Ololtua-right-and-KTB-CEO-june-Chepkemei-left-launching-the-14th-Edition-of-MKTE-which-is-set-to-be-held-on-2nd-5th-October-2024.

Investors in Kenya’s tourism sector have been encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) to network and explore partnerships with global buyers, in a quest to improve tourism business in the country.

Tourism PS John Ololtuaa says that MKTE has been instrumental in facilitating local small and medium travel enterprises and start-ups to access international markets given that over 60% of the travel companies that exhibit at the expo can’t afford to participate in expos abroad.

This, he affirms, can be the catalyst to the exponential growth of Kenya’s tourism sector coupled with the diversification of our products.

“MKTE has over the years created linkages and partnerships between local tourism enterprises and regional and international source markets. This has opened up new opportunities that have seen tremendous growth for local businesses in the tourism value chain. As a ministry, we recognize the immense potential that MKTE offers, especially to MSMEs in the tourism sector looking to establish themselves globally,” said PS Ololtuaa.

The PS was speaking during an MKTE partners’ event whose 14^th edition is set to be held from October 2nd-4th, 2024 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The partners had come together to explore collaboration opportunities and ways of enhancing the premier travel show in the East Africa Region.

In 2023, MKTE hosted over 3,000 delegates from 25 countries showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings to the world. The 2024 edition will be targeting to attract 5,000 delegates and 160 hosted buyers including over 100 buyers’ clubs. MKTE also returns as a standalone expo after a successful joint expo last year with the East African Regional Tourism Expo (EARTE), which offered the EAC member states an opportunity to network and explore new tourism business opportunities.

PS Ololtuaa’s commitment to continued public-private sector engagement is geared towards creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive.

“As a ministry, we are keen on continuously reviewing and reforming our policies to ensure that we create a conducive environment that allows tourism businesses, especially those at the grassroots, to realize their full potential,” added the PS.

The PS also rallied stakeholders to focus efforts on promoting domestic tourism as well, which remains an untapped opportunity.

“As we seek to attract international visitors, we must not lose sight of the immense potential that lies in promoting domestic tourism as well. We need to further encourage Kenyans to explore their own country and take advantage of the high-quality experiences and facilities available right here at home,” said Ololtuaa.

PS-Tourism-John-Ololtuaa-center-with-tourism-partners-and-stakeholders-during-MKTE-partners-meeting-where-the-2024-edtion-of-the-event-was-also-launched.

On her part, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei expressed optimism that MKTE 2024 will build on the successes of previous editions.

“MKTE has built its reputation over the years as a consistent and affordable platform for Kenyan travel trade, County Governments, and affiliated brands in providing access to international suppliers and markets,” Chepkemei stated.

“This year, we are looking to increase hosted buyers from new source markets such as Americas – Brazil and Mexico; Asia – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Australia besides the key source markets in Europe and Africa, in line with our destination diversification strategy,” said Chepkemei.

She added that KTB is working towards the targeted 3 million visitors by the end of 2024.

July 4, 2024
Astrid Schomaker of Germany assumes role of UN Biodiversity Executive Secretary in Montreal

Astrid Schomaker of Germany has officially taken up her appointment as Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Assuming the role ahead of the sixteenth meeting of the CBD’s 196 Parties (COP 16), Ms. Schomaker brings extensive experience in international relations, negotiations and global environmental policy-making, and deep knowledge of the global sustainable development agenda and multilateral environment agreements.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the appointment in April, extending his appreciation and gratitude to Acting Executive Secretary David Cooper of the United Kingdom, who now resumes his role as Deputy Executive Secretary.

Ms. Schomaker has led work on a variety of issues ranging from bilateral and multilateral relations to chemicals, oceans, and the water industry. Most recently, as Director for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism with the European Commission in Brussels, she promoted a global transition to resource-efficient, low emission, nature-positive circular economies.

She also focused on increasing the EU’s effectiveness in addressing international environmental challenges, strengthening multilateralism and international environmental governance, and working towards the full implementation of multilateral environment agreements, among other priorities.

Says Ms. Schomaker: “Securing the future of biodiversity means securing the future of humankind. I am humbled to be joining the efforts of the United Nations, and all Parties to the Convention to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Our world is in desperate need of a global green transition and, while our individual paths may vary, our ambitions – the ambitions of the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework must be the same.”

“I want to thank Mr. David Cooper for stepping in as Acting Executive Secretary and leading the CBD through a critical time following the adoption of the Framework in December 2022, a landmark agreement to which he contributed and continues to contribute so much.”

“Let me also express my enthusiasm to work with the government of Colombia, and in particular H. E. Susana Muhamad, our incoming president, to ensure that the outcomes of COP 16 accelerate action at all levels to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.”

At the helm of the Secretariat of the world’s foremost Multilateral Environmental Agreement on biodiversity, Ms. Schomaker will work with Parties to translate their commitments into action at all levels. The four goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework—protect and restore, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly, and invest and collaborate for nature, shape the new UN Biodiversity Chief’s priorities.

COP 16 will take place from 21 October to 1 November 2024 in Cali, Colombia. By the time they meet in Cali, Parties to the Convention are expected to submit revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and national targets that are aligned with The Biodiversity Plan.

At COP 16, Parties are expected to agree on a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on genetic resources, including a potentially multi-billion-dollar global fund by which users of the information compensate sources of the genetic material. Preparatory negotiations on this decision will be held in Montreal in August of this year.

As part of her high-level advocacy role, Ms. Schomaker will also foster agreement among the Parties on a robust monitoring and reporting framework, and on securing the means of implementation for the Global Biodiversity Framework, including appropriate finance and coordinated action.

July 2, 2024
Simba Corporation Delivers The First All-Electric Mahindra XUV400 to Kenya Power

David Mugambi of Kenya Power Receives Two Mahindra XUV400 EVs from Naresh Leekha of Simba Corporation

Simba Corporation, a trusted name in Kenya’s automotive manufacturing and sales industry has delivered the first of the all-electric Mahindra XUV400 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to Kenya Power.

According to David Mugambi, Head of Transport at Kenya Power the delivery marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s journey towards sustainable mobility and environmental responsibility. The two electric vehicles (EV), are part of six that have been acquired by the electricity utility firm this year.

”At over 92 percent green generation, Kenya Power has one of the cleanest energy distributions on the planet. In light of environmental concerns and our need to be carbon neutral, reducing emissions within the transport space is crucial. This therefore marks an important milestone in our EV journey, which started close to eight years ago with the transition to electric material handling equipment at our yards and
warehouses,” said Mugambi.

With Kenya rapidly emerging as a leader in EV adoption in Africa, the country has seen a significant increase in the number of EVs on the road currently estimated at about 2,100 ranging from two-wheelers, three- wheelers, and four-wheelers.

Naresh Leekha, Group Managing Director of Simba Corporation Motors Division, expressed the firm’s commitment to Kenya’s EV Journey with the introduction of Mahindra electric vehicles in Kenya with a positive outlook into the future.

“Simba Corporation has always been at the forefront of bringing innovative products to the Kenyan auto- mobile market. The whole world today is talking about bringing in environment-friendly vehicles and today we have delivered the first two Mahindra XUV400 SUVs to Kenya Power, one of the first customers to embrace the Mahindra Electric SUVs in Kenya,” said Leekha.

Speaking of Kenya’s readiness to transition to EV, Mugambi explained that the country has enough energy to support significant EV growth over the next five years with the current installed capacity of 3, 246 Megawatts (MW) way above peak demand at 2300MW, and an off-peak load of 1,100 MW as of December 2023.

”Kenyans readiness for EV mobility is underscored by a substantial clean energy capacity. We have adequate energy to power the the electric mobility space for the next five years when we expect at the current rate to outstrip our current demand. This transition could also help reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life in Kenya by utilizing local energy sources,” he noted.

This initiative not only aligns with global environmental goals but also promises economic benefits by
reducing reliance on imported fuel and enhancing energy security.

July 2, 2024
Caregivers to be Equipped with Proper Knowledge and Skills for the Improvement of Quality Childcare Services

Stakeholders celebrating the Day of the African Child

By Melisa Mongina

The Early Childhood Network for Kenya (ECDNeK) in partnership with the African Early Childhood Network has intensified Child Care advocacy initiatives by creating a nationwide awareness campaign on the importance of quality and affordable Child Care.

Speaking during the launch of the Child Care campaign dialogue, Philip Nzege, Directorate of Children Services, noted the importance of having a safe and secure environment for children adding that children should have trained personnel to ensure that they are well cared for.

” We will have to look at how children are taken care of in the environment. It must be safe and secure as it is stated very clearly in the Children’s Act 2022. We will also come up with a program to ensure that for one to be involved in childcare he/she must attain some training for proper care of the child,” noted Philip.

Further, Philip notes that child care is a collective responsibility that needs collaboration between stakeholders, the county, and the national government.

” One of the special directories involved closely with families is social development and parenting program. It is high time we need to bring this component of Child Care into the special directorate so that when we are talking about families and the challenges they face, that social development and parenting program can pick that issue and come up with the solutions,” added Philip.

He also emphasized the need for crafting units or courses that will teach students after completing university how to do parenting.

” The university provides solutions and fills the gap of communities. I think it is high time our higher education institutions craft a unit or a course so that when our sons and daughters complete university education, they can be taught how to do parenting,” urged Philip.

According to Dr. Teresa Mwoma, The National Coordinator at ECD Network Kenya, there is a need to empower caregivers for better quality Child Care services especially for children between the age of 0-10 years as it is the time when rapid development in children takes place.

“The first 1000 days is the first 3 years by extension to the 5th year which is very critical because there’s rapid brain development, providing the child with an environment that is stimulating all the senses with what the child is seeing, what the child can touch, taste, and hear. Exposing children to stimulating environments helps in developing their brains,” said Dr. Teresa.

The nationwide campaign’s implementation strategy will include coordination, advocacy at the national and county government levels, and learning and knowledge management. The campaign’s impact will be enhanced by leveraging national calendar days, such as the Day of the African Child.

June 27, 2024
The global peace leadership conference offers prayers for Kenya

The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, Executive Director, Abdirahman Ismail made his summation during the prayers held for Kenya at the GPLC Africa Conference that was held in Kenya from the 25th – 27th of June 2024

Participants at the ongoing Global Peace Leadership Conference that kicked off
on the 25th of June 2024, today offered prayers for Kenya following the rejected finance bill protests.

In place of the opening ceremony that was canceled in respect of the ongoing protests around the Finance Bill, participants led by Rev. Fr. Canice Chinyeaka Enyiaka Ph.D, the Regional Representative for Africa, Global Peace Foundation, wished for a quick resolution to the issues as raised by the protesters.

“We are one family under God, so we have gathered to pray for this nation. If we do not we will fail in our responsibility as humans who share this same walk as Africans. We ask the nation of Kenya not to be afraid. We know that Peace will prevail because God has the power to restore peace”, said Fr. Canice.

The GPLC Africa 2024, organized by the Global Peace Foundation in partnership with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya among other partners aimed to promote peace, development, and cooperation across the continent. Over the three days of the conference participants will focus on emphasizing Africa’s unique heritage, spirituality, and traditional values in the push for a renewal of African approaches to peace and sustainable development.

Following the prayers, the event proceeded with discussions in various breakout sessions that included the family track themed Familial Relationships, Roles and Leadership, Community-Driven Peace building Track: themed Local Leadership with Moral Authority; A Catalyst of African Renaissance.

Speaking during the Community Driven Peace Building Track, Rev. Dr. Sam Kobia, Chairman of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission stressed the need for Africa to come together in one voice when speaking to key issues affecting the continent such as a largely disenfranchised public with poor leadership, poverty and lack of development.

“The basic ethos of Ubuntu is I am because you are. This therefore means that if you are not at peace with yourself, with your neighbor, with God, and with the environment then we should admit that something is fundamentally missing. Ubuntu is both an important philosophy and process for us to achieve peace in Africa,” said Kobia.

The GPLC Africa 2024 brings together renowned leaders, scholars, and activists dedicated to fostering global peace and cooperation. The GPLC Africa 2024 is expected to issue the Africa Renaissance Nairobi Declaration on 27th June, after the conference themed; One Family Under God: Empowering African Renaissance as a Global Catalyst For Freedom, Peace and Sustainable Development.

June 27, 2024
Strengthen E-commerce Sector for Robust MSME Growth in Kenya

Celebrating the successful conclusion of the E-Biz Kwa Vijana E-Commerce Upskilling project for young entrepreneurs and MSMEs. From the Left is Sylvia Mbaabu, Partnerships Lead, Brighter Monday Kenya, Michael Mandu, the Acting Secretary for Trade, State Department for Trade and Lilian Wairimu, Co-Director, Jegos Enterprises an E-Biz Kwa Vijana Beneficiary. From right is David Rodgers, Deputy Office Director, Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI) at USAID, Chris Otundo, Chief Executive Officer BrighterMonday Kenya and Victor Waliaula, Founder and Owner, Jekins Computer Solutions, also an E-Biz Kwa Vijana Beneficiary.

The symbiotic relationship between the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the e-commerce sector in Kenya is a powerful force in driving economic growth. This emerged during a recent stakeholder forum called to review the Kenya E-commerce Strategy that was launched in December 2023.

While appreciating the role of small businesses in opening up income opportunities and supporting the economy, the ambitious Kenya E-commerce Strategy’s vision is to foster innovation, inclusive participation, and economic growth through digital commerce for all Kenyans regardless of location, age, gender, or abilities.

The Kenya MSME sector remains a vibrant landscape that boasts over 7.4 million MSMEs, mainly young entrepreneurs. Spanning various sectors, from farming and agribusiness to logistics, general trade, merchandising, and even services, they collectively contribute about 40 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Looking to empower and partner with MSMEs, which play a crucial role in sustaining local economies across the country, BrighterMonday Kenya launched the e-Biz Kwa Vijana program in May 2023, a ground-breaking e-commerce development initiative to train 1,000 MSMEs in E-commerce and digital marketing skills.

After one year the program also intended to support and on-board 600 MSMEs onto e-commerce platforms, concluded in June 2024 having imparted e-commerce and digital marketing skills to over 2,000 beneficiaries while successfully on-boarding 632 onto online trading platforms.

Through the training in digital strategies, I can now develop my own online advertisements and product promotions on social media. Before I joined the e-Biz Kwa Vijana program, I did everything manually including data entry, and sourced for customers through direct selling and personal interactions. Now, I am well equipped to position my brand, products, and services online, to reach millions of potential customers all over the country”, said Victor Waliaula, a budding entrepreneur and proprietor of Jenkins Computer Solutions, based in Nairobi.

According to Waliaula, a university graduate in information and communication technologies his business has since seen a 30 percent rise in revenues and he is not looking back, keen to harness even more training in business strategy and marketing to help grow his business.

Funded by USAID through the e-Trade Alliance, E-Biz Kwa Vijana, also covered women entrepreneurs and people with disabilities. According to Chris Otundo, the Chief Executive Officer of BrighterMonday Kenya, the E-Biz Kwa Vijana program represents the firm’s commitment to bridging the talent gap in Africa while helping to unlock opportunities for economic empowerment of young entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

“The success of this program indicates the strong entrepreneurial spirit in young people in Kenya today. We recognize and acknowledge the potential of E-Commerce to help revolutionize the local entrepreneurial landscape by equipping young people like Victor and Lilian with the necessary knowledge and tools to expand their market opportunities”, said Otundo.

Lilian Wairimu, Co-Director, Jegos Enterprises, also an E-Biz Kwa Vijana beneficiary explained how she has witnessed a 50 percent rise in sales revenues over the last year, thanks to having an online presence with a growing customer base on social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

“I happened to enroll in the e-Biz Kwa Vijana program right in the nick of time. Previously, I would just sit in my shop waiting for walk-in customers and relying on corporate or government tenders for opportunities which I admit are very hard to come by because of their many requirements such as huge working capital reserves which in some cases were out of our reach being an MSME”, she said.

According to Michael Mandu, the Acting Secretary for Trade in the State Department for Trade, Kenya has witnessed a steady growth of E-Commerce in recent years and is currently established as a leader in digital trade within the African continent and globally with combined revenues in the sector projected to grow to USD2,928.00 bn in 2023.

“A large share of this revenue is attributable to MSMEs, and youth-run enterprises, that provide jobs and sustainable livelihoods while also nurturing digital talents in the country. The Kenya National E-commerce Strategy is therefore not just a policy document but a testament to our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive, where entrepreneurs can innovate, and where every citizen can participate in the digital economy”, said Mandu.

Following the E-Biz Kwa Vijana Program, 95 percent of the MSMEs said they gained new ideas for their online businesses, with 86 percent achieving their first-ever online sale after the training. 61 persons with disabilities received business coaching with 15 getting on-boarded onto different E-Commerce platforms.

Additionally, 28 percent reported an increase in the number of employees to help support increased online business activities while another 95 percent of participants were willing to set aside a monthly E-Commerce expense after determining the return on investment.

With the internet penetration rate currently above 74 percent, the country finds itself in an ideal environment for e-commerce growth. The growing middle class who make up a greater percentage of E-commerce customers rely on this convenience and speed, allowing them to shop from the comfort of their homes.

With market access widely enabled through connectivity many budding entrepreneurs like Victor and Lillian, can now boast of a broader customer base and new markets through E-commerce which opens up a world of limitless potential for expansion and growth in the local and global economy.

June 25, 2024
Civil Society Groups Urge the Church and the Media to Play their Respective Roles in Helping Patients Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer

Fr. Charles Chilufya, Chair Convening Preparation Committee of Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), Sister Regina Nthenya of Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (HASK), Karen Nakawala a Cervical Cancer survivor and founder of Teal Sisters Foundation from Zambia, Imam Alidou Ilboudo a Muslim Religious Leader of Burkina Faso

By Melisa Mongina

Cervical cancer is unique as we know the causes of the disease and the tools to prevent cure, and support survivors. Worldwide governments have committed to the ambition to eliminate cervical cancer with the first step of reaching the WHO 90:70:90 targets by the year 2030.

Stakeholders gathered in Nairobi have urged the church and the media to ensure they play their pivotal role in offering support to cervical cancer and HPV patients, adding that the patients should get spiritual support from the church and that the media should help create cancer and HPV awareness occasionally.

Speaking on Thursday in Nairobi during the three-day convening, Karen Nakawala a Cervical Cancer survivor and founder of Teal Sisters Foundation from Zambia, encourages patients diagnosed with cervical cancer to go to church for psychosocial support because it will be helpful to them since the hospitals cannot offer such. She further adds that the church should be part of this journey and help navigate the patients and also offer counselling not only to the women but also to their family members and caregivers since it affects anybody related to the patients.

“I talked about running away from the church during my treatment, but I shouldn’t have, I should have run to the church to get the love and the psychosocial support because you can not get it from the hospital. So I think that it is time for the church to step in and fight from the beginning to the end by helping to navigate the patient, by counseling, and by psychosocial because when a woman is going through the cancer journey she doesn’t suffer alone; her family suffers too and also even their caregivers. Support is not only about finance, it is about lifting somebody spiritually,” highlighted Nakawala.

Additionally, Nakawala notes the important role the media carries and urges the media to create awareness by telling stories about cervical cancer occasionally and not to make it a topical issue by reporting matters of cancer only when it is cancer awareness month. She further encourages the media to help in highlighting the challenges that cancer patients go through, the inequities that are in the distributions and life-saving interventions

“ And to our friends in the media, you have neglected this part so much yet you have a critical role to play. The media only writes about any cancer when it is a topical issue. Cancer is not a topical issue, the way you write about football even without being told to write about it, is the same way you should write about cancer because it doesn’t choose who to attack. As the media you can help to highlight the challenges that I have spoken about as a cancer survivor, the challenges that the patients are going through, the iniquities that are in the distribution and life-saving interventions,” said Nakawala.

Nakawala also notes that the media can highlight the positive stories that can help and give hope to a woman who is suffering from cervical cancer and is on the verge of giving up. She further encourages the media to create awareness of the importance of screening occasionally to save lives and prevent the spread of cancer at its early stage.

“The media can help us highlight the positive stories. I think I’m a positive story and my story offers hope to a woman being diagnosed right now and she thinks that she is going to die. If you highlight my story, that woman will have hope,” emphasized Nakawala.

In addition, Sister Regina Nthenya of the Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (HASK) urges the crowd to be committed to telling others about the reality of HPV and how it is claiming a lot of lives. She adds that they should also share the benefits of the solutions.

“As we commit this day, can we also be committed to telling the people that this disease is real, it is claiming young lives, and there is hope for solutions? Let us also share the benefits of the solution, the side effects of the solutions, and let us give them the right to mind, faith, and reason so that they can understand and decide for themselves out of the informed choices,” said Sr. Regina.

Further, Sr. Regina noted behavior change and encouraged the girl child and parents should be helped to understand how to instill values and enhance moral behaviors since HPV is a sexually transmitted disease.

“We all know HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, if we do not talk and help people; the girl and the parents to understand values, to enhance moral behaviors, to make changes or to modify, they will test after five years and by the time they are reaching forty-five, half of those who tested negative will be positive,” added Sr. Regina.

Sr. Regina nudged the people of faith to offer support and help educate the communities by encouraging them to take care of themselves.

“As people in the faith community, we can help in educating people in the communities by speaking about HPV, let us not shy off, let us share all the information needed to be given and encourage them to take good care of themselves,” stated Sr. Regina.

In an interview, Imam Alidou Ilboudo a Muslim Religious Leader of Burkina Faso said that they are trying to give people the right information to prevent and overcome the cultural perspectives and barriers that affect the uptake of HPV vaccine among the Muslim communities. He adds that in the Muslim community they encourage polygamous marriage, thus urging the men to take care of their wives and if one of the wives is sick the men should ensure proper treatment for her.

“Those barriers cultural and religious exist and as religious leaders, we are trying to give the correct message to the people. Message that would promote human dignity in fighting those barriers. Health is important to human life and the Quran says that people should treat whatever is affecting the human person. Islam recognizes and accepts polygamy and it also encourages the man to be able to take care of his women, if one is affected she should be treated immediately,” noted Imam.

According to Fr. Charles Chilufya, Chair Convening Preparation Committee of Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), the church does not manufacture nor make money, thus it mobilizes resources from outside and from within to meet the poor. He adds that the church has infrastructures in the rural areas for people who are unable to come to Nairobi for treatment.

“When we see somebody hungry there are means that the church uses to support such people. The church does not manufacture money nor make money but it mobilizes resources from outside and from within to meet the poor. There is this arm which is called charity that reaches out to those who cannot access medical help. We have infrastructures in the rural area because we care and understand that there are people who cannot come to Nairobi for their treatments,” stated Fr. Charles.

Faith leaders, Health professionals and experts, health community advocates, and policymakers convened in Nairobi from the 11th to the 13th of June, 2024 under the theme of uniting faith and science against Cervical Cancer. The three-day convening on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination was organized by the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI) and Justice and Ecology Network Africa (Jesuits Africa) in collaboration with key stakeholders, including KILELE Health Association.

June 25, 2024
Wetang’ula Encourages Central Region to Support President Ruto’s reign

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has encouraged residents of the Central region to remain steadfast in supporting President Ruto’s leadership.

Speaking in Mwea constituency, he acknowledged the significant role the community played in the formation of the Kenya Kwanza government and urged them not to be swayed by divisive politics.

Addressing the congregation at St. Peter’s Claver, Mwea Parish, Wetang’ula highlighted the need to resist leaders attempting to create divisions along tribal lines.

“The unity you showed during the campaigns should persist for the sake of our country’s development and prosperity,” he stated.

Wetang’ula also advised the community to question leaders who promote unity under narrow interests, leaving out other communities.

He further stressed the role of churches in promoting national unity and encouraged the clergy to continue praying for Kenya.

“Family is the cornerstone of our country’s unity, and Parliament will keep enacting laws to protect family values,” he added.

Wetang’ula was accompanied by Hon Joyce Kamene (Machakos County MP), Hon Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Hon. Hon Paul Abour (Rongo), Hon Jhanda Zaheer (Nyaribari Chache), Martin Pepela ( Webuye East), Hon John Wanjiku (Kiambaa) and the host Hon Mary Maingi among others.

Wanjiku and Maingi defended their decision to support the Finance Bill.

“I supported the Finance Bill because the document is good for the country and people should respect my decision,” said Wanjiku.

The MPs called for leaders to avoid using the Finance Bill to divide the country for their selfish political gains.

June 23, 2024
Coastal MPs Denounce Finance Bill and school Teargas Incident, demands Accountability and Reforms

As the country is on the verge of economic growth, there is an uproar over the ongoing countrywide demonstrations over the punitive finance bill recommendations, igniting fireworks across the nation right from parliament.

As a section of coastal region MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the finance bill, Azimio La Umoja legislators have raised unrest over the finance bill, saying it’s a punitive measure to close down the country’s expectations to grow.

Mombasa Woman MP Zamzam Mohamed revealed that the Finance Bill 2024 has sneaked in the price hike of the X-ray machines through a backdoor, saying it’s a corrupt funding scheme.

“That radiology and X-ray equipment will be heavily taxed; the finance bill’s page 592, article 43, highlights this under the heading “Cancer patients.” Sadly, the patients will pay highly, and we ask for the removal of that section. This finance bill is all about financing corruption where over 1 trillion cannot be accounted for.” Zamzam quotes.

Zamzam added, “Whatever you’re doing will get into your generation, and it shall eat you more than how it will hit us, and the removal of fuel and bread was a strategy to cool the hit, it will not be as usual as you may think under the Kenya Kwanza regime.”

Mishi said, “Kenyans are tired and poor with this government, you’ve done zero implementations on the finance bill of 2023, and now here you come with a punitive 2024 finance bill, so you want us to be like Dubai, we are still developing, and you need t give us a break, the country is tired.”

Mombasa County legislators have expressed their profound outrage over the tear-gassing incident at Coast Girls School during the recent nationwide protests, characterizing the action as a reprehensible act of cowardice, calling for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the involved police officers and the imposition of appropriate disciplinary measures.

“We call upon the investigation of those police involved in the lobbing of teargas into a school, demonstrations and picketing are constitutional rights and the government should stand its ground to listen to the voice of the people at all times,” Mishi Mboko said.

Leading the condemnation, the MPs emphasized the incident’s seriousness, its unacceptable nature, and the pressing need for accountability. They also emphasized that such actions not only jeopardize students’ safety and well-being but also reveal a concerning contempt for human rights and the rule of law.

“The deployment of tear gas within the confines of an educational institution, where young girls were present, is an egregious violation of their safety and dignity,” Chimba stated.

Zamzam, on her side, said, “This act not only reflects poorly on the integrity of our law enforcement agencies but also poses serious questions about their operational protocols during public demonstrations.”

Mboko, however, stressed the importance of protecting educational spaces from the volatility of political unrest.

“Schools should be sanctuaries of learning, not battlegrounds for political agendas. The incident at Coast Girls School is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how security forces engage with civilians during protests,” she asserted.

Kisauni, a legislator and former GSU officer, added, “We call for a collective and thorough investigation into the incident, that those responsible be held accountable and the police officers involved be subjected to stringent disciplinary actions to prevent future occurrences and save the integrity of the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

Mvita Mp, Mohamed Soud Machele, said, “The act created tension for the young girls and our children have been hospitalized We call every parent whose child was involved in that incident to record a statement in police and we shall take the matter as legislators to bring sanity in these institutions.”

This incident has ignited a broader discourse on the necessity of safeguarding educational environments from the collateral impacts of civil unrest and ensuring that law enforcement agencies adhere to the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights.

June 20, 2024