Adaptation Consortium (ADA) and Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) on Tuesday 17th April, partnered and held a learning event for sharing knowledge and experiences from implementing and Championing locally led Climate Action.
The workshop brought together both state and non-state stakeholders working on climate change in the country, specifically devolved climate finance and climate action for local communities. In attendance were: representatives from the national government, county governments, economic blocs, development partners, CSOs NGOs and community representatives (Ward Climate Change Planning Committee members).
ADA conceptualized, designed and piloted the County Climate Change Fund (CCCF) Mechanism, a legal and institutional framework for devolving climate finance to the counties and communities.
The mechanism is now being scaled out to all counties through the national government.
ADA, in collaboration with partners including SouthSouthNorth (SSN), County governments and the communities of Isiolo, Kitui, Makueni, Garissa and Wajir, undertook an assessment of climate change investments made during the pilot phase (2013-2018) of the (CCCF) Mechanism. The study aimed at assessing the sustainability and functionality of climate change resilience investments funded through the CCCF.
ADA presented the results of the assessment and lessons during the National Learning Event titled “Learning from the Experiences of Climate-Resilient Public Good Investments” held at the Windsor Hotel, where the communities shared their experiences and perspectives at the local level and the counties and partners gained insights on best practices to inform future locally led investments tackling climate change.
Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager Partnerships and Innovative Finance at CGIAR
The AgriTech4Kenya Consultation workshop took place at Windsor Hotel Kiambu to discuss on The Transformative Impact of Research and Innovation in Agri Tech.
The AgriTech4Kenya Consultation Workshop & Launch set the stage for a pivotal dialogue among key stakeholders, including government officials, academicians, researchers, incubators, accelerators, venture funds, startups, and farmers, to explore and enhance the agrifood and climate-tech innovation landscape in Kenya.
Kenya consistently imports more than USD 1.1 billion worth of food each year. In 2022 alone, food imports rose from 13.4 percent to 15.5 percent.
This marks a notable paradox given the country’s abundant fertile land. The heavy reliance on imports, coupled with the ever-growing challenges of climate change, poses significant obstacles to Kenya’s food security and economic and agricultural development. Water scarcity is a particularly critical impediment to Kenyan agriculture, with prolonged dry seasons severely minimizing yields and subsequently affecting both livelihoods and food security
Additionally, the dominance of traditional agricultural practices grapples with resource constraints and yield inconsistencies and exacerbate productivity shortfalls With 15 research centers globally, a network of over 9,000 scientists, researchers, technicians and staff, and Impact Areas in ‘Nutrition, Health and Food Security’ and ‘Climate Adaptation and Mitigation’, CGIAR is strategically positioned to address Kenya’s critical challenges.
The Government of Kenya’s initiatives – including the Big 4 Agendaiv and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policyv
within the Vision 2030, underscore the imperative for research-driven innovation to bolster food security and climate
resilience. The transition towards sustainable agricultural practices necessitates the harmonious integration of sciencebased innovations, equitable finance, improved market access, and capacity building within the agritech ecosystem.
This multifaceted approach, supported by research institutions and agri-food technology acceleration programs, is essential for empowering entrepreneurs and transforming Kenya’s agricultural landscape into a robust pillar of food security, rural development, and economic growth. Investing in agritech innovations not only holds the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Africa but also contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
A group photo for all
Through success stories from organizations like UjuziKilimo, and Farmshield, it is evident that agritech innovations are driving positive change, enhancing agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability across the continent.
The global downturn in agri-food technology investment in 2023, however, highlights the urgent need for targeted support and investment to revitalize the sector. A collaborative effort from the government, private sector, civil society,
and farmers is needed to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector into a powerful engine of innovation for food security, rural development and economic prosperity. CGIAR’s 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy prioritizes innovation
and scalability as key components of its mission and emphasizes the significance of innovative public and private
partnerships in bolstering cutting-edge solutions, thus optimizing its current participation in thousands of innovation
and scaling projects.
In this context, the AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge 2024 has been designed to catalyze agrifood systems
transformation in Kenya by supporting the development, deployment, adoption, and scalability of high-impact, countryrelevant science-based agritech solutions.
There will be 25 slots up for grabs, with 20 allocated for early-stage startups and 5 for CGIAR-led innovations. The selected innovations will undergo a bootcamp, culminating in a pitching session during the CGIAR science week. Out of these, 10 will be early-stage startups, and 2 will be CGIAR-led. These innovations will then enter an acceleration program, with the top 3 winners receiving post-acceleration support. CGIAR will provide technical assistance as part of the post-acceleration support.
A section MPs from the bandit-hit North Rift region want a Fund to be set up by the government for compensation of victims who loose lives and property to banditry attacks.
Led by Tiaty MP William Kamket, the leaders complained that despite President William Ruto promising compensation, nothing has been effected.
“The government should establish a Fund where money for compensating people who lose lives and property and incur injuries following attacks by bandits would be drawn from,” said Kamket.
They pointed out that business people have also lost money and their stock to security officers who loot during operations.
The leaders questioned why the government was compensating people who lose lives through calamities such as floods and fire among others, leaving out those who suffer in the hands of bandits.
The MPs were speaking when they appeared before the Hassan Adan Yussuf- led National Assembly Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee where they made proposals aimed at amicably resolving the unending skirmishes in the bandit prone North Rift region.
They said that senior security officers were using banditry as a cash cow as they were minting millions of shillings in allowances from money meant for operations to counter attacks by criminals.
Kamket said the government should forcefully drive residents from the troubled area to seek education as one way of eradicating illiteracy and banditry.
Turkana Women Representative Cecilia Ngitit and Samburu MP Naisula Lesuuda supported the need for locals to go to school, noting that illiteracy has hindered efforts to end banditry in the region.
“If I had not gone to school, I would probably be the wife of a bandit. If we manage to educate our people we would make positive strides in the fight against banditry that has contributed to the region lagging behind in development,” she added.
Lesuuda noted that burning of schools by bandits has affected academic progress of many young people.
She asked security personnel to protect learning institutions from attacks.
Marakwet East MP Bowen Kagogo said the government was not committed to the fight against banditry.
“Security officers deployed in the area to deal with bandits were selling bullets to criminals,” he claimed.
Baringo Women Representative Sergon Jemitia said that deployment of inexperienced security officers to the area to tackle hardcore bandits showed lack of seriousness by the government to end the vice.
We have experienced situations where members of the community had to rescue such officers from the hands of the bandits,” she added.
Charles Kimuren (Baringo South) claimed that senior security officers were pocketing allowances meant for their juniors who are deployed to deal with bandits.
“Such demoralized officers result in selling bullets to bandits to get money for their survival in the hardship area,” he alleged.
The MPs also want a legislation that will safeguard the National Police Reservists Unit, remodel the unit, define their roles and enhance their training.
In an effort to deal with magnalisation of the region, Members resolved that a ministry dedicated to issues of North Rift region equivalent to the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs of Uganda should be established.
The meeting also proposed that fire arms should be regulated through issuing of G3 guns to government security officers and NPRs to distinguish them from illegal gun owners.
They wanted borders of constituencies and counties clearly defined to avoid conflicts due to uncontrolled grazing.
Yussuf said the Committee was seeking partnership with donors and State Agencies to fund strategies aimed at getting a lasting solution to banditry in the region.
He commended the MPs for their input during the meeting that was useful to efforts to deal with conflicts that hampered peaceful coexistence and cohesion.
Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly join Kirinyaga Stars players in celebration after they emerged winners of the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. L-R Tujiamini In the white hat is Kepha Kariuki Chief officer sport’s, in the red Jacket is Mutithi ward Representative Jinaro Jamumo also the Deputy Speaker, County Assembly of Kirinyaga, on the right is Hon. James wambu, MCA Kangai Ward.
Kirinyaga Stars FC outclassed their regional opponents to emerge victorious in the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which marked the culmination of Tujiamini activities in the Central region.
The tournament that took place at the ACK Good Samaritan School in Mutithi Ward, Kirinyaga County, brought together six teams in a hard-fought battle for the top spot, with one winner expected to represent the region in the nationwide tournament at the end of the year.
Based in Kirinyaga County, the club won 1-0 against Galacticos in the finals to walk away with the prize of a three-year sponsorship deal by Sport Pesa worth Kes 250,000 annually. The team will also receive both home and away kits, as well as other benefits such as professional mentorship for the players.
In the group stages, Kirinyaga Stars FC beat Karia FC and Galacticos FC to top Pool B, before proceeding to the semi-finals, where they thrashed Pool A finalist Midway FC 5-0. As fate would have it, they went ahead to set up a tantalizing conclusive fixture against Galacticos FC, who redeemed themselves in their two consecutive matches after suffering a loss during the group stages.
In the semifinal against Murang’a County’s Midway FC, the Kirinyaga Stars showed great resilience and stamina to dominate the entirety of the game.
Buoyed by an excited and charged home crowd, the Stars rallied to score five goals, including one penalty in the second half.
Galaticos FC, Kevin Kimani alias Di Maria, takes off from Kirinyaga Stars’ Aren Kimani during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. The NIBS College lost 1-0 to the home side.
According to Kirinyaga Stars Team Manager, Julius Mutiso, the Kes 250,000 award will go towards player welfare in particular; supporting logistics in meeting their league fixtures. Mutiso added that, as one of the leading teams in the FKF county league, they are encouraged and ever more focused on exposing the young and budding talent to such tournaments.
Willis Ojwang, the Communication and Advertising Manager, SportPesa, noted the high number of submissions received from the Central region of over 100 teams, leading to the lineup of the top 6 entrants.
The Cheza Dimba Central region football tournament featured four teams from the larger Kiambu County, with the rest coming from Murang’a and Kirinyaga County. “Even if there is only one winner at the end of the regional activities, no one is walking away empty-handed.
Players from participating teams have received supportive resources such as playing kits and are free to reapply for a chance to feature in the other ongoing Tujiamini activities until December 2024.”
The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which aims to provide a showcase platform for both individual and community grassroots sports and related talents, continues to play a huge role in boosting players’ morale in their search for recognition and support in taking their talents to the next level.
“For an amateur team, we did not know that we would be facing highly skilled players. Our Cheza Dimba outing today was quite competitive but well worth it because of the exposure, which will help in improving our game even as we set our targets for the higher FKF leagues,” said Joel Mallow, team captain of Kiambu-based Lions FC.
Kirinyaga Stars’ Goalkeeper Jeremy Karanja in action during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024.
As part of the central region culmination activities, the event in Kirinyaga saw the announcement of four winners in the silver categories: Leon Oduor with his entry on rugby coaching and music producer Franklin Ireri, as well as Patrick Mugu, a Kenyan cyclist who ranked 9th overall in the National 2023 Cycling Series, and Kennedy Stephen, a weightlifter ranked Kenya’s 7th strongest man, all walk away with a Ksh. 100,000 cash prize.
Another 80 bronze winners in the county will get various support in the form of sports kits, fees, gym memberships, access to physiotherapy, and nutritionists, among others.
The tournament now moves to the Eastern region, covering 11 counties, where another community club will have the chance to gain a three-year sponsorship that is designed to help clubs realize their goals while addressing key resource gaps such as player welfare, kitting, travel, and accommodation among other needs that tend to hinder the progress of both players and clubs.
During the Press Briefing by CSOs at Sheraton Hotel Nairobi.
Civil Society Organisations held a capacity building workshop where sustainable development goals on energy and climate action were discussed.
Present were various organisations including; Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Clean Energy Access, Kenya Climate Change Working Group, and Sustainable Energy Access Forum Kenya.
As part of its follow-up and review mechanisms, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages member states to “conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels, which are country-led and country-driven” (paragraph 79). These national reviews are expected to serve as a basis for the regular reviews by the high-level political forum (HLPF), meeting under the auspices of ECOSOC. As stipulated in paragraph 84 of the 2030 Agenda, regular reviews by the HLPF are to be voluntary, state-led, undertaken by both developed and developing countries, and involve multiple stakeholders.
“The world is at halfway mark in achieving the SDGs. SDG 7 stipulates access to clean affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. This target needs to be achieved, but increased financing is required, more investment in clean cooking and decentralized renewable energy systems. World Bank will have Spring Meetings in Washington DC while the African Development Bank will hold its annual meeting in Nairobi in May. We want to call on these banks to increase financing in energy in order to connect 600 million Africans not connected to electricity. This will enable social economic development in our communities and Nations, said Florence Gichoya from Alliance of Civil Society organisations for Clean Energy Access.
She further observed that the workshop intends to capacity build among the Civil Society Organisations. She also added that communities need one another to accelerate the work of achieving sustainable development goals.
Elizabeth Wanja of Kenya Climate Change Working group observed that, they were looking at developing comprehensive Voluntary National Reviews to be able to realise Universal access to energy for all.
The voluntary national reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The VNRs also seek to strengthen policies and institutions of governments and mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Issues of Advocacy on Renewable Energy are important. As a country, we have made tremendous steps in renewable energy, having 92 percent contribution. We are also calling upon the government to look at aspects, making our communities not make good use of electricity , affordability, and reliability. Monopoly is also an issue and there is need to see in how we can diversify on this aspect.” Said Brian Omenyi from Sustainble Energy Access Forum Kenya.
865 Commissioners of the 24th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), convened at St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi and discussed emerging isssues of the Nation.
Guided by the theme “… we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15), they discussed the following;
Education
The Church fully supports the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum. However, we note the gaps in infrastructure, staff and junior secondary school placement while the delay in the release of capitation is affecting the quality of education. We urge the government to swiftly resolve these issues.
We urge that the disjointed bursary funds be consolidated under the Ministry of Education and be administered fairly. Funding of university education should also be aligned to serve all Kenyan students whether in private or public institutions.
Additionally, we encourage that an ideal and advanced character formation and life skills programme be adopted for all Kenyan youths to equip them for successful lifestyles.
Health Care
The Church calls for speedy transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the prompt disbursement of funds to prevent further healthcare service disruptions.
The Church notes with great concern the ongoing health workers’ strike and its negative impact on the citizens. We strongly urge the parties involved to urgently resolve the standoff to ease the suffering of Kenyans.
The Church commits to partner with government and other stakeholders to address mental health issues affecting Kenyans. The Church will also partner with the government to promote access to mental health services and partner with experts and like-minded stakeholders to provide rehabilitation services.
The Church encourages all to observe healthy-living practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and frequent medical check-ups to avoid and manage lifestyle diseases.
Food Security
The Church appreciates the government’s efforts to eliminate hunger. However, we urge the government to promote innovative agricultural practices and reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture. We encourage the government to ensure that the
seeds- preferably hybrid- are certified and fertiliser is not compromised for maximum yield. Farmers are advised to reach out to field extension officers for expert advice.
Cost of living
The Church notes with great concern the high cost of living remains high. In this regard, the Church implores the government to ease the hardship that the citizens are experiencing.
Insecurity and National Cohesion.
We are gravely concerned by the escalating insecurity in certain parts of this country which have been declared as ‘disturbed’. We also acknowledge the relentless effort by the government to quell this insecurity.
As a Church, we respond to the President’s call to action to use evangelism as a tool to curb the chaos. It is our longstanding tradition to collaborate with the government and we will play our role in pacifying the disturbed areas in pursuit of the Great Commission.
Road Accidents
In light of the alarming surge of road accidents nationwide, the Church urges the government to prioritise road maintenance and enforce strict measures to ensure the roadworthiness of all vehicles. We also call upon the Kenya Police to uphold high professional standards and integrity in dispensing their duties and urge road users to act responsibly.
Illicit Brew, Drugs and Substance abuse.
The Church acknowledges the government’s war on illicit brew, drugs and substance abuse. We however urge the government to intensify its efforts to combat substance abuse, including prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement and public education campaigns.
In that regard, the Church will cooperate to amplify this fight and avail her resources including personnel to this end.
The Church is concerned with the court ruling concerning the legalisation of consumption of traditional brews like Muratina. We still maintain the view that alcohol is harmful and detrimental to human health and development.
Youth and unemployment
Recognising the youth as Kenya’s dominant demographic, we appreciate the government’s efforts to generate employment through initiatives like affordable housing, digital jobs, and labour exports.
Nevertheless, we challenge the government to not just maintain but ramp up efforts Nevertheless, we challenge the government to not just maintain but ramp up efforts in prioritising job creation, amplifying skills development, and fueling entrepreneurship. It’s time for action that matches the urgency of our youth’s aspirations.
Family Ethos
The Church is dismayed by the court ruling that allows the formation of an association of the LGBTQI+. We also strongly condemn gender-based violence and femicide whose cases have been on the rise.
To this end, the Church will endeavour to be a safe space for all those hurting both for their refuge and healing and also a nurturing ground for wholesome families.
In the spirit of the theme of the 24th General Assembly from Joshua 24: 15 “…we will serve the Lord.” The Church is calling upon everyone to collaborative action towards a better society. The truest testimony of our faith is how we serve one nation and one another.
The Church remains committed to pray and engage objectively all stakeholders to seek solutions to the challenges affecting humanity.
Finally, we mourn the passing on of the Very Rev. Dr. George E. Wanjau, the Moderator of the 11th and 12th General Assembly who served the Church and the nation with diligence and distinction. We send our condolences to the family, friends and the nation.
In a notable event at the Kenya Junior Strokeplay Championship, ICEA
LION Trust Company, the Trust business arm of the ICEA LION Group announced a partnership with the Junior
Golf Foundation at Muthaiga Golf Club.
This partnership is in line with our commitment to supporting the growth of
golf amongst the youth. This initiative marks an industry-first move into junior golf sponsorship by an Insurance Group
in Kenya, positioning ICEA LION as the pioneering Insurance Group to support junior golf.
Peter Wachira, Principal Officer of ICEA LION Trust Company, reflected on the impact of the partnership, stating,
“This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a commitment to creating opportunities for young golfers to
excel both on and off the green. We are setting the foundation for a future where sports can be a viable path for personal
and professional development.”
Philip Lopokoiyit, CEO, ICEA LION Group, shared his perspective on this new venture, “Our partnership with the
Junior Golf Foundation is a strategic move towards contributing significantly to the development of golf in Kenya. It
represents our investment in the future – not just in sports, but in cultivating discipline, focus, and resilience among
young Kenyans. Our support to the Junior Golf Foundation is indeed in line with the ICEA LION Trust Company
vision to deliver sustainable success for the future.’’
Adding to the excitement, Regina Gachora, President of the Junior Golf Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm, “This
partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to grow the sport of golf in Kenya. It enables us to reach more
aspiring young golfers and provides them with the resources and platforms they need to succeed.”
The event marked the continuation of a series of over 41 junior golf tournaments across Nairobi, Coast, North-Rift,
Western, and Central regions, supported by the partnership. This extensive program underlines the shared commitment
of ICEA LION Trust Company and the Junior Golf Foundation to nurturing the sport’s growth and accessibility for
young athletes across Kenya.
ICEA LION Group is a financial services provider offering innovative products and services in Insurance, Pensions,
Investments, and Trusts in Kenya. We deliver our services through four companies in Kenya, ICEA LION General
Insurance, ICEA LION Life Assurance, ICEA LION Asset Management, and ICEA LION Trust Company Limited.
The Group has 21 branches across Kenya and has operations in Tanzania and Uganda.
ICEA LION Trust Company Limited (ICEA LION Trust) is the leading provider of Trust services, offering comprehensive solutions for financial benefits, protection, preservation, and distribution to beneficiaries.
During the press Briefing by KHPOA Board of Directors Nairobi.
Kenya Health professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) body has called upon adherence towards professionalism .
The remarks were made during the consultative meeting by the KHPOA Board of Directors and further discussed on Mapping of Unregulated Health Professionals.
The Authority initiated a mapping, verification and recognition exercise of all
unregulated health professionals and identified 42 professional cadres in the health sector. The exercise found out that only 9 regulatory bodies exist, the
remaining thirty-three (33) had no professional regulatory bodies or mechanisms in place to oversee the quality of training, practice and continuing competence.
The unregulated health professional cadres are integrated and practice in the
mainstream health care delivery system in the country.
The following are nine (9) regulatory bodies that regulate health professional
cadres established under an act of Parliament;
1. The Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council established under The
Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, Cap 253;
2. The Clinical Officers Council established under The Clinical officers, Act
Cap 260;
3. The Nursing Council of Kenya established under The Nurses Act, Cap
257;
4. The Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians Technologists Board
established under The Medical Laboratory Technicians and
Technologists Act, Cap 253;
5. The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority established under The Nuclear
Regulatory Act, 2019;
6. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board established under The Pharmacy and
Poison, Act Cap 244;
7. Kenya Nutritionists & Dieticians Institute established under The
Nutritionists and Dieticians Act, Cap 253B;
8. Public Health Officers and Technicians Council established under The
Public Health Officers and Technicians Act No. 12 of 2013; and
9. The Physiotherapy Council of Kenya established under The
In an effort to implement the Constitution, the Ministry of Health embarked
on the enactment of the Health Act which became effective on 20th September 2017.
The Act brings together several health-related laws to facilitate the
implementation of the Health Policy and to address several gaps in the
Health Sector, such as human resource management, emergency health
care, service delivery, coordination of health regulatory bodies and regulation of health products and technologies.
Further it also provided for the establishment of various institutions
including the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) with
the following functions;
1. To Maintain a duplicate register of all health professionals working
within the national and county health system;
2. Promote and regulate inter-professional liaison between statutory
regulatory bodies;
3. Coordinate joint inspections with all regulatory bodies;
4. Receive and facilitate the resolution of complaints from patients,
aggrieved parties and regulatory bodies;
5. Monitor the execution of respective mandates and functions of
regulatory bodies recognized under an Act of Parliament;
6. Arbitrate disputes between statutory regulatory bodies, including
conflict or dispute resolution amongst Boards and Councils;
As at now the Authority is remaining with a total of thirteen (13) out of the 42
identified health professional cadres that were not regulated. The cadres awaiting
recognition by the Authority include;
1. Medical Microbiologists
2. Respiratory Therapists
3. Health Education and Promotion Officers
4. Occupational Health and Safety Officers
5. Medical Parasitologist
6. Sonographers
7. Cytologists/Embryologists/Andrologist
8. Physicists
9. Population Health Officers
10. Echocardiography Technologists
11. Neurophysiologists Technologists
12. Dental Hygienists
13. Clinical Perfusionists
Regulation of health professions is critical for promotion of strong and resilient
health systems for quality of care and the realization of Universal Health Coverage
(UHC). Effective regulation is expected to protect the public and maintain public
confidence in health professions and services provided while ensuring professional ethics and standards are upheld. The Authority has therefore contributed 35% towards the regulation of health professionals in the country and is continuously making strides to regulate the remaining know 37%. This will help achieve
modernization/transformation of health professional regulation in the Kenya.
The mandate of the Authority is to provide oversight in health care services;
training, registration and licensing of health professionals; coordinate joint
health inspections; receive and facilitate resolution of complaints and
arbitrate disputes and conflicts; ensure compliance of health professionals
standards and monitor execution of respective mandates and functions of
health regulatory bodies
In this regard, the authority aspires to provide effective and responsive
oversight in the regulation of healthcare services, health professions,
statutory regulatory bodies and resolution of complaints and/or conflicts for
progressive fulfilment of the right to highest attainable standard of health,
which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health care to as per Article 43 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) held a consultative meeting at Christian Students’ Leadership Center, Ufungamano House, to reflect on the anticipated governance and electoral reforms proposed in the report of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) that was recently passed by Parliament and earmarked for implementation.
NCCK assessed the nine (9) Bills that are being processed by the National Assembly,
and taken into consideration the age-old definition of Democracy A government of the people, by the People, for the people.
Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya clearly states that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya, and is exercised either directly or through democratically elected
representatives. The state organs are of themselves required to act in accordance with the Constitution.
For this reason, it is of absolute necessity that the Report of the National Dialogue
Committee be taken to the people of Kenya for validation before it is implemented.
NCCK calls upon Hon Moses Wetangula and Hon Amason Kingi, the speakers of National Assembly and Senate, to have the report published in a manner accessible to
all Kenyans. Secondly, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee should hold sittings in the Counties to receive feedback from Kenyan citizens, and thereafter review the
Palriamentary Bills attendant to the NADCO report to reflect the wishes of the people.
We urge all our Members of Parliament and Senators to always remember the warning of God in Isaiah 10: 1 – 2
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to
deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my
people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.
National Dialogue Committee was established as a platform to negotiate political compromise to a crisis the politicians had conjured up in their perpetual
struggle for power and money. It is therefore a major concern for Kenyans that the National Assembly is seeking to effect the recommendations of the Committee, especially a massive review of the Constitution, without a recourse to the people of Kenya.
It is therefore a very major red flag for Kenyans that The Constitution of Kenya
(Amendment) Bill 2023 drafted as part of the NADCO report is seeking to amend 25
articles and add 6 new ones in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
Having considered the governance and electoral reforms outlined in the Bills arising from the NADCO Report, we are of the considered opinion that some leaders are working towards subverting the will of the people.
NCCK calls upon all Kenyans to actively read and comment on the 9 Bills presented in the NADCO report and to demand that electoral reforms be focused on improving governance, accountability and legitimacy by:
Securing peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, safeguarding the performance and credibility of electoral institutions
Three, improving the participation and representation of the youth, women and persons with disabilities in elective bodies.
Over one year ago, I&M Bank became the first and only bank to waive Bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfer fees for all personal account holders. Dubbed ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’, the free transfers have significantly reduced costs for consumers.
I&M Bank has today announced the free bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfers for personal customers will now also be extended to Solo Biz owners (sole proprietorships). This underscores I&M Bank’s commitment to supporting small businesses in Kenya and driving financial inclusion. Solo Biz owners can visit any branch or download the I&M Bank App and open an account digitally and start saving money with the free transfers.
Shameer Patel, Head of Personal & Business Banking commented, “Our new to bank customers who opened personal accounts last year have benefited tremendously from the Ni Sare Kabisa proposition. In addition to the free bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfers, individual customers will have access to Unsecured Personal Loans, a newly launched 30 Day loan and up to 12% p.a. interest on savings via the I&M Savers Account. All these propositions are available digitally via the I&M Bank App.”
I&M Bank’s Head of Small Business, Eunice Kinyanjui said “We gathered insights which resulted in us extending the free transfers to Solo Biz owners. Many entrepreneurs have not separated their business and personal financial bank accounts and miss out on solutions that can grow their business. With this proposition, Solo Biz owners now have access to digital Unsecured Business Loans, Stock Financing, LPO financing and Lipa na I&M Bank Paybill/Till number on our App.
I&M Bank Kenya CEO, Gul Khan, in a statement, emphasized the significance of supporting small businesses. “Early Last year, we listened to our personal customers on the high cost of living and their pain with paying fees for Bank to Mobile Wallet transfers and decided to make it free. We have now decided to significantly increase our support for Solo Biz owners and extend the same proposition to them. Small businesses in Kenya play a huge role in driving economic growth with their 40% contribution to GDP. As we celebrate 50 years of I&M Bank in Kenya, Solo Biz owners can now reduce their expenses and invest more into growing their business with the ‘Ni Sare Kabisa’ proposition.” stated Mr. Khan.
Mr. Ben Muhati, Chairperson of the MSME Alliance, while speaking at the launch event commended I&M Bank on the launch of the new proposition and recent branch expansion into Gikomba saying “Small business owners are the heartbeat of the economy and they contribute to over 80% of the employment in the country. They are conscious of each coin they spend as they seek to generate maximum business value for their hustles. The decision by I&M Bank to not only offer Free Bank to M-PESA and Airtel Money transfers but also waive the business registration search fees is a step in the right direction.”
The small business traders, association representatives and I&M Bank staff thereafter proceeded to Gikomba for a customer activation.
