NCCK plants 10,200 in Athi Ward
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has planted 10,200 trees in Athi Ward, Kitui County, over the past week.
The massive tree planting exercise has been done in partnership with community members in Kalivu, Monguni, Kalivu and Kilawa sub-locations as a contribution to a greener and healthier environment.
A total of 867 households received and planted 8,000 trees, while 2,100 trees were distributed to 21 primary schools, with getting 100 trees. Additionally, the Council planted 100 trees in a local church.
Overall, the NCCK is targeting to plant 100,000 trees in Athi Ward as part of the Nature Positive project that is focused on restorative environmental redemption approaches.
- Published in News
Safeguard Dignified Livelihoods – Upper Eastern Region
Safeguard Dignified Livelihoods
Press Statement
Preamble
The 14th Regional Conference of the NCCK Upper Eastern Region, comprising of delegates from Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, has been held here at Gitooro Pastoral Center, Meru, on 7th and 8th May 2024. The theme of the of the Regional Conference was “Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities (Galatians 6: 9)”.
The Regional Conference considered the meaning of the scripture recorded in Micah 4: 4
Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.
Recognizably, it is God’s will that all people have dignified lives. It is therefore the mandate of all institutions to build resilient communities by enabling all people to have dignified livelihoods. Towards this, we share the following message and recommendations with the residents of Upper Eastern Region and the entire nation.
1. Rebuild the Livelihoods of Flood Disaster Survivors
It is with great sadness that this Regional Conference has taken time to pray for the families of the more than 250 Kenyans who have lost their lives in the ongoing floods disaster. We have also prayed for all those who have been injured or otherwise physically affected, as well as those who have lost their houses and livelihoods due to the floods.
While appreciating the efforts by the government to rescue those who have been marooned and those displaced, we call upon all Kenyans to participate in providing assistance to our brothers and sisters. We call upon the government to intensify the provision of relief and emergency accommodation to the affected families to bring their suffering to an end. Further, the national and county governments should come up with clear and enforceable strategies to relocate citizens from location that are at risk of flooding. No Kenyan should be affected by flooding year after year.
On our part, we are working though our congregations to collect materials and funds to provide relief and support to those caught up in the emergency. Financial donations can also be sent through the NCCK Paybill number 519900.
2. End the Doctors’ Strike
On the back of the flooding disaster, there is an emerging outbreak of waterborne diseases, with the Ministry of Health confirming 34 cases of cholera in Tana River County. The risk remains high as the floods have contaminated water sources with sewerage and other wastes.
There is however a great danger facing Kenyans due to the ongoing strike by doctors and other medical workers. It is obnoxious that the strike is now in the 8th week without a solution in sight. This must be brought to an end, and we call upon the doctors and the national and county governments to engage in meaningful dialogue to end the crisis. The officials on both sides should take responsibility and step aside if they are unable to bring the suffering of Kenyans to an end.
3. Address Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse
The residents of Upper Eastern Region counties continue to suffer greatly from the ravages of alcohol, drug and substance abuse. What is of concern is that the government, at both national and county levels, seem powerless to stop the production and sale of illicit brews and drugs.
The result of this lethargy by the governments is the destruction of lives of the youth and middle aged men and women. Families have been impoverished as productivity has dropped below minimum, leading to massive suffering.
Since government officials know who the producers and distributors of the illicit substances, we demand that decisive action is taken against them without further delay. The cases of suspects being arrested and released in unclear circumstances should not be heard of again.
On their part, we call upon the Judiciary to ensure speedy prosecution of the alcohol and drug related cases. Do not agree to unnecessary delays, and take action against any persons who interfere with witnesses.
This menace will only end when perpetrators are punished and seen to be punished, taking into consideration the wisdom God has shared in Ecclesiastes 8: 11
When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.
On our part, we remain committed to preaching and counseling our people so as to reduce the demand for abuse of alcohol, drugs and substances.
4. Reconstitute the IEBC for Electoral Dignity
As provided in the Constitution of Kenya, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is a crucial body responsible for overseeing elections and validating nominations to governance positions. It is also the body mandated to undertake the review of electoral boundaries.
We therefore find it a major injustice that the country has gone for more than one year without a properly constituted Commission. Of major concern is that the process that was ongoing to recruit the IEBC commissioners was stopped on account of political debate and deal making.
We call upon His Excellency President William Ruto and all concerned stakeholders to set politics aside and facilitate completion of the process.
Further, we urge the Attorney General to seek an advisory from the Supreme Court of Kenya on the next course of action following the lapse of the constitutional deadline for review of boundaries.
5. Dignify NADCO Reforms by Making them People Driven
Following the eruption of crisis and violence after the 2022 General Elections, the leading coalitions set up the bipartisan National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) to restore peace. However, the report that the NADCO submitted to Parliament went beyond addressing the political dispute and recommended major changes in the Constitution and electoral laws.
On account of the impact that the proposed reforms will have on the lives of the citizens, we call upon Parliament to make the process people driven by:
One, publish the NADCO report in a way that is accessible to all Kenyans, and
Two, have the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee visit all counties to receive the feedback of the people on the proposed reforms
On our part, we have committed to use our structures and platforms to educate the people on the reforms proposed through the NADCO report and related Bills of Parliament.
6. Use Electricity Safely
The records held by Kenya Power Company indicate that more than 60 people have died in electricity related accidents so far this year. This is a rate higher as compared to the 130 who were reported to have died in year 2023. If this trend holds, more people could perish this year.
We now appeal to all Kenyans to exercise safety when using electricity, taking into consideration that most accidents arise from illegal connections, faulty wiring in houses, and operating beneath power lines. To not take unnecessary risks, and we strongly recommend the following:
One, only engage licensed electricians to do wiring in your houses;
Two, ensure that electricity supply is connected by Kenya Power and Lighting Company itself; and
Three, avoid putting any buildings or businesses underneath powerlines
On our part as NCCK, we will continue to use our platforms and structures to educate people to use electricity safely.
7. New Regional Leadership
This Regional Conference wishes to inform all that we have elected a new team of officials who will hold office for the term 2024 – 2027. These are:
Chairperson: Rev Dr Nicholas Nteere
Vice Chair: Rev James Kimathi
Hon Treasurer: Bishop Japhet Gikunda
Women Rep: Jocyline Kagendo
Youth Rep: Boniface Mwiti
PWD Rep: Pst Francis Lemore
Conclusion
We conclude by remind all of us that God created a good earth and we can have dignity and resilience if only we follow the will of God expressed in Genesis 2: 15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
May God bless the NCCK Upper Eastern Region and the entire nation.
Rev Dr Nicholas Nteere
Regional Chairman, NCCK Upper Eastern Region
- Published in News
Focus on Dignifying Lives for Resilience – Coast Regional Conference
Focus on Dignifying Lives for Resilience
Press Statement
The 14th Regional Conference of the NCCK Coast Region has been held here at ACK St Thomas, Kilifi, on 2nd to 3rd May 2024, under the theme “Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities (Galatians 6: 9)”. The Regional Conference is a key governance organ in NCCK that meets once every three years, and in Coast Region brings together delegates from Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties. During this Regional Conference, the delegates were challenged by the word recorded in Matthew 8: 2 – 3
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean”. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing”, he said. “Be clean”.
1. Rescue and Dignify Flood Disaster Survivors
The delegates in this Regional Conference have received with great sadness the report that more than 200 Kenyans have so far lost their lives and more than a hundred thousand displaced by the ongoing flooding disaster. We continue to pray for the bereaved families for consolation and for all the survivors for quick recovery.
Further, we have put in place a strategy for our churches to provide relief to the affected families by donating clothes, food and other materials through their congregations. Financial donations can also be sent through the NCCK Paybill number 519900.
We call upon the national and county governments to intensify efforts to rescue those already affected, and to allocate resources for relocation of residents from high risk areas. We caution all leaders against using this disaster to steal public funds as has happened in the past. Let us have mercy on our suffering brothers and sisters and dignify them by using all available resources to support them.
On their part, we appeal to all our citizens to pay keen attention to announcements and guidelines from the government and meteorological department and take protective measures.
2. Exercise Caution on Reopening of Schools
Further to this, we commend His Excellency the President for postponing the opening of schools until the rains subside. We thus urge the Ministry of Education to prioritise safety of learners by facilitating a thorough assessment of all learning facilities similar to the ongoing review of dams. Let there be a comprehensive report on the state of schools to avoid unnecessary risks and to inform necessary repairs.
3. End the Indignity of Squatting
It is regrettable that more than 60% of the residents of our counties are squatters on their ancestral lands 60 years after independence. How long must we live in this indignity? How long must our people be consigned to perpetual poverty due to denial of access to the primary factor of production?
We demand that the government speedily completes the adjudication of the land in the coastal counties in a just and equitable manner. Let us dignify the citizens by enabling them to hold title deeds for the lands on which they live and farm.
It is important to always remember that the real and perceived injustices with regard to land ownership have been the primary driver of tension, violence and radicalization in this region.
4. Resolve the Health Crisis
We in this Regional Conference find it unbelievable that the strike by doctors and other medical workers has entered a eighth week with no solution in sight. We call upon the national and county governments to engage in meaningful dialogue with the medical workers to bring the strike to an end. Recognizing that the first duty of leaders and managers is to solve problems, we ask the responsibility holders to step aside if they are unable to resolve this crisis. The pain and suffering of Kenyans who are daily burying their loved ones ho die from treatable illnesses must be brought to an end.
5. Dignify Democracy by Reconstituting the IEBC
Kenya is a constitutional democracy, and establishment of government at all levels is done through elections. Further, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is the only body mandated to manage elections in Kenya. It is therefore a gross injustice and indignity on all Kenyans for the country to not have a properly constituted IEBC for more than one year. This lapse has led to the current situation where the rights of the residents of Banissa constituency as well as Nyamaiwa, Kisa East, Lakezone, and Chewena Wards are unable to hold by-elections. In addition, Kenya is in a constitutional crisis after failing to adhere with the constitutional deadline for delimitation of boundaries.
We urge His Excellency President William Ruto and all concerned stakeholders to speedily conclude the process of recruiting IEBC Commissioners. This is a constitutional process that should not be limited to political discourse and deal making.
6. Make NADCO Reforms People Driven
Following the 2022 General Elections, the leading political coalitions established the bipartisan National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) to end the destructive mass action and massive police brutality. NADCO was therefore comprised of senior politicians from the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja coalitions, which made it an elitist process. It is therefore a major concern for us that Parliament is pushing ahead with implementation of the NADCO report despite a majority of Kenyans not knowing its contents. In a survey done in this Conference, we found that more than 85% of the people do not support implementation of the NADCO Report.
We therefore call upon Parliament to publish the NADCO report in a way accessible to all Kenyans so that they understand what is being done on their behalf. Secondly, we call upon the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to visit all the counties to receive feedback from the citizens, and then use that feedback to review the report and proposed legal and policy reforms.
On their part, we call upon all Kenyans to actively engage in the ongoing reforms process. We must not leave the shaping of our future in the hands of politicians alone.
7. Dignify the Youth for Resilient Communities
The biggest driver of social instability is the indignity of poverty. We call upon the governments in the counties in our region to thus prioritize dignified livelihood options for the youth to secure the future. Towards this, we strongly recommend:
One, allocation of budgets for training and skilling of youth on entrepreneurship
Two, reduction of taxes and levies especially for youth owned businesses
Three, consolidation of the licenses and certifications to make it easy to start and run businesses
On their part, we urge the youth in our counties to take initiative and seek opportunities to better their lives. Do remember that prosperity will not look for you, you have to work for it.
7. Use Electricity Safely
This Regional Conference has noted with concern that the number of electricity-related accidents is rising, with reports that 130 deaths were reported last year while 60 have been killed so far this year.
Considering that the majority of electricity-related accidents result from illegal connections, poor wiring in houses, and operating under power lines, we call upon all the residents of our counties and the entire country to take care of their lives. To progress this understanding, we in the NCCK have partnered with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company to use our platforms to sensitize community members to use electricity safely. We especially recommend the following to the residents in our counties:
One, only engage licensed electricians to do wiring in your houses;
Two, ensure that electricity supply is connected by Kenya Power and Lighting Company itself; and
Three, avoid putting any buildings or businesses underneath powerlines
8. New Regional Leadership
This Regional Conference wishes to inform all that we have elected a new team of officials who will hold office for the term 2024 – 2027. These are:
Chairperson: Bishop Dr Peter Mwero
Vice Chair: Rt Rev Reuben Katite
Hon Treasurer: Beatrice Ambale
Women Rep: Priscilla Moira
Youth Rep: Lt Dennis Mulandi
PWD Rep: Pst Geoffrey Wanyoike
Conclusion
In conclusion, recall the warning God has given us in Proverbs 14: 21
He who despises his neighbour sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
Let us all join hands to bring to dignify all Kenyans by resolving the current and long standing challenges and injustices, just as we pray in our National Anthem
Let all with one accord, In common bond united, build this our nation together
And the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labour, fill every heart with thanksgiving
May God bless the NCCK Coast Region and the entire nation now and always.
Bishop Dr Peter Mwero
Chairman, NCCK Coast Region
- Published in News
GIVE KENYANS PEOPLE DRIVEN REFORMS
GIVE KENYANS PEOPLE DRIVEN REFORMS
COMMUNIQUE OF THE 4TH NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE
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 (Isaiah 10: 1 – 2)
Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise (Hadith)
PREAMBLE
Religious Leaders drawn from the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, have convened the 4th National Dialogue Conference here at Ufungamano House over the last two days.
The goal of the 4th National Dialogue Conference was to review the report presented to Parliament by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) as well as the attendant Parliamentary Bills. The delegates from across the country were inspired by the words of the National Anthem:
O God of all creation, Bless this our land and nation, Justice be our shield and defender; May we dwell in unity, Peace and Liberty, Plenty be found within our borders
This prayer is in tandem with the assertion in the Preamble of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which states:
RECOGNIZING the aspiration of all Kenyans for a government based on the essential values of human rights, equality, freedom, democracy, social justice and the rule of law…
1. Mourning the Devastation of Floods
The delegates in this National Dialogue Conference are deeply saddened by the deaths of more than 200 Kenyans occasioned by the ongoing rains and floods. The lives of hundreds of thousands of Kenyans have been destroyed. We mourn with all the bereaved. We continue to pray for all the affected families for quick recovery. Our places of worship across the country are open at all times to house and support to all who have been displaced. We are also mobilizing worshippers in our congregations to collect relief materials to share with the affected families.
2. End the Doctors’ Strike
Also deeply saddening all Kenyans are the deaths and massive suffering arising from the ongoing strike by doctors and other medical workers. We call upon the national and county governments, as well as the medical workers, to engage in genuine and meaningful dialogue to bring the suffering of Kenyans to an end. It is painful for Kenyans to watch their loved ones die from easily treatable conditions.
We restate that the religious leaders are ready and willing to mediate in the dialogue process.
3. Urgently Constitute the IEBC
As provided for in the Constitution of Kenya, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is the only body mandated to manage elections. The Constitution does not anticipate a situation where the country is without a capacity to constitute its democratic organs. It is therefore a strong breach of the Constitution that Kenya has now gone for 16 months without a properly constituted Commission.
Already, there are two constituencies, Banissa and Lagdera, and four wards, Nyamaiwa, Kisa East, Lakezone, and Chewena, that are without Members of National Assembly and Members of County Assembly respectively. On its part, Kisii County is without a Deputy Governor since there is no Commission to gazette the new appointment. This is a breach of the constitutional rights of these Kenyan citizens. In addition, the country is in a state of a constitutional crisis following the breach of the deadline for delimitation of boundaries.
We call upon His Excellency President William Ruto and all concerned stakeholders to speedily conclude the recruitment of IEBC Commissioners. It would be prudent to separate this process from other political discourse due to the magnitude of the risk that the lack of an IEBC portends to the nation.
4. Make the Reform Process People Driven
In the wake of the political tussle for realignments and positioning in the post 2022 elections period, the country went through a period of destructive mass action and massive of lives due to police brutality. To end the strife, the leading political coalitions created a bipartisan team referred to as the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO). The NADCO thereafter had some sessions to receive memoranda from Kenyans, leading to the development of a report that recommends wide-ranging, far reaching, and heavily disruptive reforms.
By its nature, therefore, NADCO is an elitist process that did not address the issues of concern of the people of Kenya. While ostensibly set up to address the challenges surrounding the 2022 General Elections, the recommendations in the report by NADCO are bound to make the journey to the 2027 elections worse than the past cycles.
We thus strongly urge the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate to make the reform process put in motion by the NADCO people driven. This will be achieved by:
One, publish the NADCO report in a way accessible to all Kenyans so they understand what is being said about their future
Two, have the joint Justice and Legal Affairs Committee visit all the counties to receive feedback from the citizens, and then use that feedback to review the report and proposed legal and policy reforms
Three, ensure comprehensive nation-wide public engagement on the Bills of Parliament that are being tabled
5. Involve Kenyans in Constitution Review Discussions
The report by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) has recommended 33 amendments to the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Comparatively, the Constitution of Kenya was amended 39 times in the period between 1963 and 2010. The proposed amendment of the Constitution, which has been formulated as the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2023, is a major engagement that goes beyond the mandate of Parliamentarians alone.
Such a process requires a Constituent Assembly whose outcome is thereafter subjected to a referendum. We call upon Parliament to put in place the legal framework of this process to be people driven.
6. Call to Kenyans to Engage in the Reform Process
Different surveys have shown that less than 30 per cent of the citizens of Kenya have read or are familiar with the NADCO report or the Bills that are amending elections related laws.
We call upon all our fellow citizens to actively engage in the ongoing reforms process. Do not leave the shaping of your future in the hands of the politicians who are primarily driven by their selfish interests.
Take time to read the reports and Bills and attend public participation forums.
On our part, we have committed to use our platforms to educate Kenyans on the reform process.
7. Take the Two Thirds Gender Rule Seriously
Recognizably, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 enshrined the principle of inclusivity, and requires that no gender should occupy more than two thirds of positions in any elective or appointive organ. The persistent failure to implement this provision is not only a denial of the rights of women and men, but also a breach of the Constitution. It is worryingly notable that NADCO did not include the attainment of two thirds gender rule in the Bills they have published.
We call upon Parliament to fast track the implementation of the report of the Multi Sectoral Working Group. Let this matter be brought to its logical conclusion.
Further, we challenge Parliament to put in place a framework for attainment of the constitutional provisions safeguarding the inclusion of the youth and persons with disabilities in governance and decision making organs.
Conclusion
We conclude by calling upon Kenyans to arise and stand up for People Driven Reforms. We must resist elitist-driven reforms that only address the interests of the political elite. Let us always stand for justice, unity, democracy and liberty of all.
Let us continually commit to prayer we make through our National Anthem:
Amkeni ndugu zetu, Tufanye sote bidii, Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu
Nchi yetu ya Kenya, Tunayoipenda, Tuwe Tayari Kuilinda
Signed on this 30th day of April 2024 at Ufungamano House, Nairobi
Rt Rev Simon Peter Kamomoe
Chairman, KCCB – CJPD
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary, NCCK
Abdullahi Salat
Secretary General, SUPKEM
- Published in News
Support Us to Live in Dignity – Press Statement
Support Us to Live in Dignity
Press Statement
Preamble
The NCCK Central Region has held her 14th Regional Conference here at Caritas Development Center, Nyeri, on 23rd and 24th April 2024 under the theme “Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities (Galatians 6: 9)”. The Conference, held once every three years, transacted formal business and also reflected on matters of concern to Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Laikipia counties. Delegates in the conference were inspired and challenged by the scripture in Hebrews 11: 24 – 25
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
We challenge our national and county level leaders to embrace an attitude similar to that of Moses, so that they too can have great and lasting impact just like Moses had. We too as church leaders have committed ourselves to the same principle.
1. Curtail Supply of Illicit Alcohol and Substances
We in this Regional Conference are appalled and heavily disturbed by the casual manner in which the national and county governments are dealing with the devastating disaster of uncontrolled alcohol and drug and substance abuse. It is extremely sad that over the last three decades, the government has allowed the counties in our region and the wider Central Kenya to be flooded with illicit and unhealthy alcoholic drinks, as well as an unending supply of bhang.
The impact of this state of inebriation is evident in the devastated lives of our youth and middle aged men, leading to loss of hope for the future. Productivity has dropped to bare minimum, and families are getting poorer, not richer.
We now demand that the national and county governments stop the supply of illicit alcoholic drinks, drugs and other substances with immediate effect. The Producers, Suppliers and Dealers of these killer products must be punished harshly and speedily. Indeed we challenge the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge them with attempted murder. In addition, the Director should fire any prosecutor who causes the cases to be lost due to poor prosecution.
On their part, we call upon the Judiciary to ensure speedy prosecution of the alcohol and drug related cases. Do not agree to unnecessary delays, and take action against any persons who interfere with witnesses.
We remind all that the main strategy in the Bible for ending crime is by punishing all offenders, as we read in Ecclesiastes 8: 11
When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.
On our part, we remain committed to preaching and counseling our people so as to reduce the demand for abuse of alcohol, drugs and substances.
2. Transform Agricultural Economy
Recognizably, the main economic engagement in our counties is agriculture. However, we in this Regional Conference note that the County Governments have failed to inspire industrialization and value addition which would move the sector to a higher level. It is therefore unfortunate that the residents of our counties continue to produce the same crops using the same techniques as they did 40 years ago. It is no wonder then that the economic output of our region has been steadily falling.
To remedy this, we urge the governments in our counties to:
One, provide budgets for training of farmers on innovation and value addition so as to improve the incomes and welfare of the farmers and their families
Two, employ and deploy more agronomists and field staff to train and mentor the farmers
Three, develop initiatives aimed at inspiring the youth to embrace agriculture and especially value addition as a dignified livelihood
Four, reduce taxes and levies charged on agricultural inputs and products
On their part, we call upon the national government officials and investigating agencies to stop pontificating and ensure punishment of the producers and distributors of the fake fertilizer in accordance with the law. It is very disgusting to see government officials justifying this crime against humanity yet a whole season has been destroyed. We hold the government responsible for allowing the fake fertilizer to be produced and distributed through government-owned facilities.
3. Heal the Healthcare in Kenya
We in this Regional Conference are saddened that the government and workers in the medical sector are continuing to subject Kenyans to unnecessary suffering on account of the ongoing strike. We call upon all stakeholders, and especially the county and national governments, to get into meaningful dialogue with the doctors and other health sector workers to end the ongoing strike. As church leaders, we are available to provide mediation as required.
4. Validate the NADCO Report
In our internal survey, we have recognized that only 19% of our people have read the report that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) presented to Parliament. Inadvertently, more than 83% of the respondents in our survey indicated that they are not comfortable with the NADCO report being implemented as it is.
In this regard, we call upon the speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, Honorables Moses Wetangula and Amason Kingi, to have the report published in a manner accessible to all Kenyans. Further, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee should hold sittings in the counties to receive feedback from the citizens, and then use that feedback to finetune the Parliamentary Bills that were drafted as part of the NADCO Report. Kenyans must be fully involved and supportive of any and all governance and electoral reforms that are discussed by their representatives in Parliament.
On our part as church leaders, we have put in place a process to sensitize the people on the NADCO report as well as the 9 Bills of Parliament for effective public participation.
5. Reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
We in this Regional Conference are concerned that the government and concerned stakeholders are continuing to expose the country to grave danger by failing to re-constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
We call upon all concerned parties to urgently fast track the recruitment of Commissioners for the IEBC. This will facilitate the extremely delayed by-elections for Barissa and Lagdera constituencies, and Nyamaiya, Kisa East, Lakezone and Chewenai Wards, as well as gazettement of the Deputy Governor for Kisii County.
In addition, we call upon the Attorney General to seek an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court of Kenya on what should be done to deal with the failure to adhere to the constitutional timelines for review of boundaries of electoral units.
6. Use Electricity Safely
This Regional Conference has noted with concern that the number of electricity-related accidents is rising, with reports that 130 deaths were reported last year while 60 have been killed so far this year.
Considering that the majority of electricity-related accidents result from illegal connections, poor wiring in houses, and operating under power lines, we call upon all the residents of our counties and the entire country to take care of their lives. To progress this understanding, we in the NCCK have partnered with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company to use our platforms to sensitize community members to use electricity safely. We especially recommend the following to the residents in our counties:
One, only engage licensed electricians to do wiring in your houses;
Two, ensure that electricity supply is connected by Kenya Power and Lighting Company itself; and
Three, avoid putting any buildings or businesses underneath powerlines
7. New Regional Leadership
This Regional Conference wishes to inform all that we have elected a new team of officials who will hold office for the term 2024 – 2027. These are:
Chairperson: Rt Rev Dr Timothy Gichere
Vice Chair: Rt Rev Stephen Njogu
Hon Treasurer: Rev David Njuguna
Women Rep: Rev Susan Kamiru
Youth Rep: Thomas Waweru
PWD Rep: Hon Joseph Kanyi King’ori
Conclusion
We conclude by expressing our condolences to the families of all Kenyans who have died in the ongoing floods. It is regrettable that both the national and county governments failed to put in place measures to ensure effective flow of flood waters despite being warned of heavy rains by the meteorology department. Even as we pray for quick recovery of all those affected, we call for urgent measures to unclog all water ways to safeguard the lives of the people. Further, we will be monitoring those in leadership and who may try to take advantage of this tragedy to steal government funds.
It is our prayer that all of us as Kenyans will be inspired and motivated by the scripture in Philippians 2: 3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
May God bless the NCCK Central Region and the entire nation.
Bishop Dr Timothy Gichere
Regional Chairman, NCCK Central Region
- Published in News
With Love Let us Dignify Lives of All – North Rift
With Love Let us Dignify Lives of All
Press Statement
Preamble
The 14th Regional Conference of the NCCK North Rift Region here at RCEA Conference and Training Center, Eldoret, on 18th and 19th April, 2024, under the theme “Dignified Livelihoods; Resilient Communities” based on Galatians 6: 9. The NCCK North Rift Region encompasses Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Turkana Counties.
During this Regional Conference, the delegates were inspired by the scripture recorded in 1 Corinthians 13: 13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
We did note that everything we can do is nothing if it is not founded on love.
1. Mourning The Passing on of CDF Francis Ogolla
It was with shock and disbelief that we received information that senior military personnel led by the Chief of Defense Forces, General Francis Ogolla passed on yesterday. We join the rest of Kenyans in mourning this great champion as well as those who died with him, these being Brigadier Swale Saidi, Colonel Duncan Keittany, Lieutenant Colonel David Sawe, Major George Benson Magondu, Captain Sora Mohamed, Captain Hillary Litali, Senior Sergeant John Kinyua Mureithi, Sergeant Cliphonce Omondi, and Sergeant Rose Nyawira.
We have taken time to pray for their families and the entire nation during this time of mourning. May God grant all of us consolation and peace, knowing that the passing on of a leader of this stature brings anxiety and speculations.
2. End the Menace of Insecurity
This Regional Conference takes note that the General Ogolla and the 9 other military personnel are the latest high profile victims of the incessant and seemingly uncontrollable banditry-driven insecurity that plagues the North Rift region. For how long will the lives of Kenyans be destabilized and destroyed by banditry? For how long will the residents of the Northern counties of Kenya be deprived the enjoyment of the rights guaranteed in Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya?
We call upon the national and county governments, alongside all Members of Parliament and County Assemblies, to engage all stakeholders in intra and inter ethnic dialogue to find a lasting solution to this menace. Let us make love for all Kenyans the motivation for resolving the insecurity so that every person has a chance to live a full and productive life. The cry of our hearts is that of every resident of West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Samburu counties, as is found in Psalm 146: 1 – 2
Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.
3. Invest in Infrastructural Development
In our deliberations during this Regional Conference, we have once again mapped the direct relationship between low infrastructural development, high poverty levels and a culture of violence. Research has shown that educational and multi-cultural exposure improves self confidence, plants a vision of a better life for all, inspires a national identity, and motivates all individuals to push themselves to their greatest potential.
We therefore call upon all the six County governments in our region to put all possible effort on rapidly expanding the transport and communication infrastructure in our localities. There is also a great need to build schools and health facilities to enhance the wellbeing and lives of the people. Coupled with this, we call for concerted efforts to ensure 100 per cent of the children and youth in our counties go through basic, secondary and tertiary education. Insecurity must not be allowed to keep children out of school any more. We urge all to set aside corruption and selfish ambitions, being inspired by the word of God in Philippians 2: 3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
4. Deal Decisively With Corruption
This Regional Conference recognizes that insecurity and under-development are driven by corruption and weak enforcement of the rule of law.
We reiterate that corruption is never dealt with through speeches and threats, but rather through decisive and painful punishment of those who engage in the vice. Corruption in Kenya has grown to be a monster due to the culture of not punishing the offenders. God foresaw this, and warned us clearly in Ecclesiastes 8: 11
When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.
We challenge the state agencies involved in investigations and prosecution to speedily process cases so that the punishment of the guilty acts as a deterrent of others with similar ideas.
In the same breath, starting point for us is the prosecution and punishment of all who are involved in the fake fertilizer scandal. We call for speedy investigation and prosecution of the officials in charge of the Kenya Bureau of Standards who allowed Kenyans to be duped, as well as the officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board who allowed the reputation of the institution to be used to sanitize the fake fertilizers. Kenyans trusted that they would only get genuine and quality products from such a state agency, and it is an abdication of duty on the part of the officials.
5. End the Health Sector Industrial Action
Across the country, Kenyans are suffering irredeemably as a result of the withdrawal of services by doctors and other medical staff. Are the government officials pontificating about this strike expressing love for Kenyans?
We challenge the county governments to get into meaningful dialogue with the doctors and other health professionals, towards which we state the willingness and availability of religious leaders to provide mediation as required. We further demand that the national government facilitates the devolution of health by releasing adequate funds to cater for human resource and other health sector expenditure.
6. Validate the NADCO Report
Through an internal survey, we have established that less than 27% of Kenyans have read or are familiar with the contents of the report that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) presented to Parliament. Further we are concerned that less than 15% of respondents made presentations to the NADCO during their sittings. Despite this low level of participation by the citizens, Parliament adopted the report and are progressing with measures to implement it.
We strongly recommend that the speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, Honorables Moses Wetangula and Amason Kingi, take steps to have the report published in a manner accessible to all Kenyans. On its part, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee should hold sittings in the counties to receive feedback from the citizens, and then use that feedback to finetune the Parliamentary Bills that were drafted as part of the NADCO Report. Kenyans must be fully involved and supportive of any and all governance and electoral reforms that are discussed by their representatives in Parliament.
6. Urgently Constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is the only body constitutionally mandated to manage elections in Kenya. It is therefore a great risk and injustice for the country to not have a functional IEBC in place.
Already, there are two constituencies, Barissa and Lagdera, and four Wards, Nyamaiya, Kisa East, Lakezone and Chewenai, that are without elected representatives, which is breaching their constitutional rights. Further, Kisii County has been denied the right to have a Deputy Governor.
To end these breaches of the Constitution, we call upon President William Ruto and all other stakeholders to speed up the recruitment of the IEBC Commissioners. On his part, we implore Hon Justin Muturi, the Attorney General, to seek an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court of Kenya on what should be done to deal with the failure to adhere to constitutional timelines for review of boundaries of electoral units.
7. Use Electricity Responsibly
It is a huge concern to this Regional Conference that Kenyan families continue to lose their loved ones to electricity-related accidents. Statistics show that last year, 130 deaths were reported, while 60 have been reported this year. If this trend continues, we could lose more than 200 people to electricity related accidents.
Quite notable is that the majority of electricity-related accidents result from illegal connections, poor wiring in houses, and operating under power lines. To safeguard lives, we in the NCCK have partnered with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company to use our platforms to sensitize community members to use electricity responsibly. We therefore appeal to all Kenyans to:
One, only engage licensed electricians to do wiring in your houses;
Two, ensure that electricity supply is connected by Kenya Power and Lighting Company itself; and
Three, avoid putting any buildings or businesses underneath powerlines
8. New Regional Leadership
In line with the NCCK Constitution, we are pleased to inform you that this Regional Conference has elected a new team of officials who will hold office 2024 – 2027. These are:
Chairperson: Bishop Dr Emmanuel Chemengich
Vice Chair: Moderator Samson Akoru
Hon Treasurer: Elder Samuel Sawe
Women Rep: Pst Everlyne Marindich
Youth Rep: Rev Silas Ruto
PWD Rep: Daniel Kogo
Conclusion
In conclusion, we recall that God has commanded us to love one another, and do good to all. Our Lord Jesus Christ said this clearly in John 13: 34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Let us love one another and do all we can to help and build each other.
May God bless this North Rift Region and the entire Kenya now and always.
Bishop Dr Emmanuel Chemengich
Regional Chairman, NCCK North Rift Region
- Published in News
Dignify Our Citizens: South Rift Regional Conference Statement
Dignify Our Citizens
Press Statement
Preamble
The NCCK South Rift Region has held its 14th Regional Conference here at ACK Imani Guest House, Nakuru, on 16th and 17th April, 2024, under the theme “Dignified Livelihoods; Resilient Communities” based on Galatians 6: 9.
The Regional Conference, which meets once every three years, brings together delegates from NCCK member churches and organisations in Baringo, Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, Narok and Samburu counties.
The Conference reflected on the Word of God recorded in Ezekiel 34: 2 – 3
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.
We have taken note that the residents of our counties are greatly suffering from very high poverty levels. Indeed data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2022 Poverty Report shows that our people suffer from the double jeopardy of abject poverty and low capacity to produce the food they eat.
| County | Baringo | Bomet | Kericho | Nakuru | Narok | Samburu |
| Percent of Residents who Produce Own Food | 16.0 | 25.9 | 23.9 | 14.7 | 15.0 | 13.2 |
| Percentage of Residents in Abject Poverty | 47.5 | 45.4 | 39.8 | 39.4 | 21.9 | 66.2 |
This state of impoverishment of people is immoral, unbiblical, and unconstitutional, and should be reversed urgently. Towards this, we make the following recommendations:
1. Focus on Service Delivery and Infrastructural Development
We in this Regional Conference have noted with concern that in our counties, there is little to show in infrastructural development despite receiving and spending billions of shillings from the sharable revenue. According to the report by the Controller of Budgets on 2022/23 remittances, Baringo received KSh 7.8 billion; Bomet Ksh 7.0 billion; Kericho KSh 7.6 billion; Nakuru KSh 13.5 billion; Narok KSh 12.8 billion; and Samburu 6.3 billion.
Across the counties in our region, roads are in a pathetic state, there are very few social amenities, industrial development is miniscule, and there is very little support to the citizens to upscale their livelihood options.
We now urge the Governors of our Counties to put full attention on service delivery and infrastructural development as well as supporting the people to rise out of poverty. We also appeal to telecommunications companies to expand their cellular network coverage in our counties.
On our part, we are ready and willing to partner with the County Governments in initiatives that promote dignified livelihoods that could include:
- Capacity Building and Training for men, women, youth and persons with disabilities on entrepreneurship, value addition and financial management
- Organizing citizens into producer groups for aggregation and stronger marketing power
- Training and mentoring residents on Conservation Agriculture to improve their food security and reduce the household incomes spent to purchase foodstuffs
- Capacity building of residents on appropriate water harvesting for domestic use and irrigation
- Extensive sensitization of men, women, youth and persons with disabilities on available affordable funds for business incubation and growth
- Interventions to redeem the individuals and families affected by illicit brews, while partnering with the authorities to deal with illicit brewers according to the law
Let us all join hands to end poverty in our counties.
2. Bring Insecurity to an End
We in this Regional Conference continue to be deeply perturbed by the incessant insecurity devastating Samburu and Baringo counties. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 states in Article 29 (c) that “Every person has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right not to be – (c) subjected to any form of violence from either public or private sources.
It is therefore a gross violation of the Constitution for the government to allow banditry-driven insecurity to continue destroying lives of the people. We call upon the national government to engage all stakeholders including religious leaders for comprehensive intra and inter ethnic dialogue to find lasting solution to this crisis. On their part, we urge the County governments to be inclusive and deliberate in making all residents feel they belong.
3. Safeguard Our Environment
We in this Regional Conference call upon all stakeholders, and especially the national and county governments, to safeguard the environment and strengthen climate change mitigation. Of urgent need is the completion of the fencing of the Mau Forest to ensure its protection. Further, it is essential that the 3,000 families that were displaced from the forest are resettled elsewhere.
4. End the Health Sector Industrial Action
We in this Regional Conference call upon all stakeholders, and especially the county and national governments, to get into meaningful dialogue with the doctors and other health sector workers to end the ongoing strike. It is very insensitive to allow the collapse of healthcare services for more than a month. As church leaders, we are available to provide mediation as required.
5. Validate the NADCO Report
We in this Regional Conference appreciate that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) presented a report that was adopted by Parliament. The report is due for implementation.
However, the majority of Kenyans, most of the residents of our counties included, are not familiar with the contents of the Report, even though its recommendations will have serious implications on our lives.
We therefore call upon the speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, Honorables Moses Wetangula and Amason Kingi, to have the report published in a manner accessible to all Kenyans. Further, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee should hold sittings in the counties to receive feedback from the citizens, and then use that feedback to finetune the Parliamentary Bills that were drafted as part of the NADCO Report. Kenyans must be fully involved and supportive of any and all governance and electoral reforms that are discussed by their representatives in Parliament.
6. Constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
We in this Regional Conference are concerned about the existential risk our country is facing as a result of the failure to re-constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This is because a nation that fails to follow its own constitution opens the door for its destruction.
We call upon all concerned parties to urgently fast track the recruitment of Commissioners for the IEBC. This will facilitate the extremely delayed by-elections for Barissa and Lagdera constituencies, and Nyamaiya, Kisa East, Lakezone and Chewenai Wards, as well as gazettement of the Deputy Governor for Kisii County.
In addition, we call upon the Attorney General to seek an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court of Kenya on what should be done to deal with the failure to adhere to constitutional timelines for review of boundaries of electoral units.
7. New Regional Leadership
We also wish to inform you that this Regional Conference has elected a new team of officials who will hold office 2024 – 2027. These are:
Chairperson: Bishop Peter Muiruri
Vice Chair: Rt Rev David Lebarleyia
Hon Treasurer: Rev Sarah Mainye
Women Rep: Hon Miriam Katurkana
Youth Rep: Lft Purity Savali
PWD Rep: Pst Richard Mutai
Conclusion
In conclusion, we call upon the leaders and all the residents of our counties to take to heart the inspiration Nehemiah gave the people of Judah as we read in Nehemiah 2: 17
You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.
Our counties are similarly in dire need. Let us work together to dignify our citizens.
We also affirm the partnership we as NCCK have entered with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company to sensitize our people on safe use of electricity. We will be using our platforms to inspire all to stay safe from electricity related accidents that could lead to deaths and injuries.
May God bless this South Rift Region and the entire Kenya now and always.
Bishop Peter Muiruri
Regional Chairman, NCCK South Rift Region
- Published in News
Reforms Must Be People Driven
Reforms Must Be People Driven
Press Statement
Isaiah 10: 15
Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it, or the saw boast against him who uses it? As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up, or a club brandish him who is not wood!
Preamble
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has held a consultative meeting here 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.
We have 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.
With this in mind, we now share the following message with the people of Kenya:
1. Validate the NADCO Report
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. The people of Kenya have a basic right to know and agree with the recommendations made by the NADCO. It would be very deceptive for the National Assembly to unilaterally implement decisions that radically affect the governance and electoral environment of the Kenyans.
Towards this, we call 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. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar?
2. Constitution Review should be People Driven
Recognizably, the 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.
We wish to remind all Kenyans that between 1963 and 2010, the Constitution of Kenya was amended 39 times. The result of those amendments was the injustice and political space suppression that Kenyans fought bitterly to reverse, leading to the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
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.
Kenyans shed their blood to demand that review of the 1963 must be people driven. The same was emphasized by the Supreme Court of Kenya when the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Bill was declared unconstitutional. Why is the Parliament choosing to follow the same route once again?
It is our firm position that any debate about amending the Constitution in Parliament must be preceded by robust discourse by the citizens of Kenya.
3. End the Breach of the Constitution
The National Council of Churches of Kenya is shocked at the blatant and callous manner in which the National Executive and Parliament are breaching the same Constitution they swore to implement and protect. We reiterate that the failure to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is breaching the rights of the people of Kenya in the following ways:
One, the timelines for boundaries review have been breached, and Kenya is currently in a constitutional crisis in that regard.
Two, the National Assembly and the Senate are unconstitutional to the extent that they have not adhered the two thirds gender rule.
Three, citizens in Banissa and Lagdera constituencies, as well as Nyamaiya, Kisa East, Lakezone, and Chewani Wards have been denied the right of representation due to lack of an IEBC to conduct elections.
Four, the citizens of Kisii County have been denied the right to have a Deputy Governor since there is no IEBC to gazette the appointment of the one picked by the Governor.
These violations call for concerted efforts by all actors to fast track the reconstitution of the IEBC.
Secondly, we call upon the Attorney General to apply for an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court of Kenya on what should be done to deal with the failure to adhere to constitutional timelines for review of boundaries of electoral units.
4. Electoral Reforms Towards 2027
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.
We call 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:
One, securing peaceful, free, fair and credible elections
Two, 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we urge all Kenyan to arise and stand for justice and fairness. As Kenyans we should not surrender our country and our sovereignty to the whims of politicians. Let us always stand for justice for all, just as the Bible tells us in Micah 6: 8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Signed on this 9th day of April 2024 at Ufungamano House, Nairobi.
Rev Dr Alphonse Kanga
Chairman, NCCK Nairobi Region
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary
- Published in News
NCCK Embu County Coordinating Committee
Press Statement
Preamble
The NCCK Embu County Coordinating Committee met here at NICA Mwamba Imara on April 5, 2024 to transact formal business and reflect on issues of concern to the citizens.
The delegates drew inspiration from 2 Kings 16 on steadfastly upholding the sacred calling bestowed upon them. We must remain loyal and accountable to God, and faithfully execute our mandate.
Following our deliberations in the meeting, we wish to share the following message to the nation.
- Sustain war on illicit brews
This committee wishes to applaud the invaluable efforts led by the Deputy President, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua to get rid of illicit brews in our region and the country at large. The devastation this vice has left especially in our region cannot be sufficiently stated. It has torn families apart, increased the death to consumers, and increased poverty levels in society. Illicit brewers, dealers, and their accomplices should face dire consequences in the fight against uncontrolled alcoholism. These efforts are giving hope to our people that there will be a future hope. Our call is for all to join in this war to ensure its sustenance. We call on our County Government to implement the Alcoholic Control Act to the letter as part of this initiative. Illicit brewers and dealers must be dealt it ruthlessly. As the Church, we commit to leading in speaking truth to power and mobilizing all our members to fight this menace.
2. Resolve Healthcare Crisis Speedily
We are concerned and disappointed that the country is going through a serious healthcare crisis with a slow process of resolving the glaring issues. We are saddened by images of the sick remaining unattended in public healthcare facilities due to the ongoing doctor’s strike. We call upon all county governments nationwide to fastrack holding meaningful dialogue and negotiations with doctors and other medics to resolve the emerging crisis due to the persisting strikes.
On the other hand, the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund to the Social Health Insurance Fund is extremely slow and not well understood. As a result, many patients are suffering greatly as health facilities quietly decline to treat them based on the NHIF. We call upon the government to speed up the transition and to especially undertake widespread civic education on the same.
3. Punish Fertilizer Scammers
We appreciate the initiative by President H.E. Dr. Willliam Ruto on his steadfast support in the Agriculture sector through the provision of quality and subsidized fertilizers for farmers. We are saddened by the allegations that the fertilizer in circulation is fake. We take note that the government committed to thoroughly investigating the allegations of fake fertilizer supplies to farmers to nail down the scam. We demand the investigations be fast-tracked and those involved to face the wrath of the law. This will be a great relief to the farmers who are in panic and concerned over this matter.
4. Prioritize measures to address Cost of Living
The committee discussed the state of the economy and took cognizance of the continued biting high cost of living. The most troubling is the failure to implement policies and measures that meaningfully cut down the cost of living, contrary to what was promised during the elections. Persistent increases in taxation is hurting our people by creating panic and psychological instability. We call on the parliament to fast-track the review of the Finance Act of 2023, as promised by the Deputy President to do away with the punitive taxation measures, especially to farmers which are potentially disillusioning them.
We also call on County Governments to reassure the citizens by reducing the taxation levels.
5. Carry People along in the implementation of NADCO Recommendations
We reviewed the report by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report that was presented to and adopted by Parliament. We appreciate that NADCO process helped stabilize the country while providing an opportunity for dialogue on contentious issues that keep the country under tension and conflicts. On a dissatisfied note, none of the 9 bills spoke to the cost of living, which was the very reason why the anti-government protests had been held. That notwithstanding, we call on the parliament to carry the people along in the processing of these bills by ensuring properly done public participation, with their feedback incorporated.
On our part, we will ensure the content of the report and the 9 bills are known to the citizens through our various platforms for informed involvement when public participation forums are called by the Parliament.
6. Call to Support NCCK Scholarship Programme
We in the National Council of Churches of Kenya have been providing scholarships for 63 students in Secondary Schools each year. However, the number of needy students remains very high. We now welcome all Kenyans to support our scholarship programme by contributing one shilling and fifty cents each day by sending an SMS written ELIMU to 29888. Also, dial *802# for the post-paid contributions. Let us pool our resources to support our children to go through secondary school.
Conclusion
Joint efforts in addressing the issues facing our people cannot be overemphasized. The government takes the leading role having been constitutionally mandated to serve the people. As NCCK Embu, we commit to play our role to ensure the welfare of citizens in our county is taken care of.
God bless Embu, God bless Kenya
Signed
Rt. Rev. Stephen Njogu,
Chairman, NCCK Embu County Coordinating Committee
- Published in News
Stop Polluting Our Lives – Lower Eastern Conference
Stop Polluting Our Lives
Press Statement
The triennial Regional Conference for the NCCK Lower Eastern Region has been held here at ACK All Souls Cathedral, Machakos, on 4th and 5th April 2024 to transact statutory business and reflect on the welfare of the citizens residing in this area. The Regional Conference, which was guided by the theme “Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities (Galatians 6: 9)”, brought together delegates from Kajiado, Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties. The Conference was inspired by the scripture recorded in 1 Kings 4: 20
The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.
Recognizing that this is an aspiration of all citizens that God is ever willing to fulfill, we share following message.
1. Stop Polluting River Athi
Originating in the Ngong Hills, the River Athi was created by God to support life in Kajiado, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Tana River and Kilifi counties. This is indeed a national treasure.
This Regional Conference is therefore horrified that the national and county governments in the basin continue to pollute and destroy this lifeline for millions of Kenyans. We are at a point where the river is so polluted that even the animals in Tsavo National Park trek tens of kilometers to find water in Tsavo River or River Kiboko. Despite this massive pollution of the river, the residents in the counties in our region have no option but to use its water for irrigation and domestic consumption.
This deliberate poisoning of this crucial river must be stopped now. Indeed, we are determined to educate our people to gauge the aspirants in future elections based on their commitment and past performance in protecting River Athi and other water sources. In this regard, we call for the following measures:
a) Keep Your Waste Out of Our River
Assessments by state institutions have confirmed that River Athi and other water resources in our counties are primarily polluted by solid waste dumpsites, inflow of sewerage and industrial waste, and informal settlements located in riparian lands.
We therefore demand that each county government puts in place and implements legal and policy measures to severely punish any person who dumps waste in rivers and other water resources. We indeed urge the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge and prosecute any polluter with attempted murder. We must make pollution of water resources a serious crime, in the same category as murder, for indeed polluters are murderers.
On their part, we call upon the board members of the Water Resources Authority to either safeguard the lives of the citizens or quit those positions. No one should continue playing with the lives of Kenyans.
b) Protect Sand
This Regional Conference heartily commends the County Government of Makueni and Kitui for enacting County River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Acts. The implementation of these laws is crucial since residents in our region depend on water drawn from Sand Dams. We challenge the County governments of Machakos and Kajiado to enact similar laws and policies. We must not allow unregulated sand harvesting as it is a threat to livelihoods of our people.
On our part as NCCK, we are committed to supporting the construction of 7 sand dams and desilting 7 earth dams in Kitui County.
c) Train Residents on Climate Smart Agriculture
We further call upon the county governments in our region to allocate adequate funds to provide training residents on climate smart agriculture that conserves and restores the environment in addition to enabling them to harvest water for domestic use and irrigation. Further, we urge the ministries of Agriculture in the counties to deploy enough extension officers to support production of climate-adaptive and nutritious crops.
On our part as NCCK, we are training and supporting 4,000 households in Kitui county to adopt Climate Smart Agriculture, and invite like-minded institutions to partner with us.
2. Validate the NADCO Report
This Regional Conference has noted with appreciation that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) completed its work and submitted a report to Parliament, which proceeded to adopt it. We are however deeply concerned that Kenyans, whose lives will be radically changed by the reforms proposed in the report, are not aware of those proposals.
We do indeed have a strong fear that even the Members of Parliament who adopted the report are not fully aware of its contents, having watched a number of them confess that they did not read the Finance Bill 2023 before they passed it.
We now call upon Hon Moses Wetangula and Hon Amason Kingi, the speakers of National Assembly and Senate, to facilitate validation of the report by Kenyans. Article 1 Sub Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya states that “All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya”, and they should therefore have a chance to validate the proposals made in the report of the National Dialogue Committee.
Thereafter, there should be comprehensive public participation on the attendant laws and policies.
3. Constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
This Regional Conference is shocked at the blatant and callous manner in which the Constitution of Kenya is being breached by the same people who took an oath to protect it. The failure to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is breaching the rights of the people of Kenya in the following ways:
One, the timelines for boundaries review have been breached, and Kenya is currently in a constitutional crisis in that regardd.
Two, the National Assembly and the Senate are unconstitutional to the extent that they have not adhered the two thirds gender rule
Three, citizens In Banissa and Lagdera constituencies, as well as Nyamaiya, Kisa East, Lakezone, and Chewani Wards have been denied the right of representation
In view of these breaches of the Constitution, we call upon His Excellency President William Ruto to facilitate the completion of the recruitment of the IEBC Commissioners. The setting up of this crucial body should not be reduced to a mere political pawn.
has noted with appreciation that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) completed its work and submitted a report to Parliament, which proceeded to adopt it. We are however deeply concerned that Kenyans, whose lives will be radically changed by the reforms proposed in the report, are not aware of those proposals.
4. End the Healthcare Sector Crisis
This Regional Conference continue to note with concern the insensitive and uncaring attitude of the government when addressing the prevailing crisis in the healthcare sector. The withdrawal of the Universal Health Coverage programme and the EduAfya Medical Scheme has extremely exposed the people of Kenya to ill health and untold suffering. It was quite irresponsible on the part of the government to withdraw the two schemes without putting alternative covers in place.
Could it be that the current strikes by doctors and other health workers are merely a ruse to take attention away from the endemic malaise in the healthcare system?
We call upon the national and county governments to deliver to Kenyans the provisions of Article 43 (1)(a), which states that Every person has the right
To the highest attainable standard of health which includes the right to healthcare services, including reproductive heath care.
It is time to stop playing with the lives of Kenyans by polluting their bodies with diseases.
5. New Regional Leadership
We also wish to inform you that the Regional Conference elected a new team of officials to hold office 2024 – 2027. These are:
Chairperson: Major Leonard Kasyoka
Vice Chair: Rt Rev Gaddiel Lenini
Hon Treasurer: Naomi Mbugua
Women Rep: Canon Mary Mwaura
Youth Rep: Rev Jackson Muema
PWD Rep: Joshua Muoka
Conclusion
As we conclude, we recall to mind the aspiration Kenyans have in the National Anthem: “And our homeland of Kenya, Heritage of splendour, Firm may we stand to defend”.
Towards this, we call upon all duty bearers in the national and county governments to keep in mind the warning words recorded in Esther 4: 14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
Let every one of us commit to do all we can to reverse the pollution of our water resources, our bodies and our Constitution.
May God bless this Lower Eastern Region now and always.
Signed on this 5 day of April 2024 at ACK All Soul’s Cathedral, Machakos
Major Leonard Kasyoka
Regional Chairman, NCCK Lower Eastern Region
- Published in News