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
Dignify Our Lives – Nairobi Regional Conference
Dignify Our Lives
Press Statement
Preamble
The 14th Nairobi Regional Conference has been held here at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, 3rd to 4th April 2024, to transact statutory business and consider the state of the nation and our counties.
Guided by the theme “Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities”, the Regional Conference was inspired by the scripture recorded in Galatians 6: 9 – 10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.
Appreciating that doing good is both a precursor and a result of dignifying people, we now share this message with the nation and the residents of our region, which covers Nairobi, Kiambu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
1. Stop Impoverishing Our People
This Regional Conference is deeply concerned that the citizens of Kenya are going through a process of systematic and systemic impoverishment by the political and social governance structures. The aspiration expressed in our National Anthem, that Plenty Be Found Within Our Borders, is rapidly losing meaning in the lives of our people.
We call upon the national and county governments to speedily put in place measures to address the drivers of poverty and instead recognize that prosperous citizens make better nations. In this regard, we strongly recommend the following measures:
a) Transform Corruption Mindset
Corruption is killing our nation, and the only solution is a radical transformation of our social mindset from the hunter-gatherer mentality that pushes us to grab everything in sight while accumulating money and properties we will never use. We must all join hands to deliberately transform our society from a consumerism mentality to a producer mindset.
To achieve this, we challenge the Judiciary, the National Police Service, Parliament and the Executive to end their persistent and meaningless bickering and simply allow action to be taken against every person who engages in corruption. Let us always remember the warning God gives us 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 its part, we encourage the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) to change strategy and instead focus on instilling ethics and integrity in the citizens by permeating values in the education curriculum at all levels.
At the county level, we challenge our governors to clean up their governments to remove cartels and other corruption channels.
On our part, we commit to take the period between now and the next elections to educate our people on integrity and values, and will integrate the same in our churches.
b) Dignify Livelihoods
This Regional Conference has noted with concern that the policies being put in place by Parliament and County Assemblies are killing dignified livelihood options of the citizens. The Finance Acts passed by Parliament in the past 5 years, as well as the County Finance Appropriation Bills, have systematically muzzled businesses and investments by raising taxation to unmanageable levels. Hindrance of value addition ventures through restrictive policies and corruption-ridden bureaucracy continues to hinder the micro-level industrialization necessary for growth of the economy. This state of affairs is not sustainable and requires viable remedies.
Towards this, we strongly recommend the following measures:
One, we urge our county governments to provide favourable business environments by consolidating and rationalizing all the fees, levies and licenses required by different agencies and authorities. Starting and running a business should be made extremely easy, recognizing that the higher the number of enterprises translates to higher income for the county governments. In this regard, we advice the county governments to adopt the Huduma Center approach where a citizen can access all the certifications and licensing required under one roof.
Two, we continue to plead with the national and county governments to reduce the level of taxation. The sense of helplessness and despair driven by the high taxes is having a very high toll on the citizenry, and is killing productivity. We urge you to remember the consequences that followed when King Rehoboam of Israel ignored the wisdom of the elders, as we read in 1 Kings 12: 16
When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse’s son? To your tents, O Israel! Look after your own house, O David!”. So the Israelites went home.
If you remain insensitive to the suffering of the people, your leadership will be rejected and the nation could break apart.
Thirdly, we call upon all development partners and well wishers to support skilling and trainings on entrepreneurship for men, women, and the youth. The only way we will be able to create job opportunities required in our counties is by empowering more people to be job creators.
c) Punish Fertilizer Scammers
We in this Regional Conference are horrified at the blatant evil of packaging of fake fertilizer has been committed in full glare of the government, security agencies, and quality control agencies. Even more troubling is the revelation that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) was used to distribute the fake fertilizer to farmers.
We are genuinely shocked that the heads of NCPB, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and Ministry of Agriculture have not stepped aside for exposing the nation to such a tragedy. That is the expected standard of integrity, for anyone who oversees a process in which Kenyans are conned of their money, their food security threatened, and the fertility of their farms damaged. We call upon President William Ruto to redeem the moral authority of the government by ensuring speedy and judicious punishment of all involved in the scandal.
2. Resolve Health Sector Crisis
We in this Regional Conference are disappointed and horrified by the callous manner in which the national and county governments are handling the persisting strike by medical workers. Just because the officials are able to pay for their medical care is not a reason to neglect and destroy the public healthcare system. May the warning in Proverbs 21: 13 always ring in the ears of all the officials who are involved in this crisis:
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
We call upon the national government to complete the devolution of health services to the county governments, and urge the county governments to put the welfare of the people first.
4. Sensitize All on the NADCO Report
We in this Regional Conference have taken note that National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) completed its work and presented a report to Parliament. The report was passed, and indications by officials is that it will be implemented as is.
However, we are concerned that the Kenyans are not aware of the contents of the said report, or the changes that are likely to emerge from its implementation. The recent confessions by Members of Parliament that they passed the Finance Bill 2023 without reading it imply that even the NADCO report may have passed without scrutiny.
In this regard, we challenge Parliament, and especially the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, to facilitate a comprehensive nation-wide civic sensitization on the report. There must be deliberate effort to involve Kenyans in decisions that will affect their lives, especially in such weighty matters as those that could result in constitutional amendments.
Conclusion
We conclude our message by recalling the words of our National Anthem:
Natujenge taifa letu, Ee ndio wajibu wetu, Kenya istahili heshima; Tuungane mikono, Pamoja kazini, Kila siku tuwe na shukrani.
Let us all join hands to put effort on ensuring that every resident of Nairobi Region and the entire nation can have a dignified livelihood.
We also wish to iinform you that the Regional Conference elected a new team of officials to hold office 2024 – 2027. These are:
Chairperson: Rev Dr Alphonse Kanga
Vice Chair: Rev Canon Charles Chege
Hon Treasurer: CPA Jemimah Otido
Women Rep: Rev Martha Kihika
Youth Rep: Rev George Mutembei
PWD Rep: Samson Waweru
May God bless the Nairobi Region now and always.
Signed on this 3rd day of April 2024 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.
Rev Dr Alphonse Kanga
Regional Chairman, NCCK Nairobi Region
- Published in News
A Call for Accountable and Transparent Leadership
PRESS STATEMENT
Preamble
The NCCK Bomet County Coordinating Committee (CCC) in the South Rift Region, has met today 13th March 2024 here at ACK St. Stephen’s Church, Bomet. During the meeting, we took time to pray for the County and our Nation in such a time when we are experiencing real economic hardships and socio-political dynamics. This is our message of hope to all Kenyans to remain optimistic, vigilant, and remain to sober against the challenges.
We encourage Kenyans from the holy scriptures, Hebrews 12: 14;
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men
And to be Holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord”
We also have the following issues we wish to share with Bomet County Government and the National Government:
- Cushion Kenyans from High Cost of Living and Stop Corruption
Your Excellency the President, Kenyans are suffering due to the hard economic times characterized by the high cost of living. The Kenyan households are overburdened. Kenyans need a reprieve. We understand the global challenges that have worsened our nation’s economic status. However, we believe the government has means and measures to cushion the electorate from their sufferings. The continued increase of high taxation, excessive external borrowing, wastage of public resources, and corruption have made our economic situation worse. Businesses are collapsing, increase in unemployment, and a mental breakdown of many Kenyans among other issues that are draining us.
We firmly ask all levels of government to:
- Conduct an impartial investigation and prosecute all corruption cases, and reinstate and strengthen wealth declaration for all civil servants. The ODPP should stop withdrawing corruption cases and let the law follow its cause in the determination of the cases.
- Strategic recovery of the Kenyan economy against the global economic swings affecting all nations. The national government to be deliberate in its economic recovery measures; desist from further borrowing, account for every loan borrowed, hold public officers accountable for resource wastage
- Increase the social protection funds and expand the programs for more impact and transformation of lives. This will cushion the elderly and vulnerable from the high cost of living. The government to consider increasing the Inua Jamii disbursement to suit the current cost of living.
- Reduction of high taxation and stop the introduction of new taxes. And if it is a must, we ask for a gradual introduction of the new taxes and increments. Increase in taxation and introduction, proper public participation should be done at all levels.
- Ask for Accountability and Transparency in the Development and Quality Service Delivery In Bomet County
On our call for accountable and transparent leadership that leads to sustainable development and quality service, we ask the following;
- Audit of County service delivery and projects to enhance accountability and transparency from the county government of Bomet.
- Bomet County Government be intentional in engaging the Church to actively participate in public participation processes, especially in the budget-making processes in Bomet County. The church is ready to support the County Government on the basis that the Church is engaged meaningfully in development. The Church pledges to mobilize her congregants to attend all the public forums if we are informed and information is provided in time for meaningful public participation.
- We are calling upon the County Assembly of Bomet to legislate a Ward Development fund to spur economic growth at the grassroots levels. To prevent devolving corruption further to the grassroots levels the citizens should be empowered how to demand accountability and transparency on resource allocation and utilization.
- We urge HE The Governor of Bomet County to address the continuing employment wrangles within his county government. We call upon the County Service Board and County Secretary to ensure the residents continue to enjoy quality service delivery without any disruption emanating from the employer-employee issues.
- Mitigate Climate Change: Conserve Environment and Promote Sustainable Agriculture
Kenya’s Vision 2030 envisions reduced environmental pollution and general degradation. The Mau Complex ecosystem is a critical natural resource in Bomet County and a source of livelihood for many households in Bomet, Narok, Narok, and Kericho Counties. We highly recommend the governments for the conservation initiatives in Mau Complex.
We highly recommend the following;
- The relevant County Ministries in Environment and Land to collaborate to continue with the conservation efforts in the Mau Forest Complex Ecosystem.
- The Ministry of Agriculture in Bomet County Government to raise awareness and capacity build the community members in sustainable Land use and development.
- Bomet County Government and NEMA to enforce laws and policies prohibiting harmful land use such as poor farming methods, destruction of community water catchment areas, and car wash businesses along Bomet County Rivers.
- To discourage the community members from further degrading the environment in the County, the Bomet County Government ought to promote the adoption of alternative and sustainable livelihoods and efficient energy options among the members of the community.
- To promote sustainable agriculture, we request opening up more access points for the subsidy fertilizer, supporting agriculture extension services, and promoting dairy farming.
Conclusion
We call upon all Kenyans and the residents of Bomet County to live in harmony and optimistic of good things to come for the Lord is with us.
Signed on this day 13th March, 2024 at ACK St. Stephen Church, Bomet town.
Ven. Philemon Rotich
NCCK Bomet County Coordinating Committee Chairman
- Published in News
ADDRESS INSECURITY AND RESPOND TO CLIMATE CHANGE
PRESS STATEMENT
PREAMBLE
The NCCK Baringo County Coordinating Committee met here at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya, Marigat, Baringo County on March 20, 2024, to reflect on issues pertaining to the security of the county that has affected Baringo North, Baringo South, and Tiaty constituencies. We also took time to discuss the effects of climate change on the people of Baringo and how we wish the government would respond.
End Banditry Attacks in Baringo
Over the years, Baringo County in the constituencies of Baringo North, Baringo South, and Tiaty have known no peace. This has been characterized by the killing of 16 people since January by armed bandits. The latest incident was a police officer, Simon Kandie, 40, who was shot dead while on leave, herding his goats in his Sibilo home, Baringo North. Over 300 goats were driven away.
The insecurity status is very worrying and we are concerned by the escalating insecurity in Baringo County and the ensuing humanitarian crisis more specifically in the locations of Kagir, Chemoe, Yatya, Kosile, and Sibilo. We are disturbed by the Increased number of households displaced from their homes with thousands of people have fled their homes in Mukutani, Sibilo, Koiboware, Ng’aratuko, Kagir, Yatia, Arabal, Loruk, Kapsebeiwa, Akoroyan, Chepkewel, Koroto, Rondinin, Rormoch and Kosile in Baringo North and Baringo South and are currently putting up in temporary structures in Mukutani, Sibilo, Sutiechum, Biretwonin, Koroto, Chebarsiat, Kipcherere, Marigat and Mogotio. We are disappointed that there has not been a deliberate attempt to provide a long-lasting solution as required by the law to the residents of these areas despite various pledges and promises; we are fully aware of our constitutional right to security, protection, and the obligation of the government to observe, protect and fulfill the bill of rights especially the right to life. ; and recognizing that security is a pre-requisite of peace, cohesion, and tolerance we do hereby state as follows;
1) That the church has always and will continue to promote peaceful coexistence and adherence to the rule of law through the preaching of peace, cohesion, and tranquillity among communities.
2)That so far the insecurity situation is reaching worrying and alarming levels. Tens of lives have been lost one being a person living with disability, hundreds injured, thousands of persons have been displaced, and the victims are psychologically traumatized. Business has also come to a standstill, including learning in schools whereby, a factor that will contribute to the vicious cycle of conflict.
3). That so far these matters have been brought to the attention of both National and County Governments through the media, delegations, and petitions but so far very little has come out of it. The Government has been inconsistent in its response to the frequent attacks on people in various parts of the County.
We call upon all the concerned stakeholders to take appropriate action to alleviate the situation.
The government;
- To speedily offer humanitarian support to displaced victims including women and children who are mostly affected by skirmishes.
- To take stern action against politicians and individuals having a hand in violence either directly or indirectly.
That Security Agencies:
- Strengthen security and quell attempts of attacks and counterattacks in the region and focus on systemic disarmament of the affected communities
- Expedite investigations and bring to book the perpetrators of the recent killings without any political interference.
- Inform the public, promptly and adequately, on the progress of the investigation and the actions taken to ease the tension being witnessed currently.
- Allow access and provide security for humanitarian agencies and media for humanitarian support and openness in the entire process
That citizens especially the aggrieved communities:
- Remain calm, desist from speculations, and allow time for investigations
- Keep vigil, and cooperate with security agencies by proactively sharing information on any suspicious activities
All community leaders including political leaders, church leaders, and council of elders:
- Restrain from making utterances that could plunge the community into inter-ethnic violence and instead encourage patience, tolerance, and cohesion.
- Desist from issuing unwarranted ultimatums that only create more animosity rather than solving the problem at hand.
- Initiate measures to address the immediate plight of the affected including providing food and shelter for the displaced persons, medical attention for the injured, and all the necessary support for the bereaved families.
As the church, we commit to:
- Continuously sensitize our members by peace messaging through the pulpit.
- Fundraise for food relief and medical support to aid the displaced families.
- Holding a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum between the community members, community leaders, political leaders, and the church toward finding a lasting solution to the persistent insecurity in Baringo.
- Carry out missions and evangelism activities in Tiaty and affected constituencies.
Respond to the effects of climate change
We believe; that God is the creator and protector of nature, that leadership emanates from God, that our environment is the source of our livelihood, that it is our collective responsibility to conserve and protect our environment, and that climate change is a result of harmful human activities and actions. To change the climate change narrative in Baringo County, we call out to the county government and all stakeholders to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies in response to the effects of climate change;
Mitigation Strategies
- Prioritize land reclamation and restoration
- Restoration of forest cover by tree planting and growing
- Planting of root grass in soil erosion-prone lowland areas
- Integration of Agro-Forestry in our farms
- Use of alternative sources of energy rather than charcoal e.g. Biogas
- Implementation of the charcoal burning ban
- Building gabions and using terraces in our farms to reduce soil erosion
Adaptation Strategies
- Full implementation of the Baringo Climate Change Act 2022
- Lobbying and advocacy through petitions and memorandums to the duty bearers to implement the Act
- Climate change financing
- Initiate accelerated funding for adaptation initiatives to match the speed and intensity of the climate impacts already upon the county
- 5% of the county budget allocation to climate change interventions
- Reinvent Agricultural methods/technologies
- Conservation agriculture and climate-smart agriculture
- Upgrading livestock breeds and curb over-grazing
- Training communities on kitchen gardens
- Harvesting and storage of rainwater
- Improved livestock keeping and farming
Conclusion
We urge all Kenyans to promote peace, love and tolerance. Let each one of us play our part of being peacemakers as we are inspired in Matthew 5:9;
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
Signed on this 20th day of March 2024 at FGCK Church, Marigat by:
Bishop Samuel Lepeliaini
NCCK Baringo CCC Chairman.
- Published in News
Walk the Talk
Press Statement
Preamble
The Kirinyaga County Coordinating Committee met here at KAG Kerugoya Church on March 28, 2024 to transact formal business and reflect on issues of concern to the citizens.
The delegates were inspired by scripture drawn from James 1:22
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Having considered the state of our county and the nation, we now share the following message.
- Implement Alcoholic Drinks Control Act
The residents of Kirinyaga County have continued to suffer the consequences of uncontrolled alcohol use, illicit brews, and drug and substance abuse. It is saddening to note that our County is among the leading counties with the highest number of deaths resulting from illicit brews. Broken marriages, school dropouts, and gender-based violence are rampant as a result of its consumption. We commend the initiative by the National government led by His Excellency Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua and the Kirinyaga County Governor HE. Anne Waiguru towards ensuring that the illicit brews are brought down.
Of notable significance is the passage of the Kirinyaga County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2023 which will go a long way in fighting the deadly illicit brews that have bedeviled the County. We look forward to its immediate implementation, and we commit to partner with the county in fighting this away against the illicit brews.
2. Fight Corruption
National Ethics and Corruption Survey Report 2023 has sadly shown that corruption is growing at 70% has continued to grow at an alarming rate. Corruption has caused public funds to be misappropriated from important priorities like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Corruption has greatly eroded institutional integrity, reducing public trust in government and dampening political legitimacy. It has exacerbated inequality and poverty by allowing the dishonest accumulation of wealth and power at the expense of the broader population. Corruption has been the major enabling factor for a culture of impunity and crimes. At its core, corruption is a violation of human rights, denying citizens their rightful share of public services and resources while privileging the connected few over society’s greater good.
Though the forces allowing graft, bribery, and embezzlement to fester may seem entrenched and powerful, they are no match for the collective will of people demanding truth, justice, and accountability. We call on the residents of Kirinyaga and its leaders to courageously take the ‘bull by the horns’ and eradicate this vice. Kirinyaga NCCK commits to leading in speaking truth to power and mobilizing all our members to fight this menace.
3. Resolve the Healthcare Crisis Speedily
We are concerned that the country is going through a serious healthcare crisis. 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.
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 across the country to hold meaningful dialogue with doctors and other medics to resolve the emerging crisis due to strikes.
4. Educate People on the NADCO Report
We have reviewed the report by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) that was presented to and passed by Parliament. We are aware that the focus has now shifted to implementation through the formulation of laws and policies. There is however a major concern that most Kenyans are not aware of the proposals made in the NADCO report or the implications when these are implemented.
We call upon the National Assembly to put in place a nationwide civic education programme so that Kenyans are aware of the measures that are being implemented.
5. 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. Let us pool our resources to support our children to go through secondary school.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we thank God for the peace that continues to prevail in our nation. We call upon all leaders at the county and national levels to focus on the welfare of the people, keeping in mind the inspiration of Mathew 7:12a
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you….”
May the Lord bless our great County!
Signed
Rev Perminas Gathaiya
Chairman, NCCK Kirinyaga County Coordinating Committee
- Published in News