Easter Monday 2024 Wishes
The National Council of Churches of Kenya wishes you a blessed Easter Monday 2024
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Good Friday 2024 Wishes
The National Council of Churches of Kenya wishes you a blessed and reflective Good Friday 2024
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A Call for Accountable and Transparent Leadership
Press Statement
Preamble
The NCCK Kericho County Coordinating Committee (CCC) in the South Rift Region, has met today March 12th, 2024 here at ACK Grace Conference Centre, Kericho. We have met to fellowship and reflect on issues affecting the residents of Kericho and Kenyans at large. We continue to uphold the country in prayer that we remain united, peaceful, and prosperous for all Kenyans. Further, we wish to share the following message with fellow Kenyans;
- The NADCO Process/Report
We appreciate the politicians’ efforts to unite Kenyans and address pertinent issues through the NADCO dialogue process. However, we foresee the positive and negative implications the NADCO process will have on the Constitution of Kenya. We urge that both the Kenya Kwanza government and the Azimio wing must ensure that Kenyans participate, and have adequate time to read and understand the NADCO process, particularly the proposed recommendations and Bills. It is our prayer that the NADCO process will not be skewed for the political interests of a particular political class or community. We call for authenticity in the process and strongly urge the politicians to stop any schemes and tricks in the processes; we ask them to let us genuinely know and understand the good and bad of the NADCO’s possible outcomes.
Further, we propose
- That the NADCO report and the proposed Bills are accessible to all Kenyans and expose the process to public participation.
- Provide the NADCO report in both English and Kiswahili versions for all Kenyans to read and be informed about the document.
- The NADCO process should promote unity, equality, inclusivity, cohesion, and prosperity for all Kenyans.
As well, we call upon the opposition wing in Kenya to remain strong and desist from being ‘bought’ by the government. The opposition should not betray Kenyans by being available to the highest bidder. Multi-party democracy must be protected at all costs.
2. Sustained Security and Peaceful Co-existence in the Sondu Border Belt
We are grateful to God for the peace we are enjoying in Kericho and Kenya. The Church leaders believe and will endeavor to ensure that peace prevails through intentional engagement with relevant stakeholders and the community to see that Kenya remains secure, peaceful, and cohesive.
We urge all Kenyans particularly the Sondu residents to desist any attempt from any person or process to threaten the peace and security they are currently enjoying. The church pledges to work with the Kericho County Security Team in enhancing peace and security through monitoring and reporting perpetrators, incidences of violence, and insecurity in Kericho County. We urge the security team to arrest suspects and bring them to books.
3. Cushion Kenyans from Economic Hardships and Stop Corruption
We take note of the nationwide expression of concern with the state of the economy and the livelihoods of the citizens. It is of extreme importance that the government of Kenya accords the people’s hope by providing a context that enables them to rebuild and restructure their livelihoods.
Towards this, we call for responsive, accountable, transparent, and inclusive measures that will ensure:
- Wastage and theft of public resources are curtailed. Action must be taken to dissuade corruption at all levels and sectors of national and county governments.
- Government recurrent expenditure must be reduced to ensure that as a nation we live within our means.
- Members of the National Assembly and Senate should play their oversight role effectively in holding the government accountable for all resources and appointment matters, and report back to the electorate.
- Reduction of taxation levels to increase the disposable income of the citizens. This will facilitate businesses to take root and grow, thereby increasing the government’s tax income.
- Five, both state and public officers, commissions, and independent offices execute their mandates effectively to restore their credibility and accountability in the eyes of Kenyans. Any implied or apparent intimidation of officers in these institutions must be stopped.
Further to these, we reiterate our call for a public discourse on the national public debt to ensure that Kenyans pay only for the money borrowed and spent lawfully. In addition, the government needs to adopt fidelity and transparency in the acquisition and use of external borrowings. This will mitigate the nationwide perception that funds borrowed are ending up in the pockets of individuals. Let Kenyans know what is being borrowed in their name, and how it is spent.
4. Empower the Boy-Child
The NCCK Kericho CCC is greatly concerned that the state has lost focus on the boy-child in Kenyan society. We note that the negligence of the boy child starts right at the household level. This situation is worrying. The country needs measures to restore the dignity of the boy-child and we propose the following;
- Establish an affirmative fund for the boy child as well
- Economic Empowerment for the Male Youth
- Mental wellness of the boy child
- Holistic Mentorship support for the boy-child
- Purposeful campaign against drug and substance abuse among the youth
Conclusion
In conclusion, we rally the government to listen to the cries of suffering Kenyans due to the high cost of living and hard economic times.
We encourage Kenyans to remain hopeful, peaceful, and hardworking towards prosperity for all.
Signed on this day 12th March, 2024 at A.C.K Grace Conference Centre Kericho by:
Rev. Andrew Tum
NCCK Kericho CCC Chairman
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Pioneering Progress and Sustainable Development
PRESS STATEMENT
Preamble
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) held its Kitui County Coordinating Committee meeting today 27th March 2024, here at ACK St Martin’s Cathedral in Kitui town to reflect on the state of the County and review the Kitui County River Basins Sand Utilization and Conservation Policy, 2023. The forum included representatives from NCCK Member Churches including ABC, ACK, PCEA, KAG, Salvation Army, FPFK, PEFA, and FGCK.
This meeting evaluated the Kitui County performance implementation and service delivery. The county government’s efforts are remarkable as it continues to stride forward in its mission to foster progress, prosperity, and sustainability for its residents. Through steadfast dedication and strategic initiatives, the County has achieved significant milestones across various sectors, ranging from infrastructure development to education and environmental conservation.
- Water Access
One of the key pillars of development in Kitui County is ensuring access to clean and reliable water sources for all residents. Over the past 18 months, we have observed that the current County administration has made significant strides in improving water access, reaching communities that were previously underserved. Through innovative water projects and infrastructure investments such as borehole drilling, earth dam desilting, and plans underway to pipe water through the Kangu Kangu project, more households now have access to safe water, improving health outcomes and enhancing overall quality of life.
We, however, take note that some areas still do not have access to water and experience water shortages. We urge the County government to ensure water is available to all citizens in Kitui. Moreover, we recommend that the county government should consider utilization of solar energy for general use.
Consequently, we call upon all Kitui and Kenyan citizens to adopt water-harvesting technologies such as water pans, installing gutters, and purchasing water storage tanks to benefit from the oncoming March-April-May Rains.
2. Roads Infrastructure
We recognize that enhancing connectivity is crucial for economic growth and social development. We applaud Kitui County for prioritizing the expansion and maintenance of its road network, facilitating easier movement of goods and people. With improved road infrastructure, businesses have flourished, and communities have been brought closer together, fostering a sense of unity and progress. We hope that the efforts are going to extend to all parts of Kitui.
3. Trade, Skills, and Capacity Building
We recognize the importance of empowering residents with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s dynamic economy. We have observed Kitui County government investment in various programs and initiatives for skills development and capacity building; equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen fields. This commitment to human capital development will fuel economic growth and create pathways to prosperity for all.
4. Education
Investing in the education of our youngest citizens is paramount to securing a brighter future for Kitui County. The County has expanded its network of ECDE centers, providing children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Furthermore, we recognize the efforts made to upgrade teachers to permanent and pensionable status, ensuring stability and continuity in the education sector.
Call to Support the 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 program by contributing one shilling and fifty cents each day by sending an SMS written ELIMU to 29888 or sending their contribution through *802#. Let us pool our resources to support our children to go through secondary school.
5. Community Sensitization on Climate Change:
As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent, we recognize the urgent need to build resilience and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Through targeted community sensitization efforts, residents will be educated about the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of adopting nature-based solutions. By working together, we can safeguard our environment for present and future generations.
In line with our commitment to sustainable environmental management, we are actively engaging communities on the responsible utilization of natural resources, particularly regarding Kitui River basins and sand utilization. Promoting awareness and adherence to policies governing these resources, will mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable development practices.
In conclusion, we are glad that the Kitui County government remains steadfast in its pursuit of progress and sustainability. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, we will continue to build a brighter future for all residents and ensure prosperity for generations to come. We commit to continue praying that God will grant the Kitui County leadership wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to lead God’s people.
To the newly appointed NCCK Kitui County Officials, we pray that the Lord will guide you as you steer the work of the Council in Kitui to greater heights
God Bless Kitui
God Bless Kenya
Signed on this 27th day of March 2024 at ACK St Martin’s Cathedral Kitui by:
Rt. Rev. Gedion Muneni
NCCK Kitui CCC Chairperson
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SIAYA COUNTY RELIGIOUS LEADERS CONSULTATIVE FORUM
Emerging Victorious Amidst Challenges
Press Statement
Preamble
On this 27th day of March 2024, We Religious leaders representing NCCK member churches in Siaya county have this morning met here at ACK_St. Peters Cathedral to reflect on the state of our county and the nation.
This forum has provided an opportunity for us to deliberate on several socio-economic and political scenarios that are emerging in our county.
We now wish to share the following message with the residents of Siaya County and the country in general.
- We are deeply concerned that, after more than 10 years of devolution and democratization of Kenya, we are yet to enjoy the fruits of devolution.
- The state of service delivery in the County of Siaya is unsatisfactory with complaints of favoritism, rampant corruption, and tribalism being reported amongst the residents. The most affected sector is health, with reports of a lack of essential medical drugs and equipment in most facilities forcing residents to seek medical treatment in neighboring counties. We urge H.E. the Governor to move with speed and rally his government officers to raise the bar on service delivery.
- Residents of Siaya County are going through tough economic times as a result of an increase in the cost of basic goods. This has affected most households with Kenyans struggling to put meals on the table. The rising cost of living has brought stress and mental anguish to families across the board especially the vulnerable and poor. Learners from poor backgrounds have not been able to report back to school for lack of school fees and school dropout rates will increase. Similarly, the harsh economic situation has affected local businesses in Siaya County. We have noted reduced business activity and closure of some businesses. The County Government of Siaya can support the business community by speedily operationalizing the Grants scheme to business groups in the County.
- We note that the Constitution provides for inclusive participation of the public in constitutional and democratic governance processes at the County level up to the village level. This includes effective public participation in policy formulation, budgeting, planning, and implementation processes. However, the public participation process in Siaya County is fundamentally flawed. The public is not adequately communicated to, attendance is restricted to only a few people and the county officials undertake public participation as a public relations exercise to meet the legal requirement. This has resulted in loss of social accountability, lack of public goodwill, and apathy among county residents. We urge H.E. the Governor to lead and review the public participation bill and ensure that the objective and spirit of the public participation process are met.
- There has been a significant increase in cases of insecurity in the County due to local criminal gangs. The security apparatus needs to move with speed and rein in cases of killings, breakings, muggings, threats, and intimidation. We urge the County Security and Intelligence Committee to move with speed and enforce law and order across the county.
- THAT the County Assembly of Siaya is the legal body with the mandate of providing oversight to the county executive and ensuring proper service delivery to the residents of the County. However, most members of the County Assembly have abdicated their roles and become complicit in the ills being undertaken in the County. Some of them have become contractors through proxies, taking tenders to implement projects. How can one be the implementer and at the same time the monitor of the same project? This sad state of affairs has led to incomplete projects, poor workmanship, and loss of public funds. We urge that a proper Monitoring and Evaluation framework be put in place to avoid conflict of interest and ensure value for money on projects delivered.
- Whereas we acknowledge the 5,000/= given to bursary beneficiaries, we have noted with concern the way bursaries are launched and disbursed to recipient beneficiaries without taking into consideration the cost-effective measures. We urge the county government to put regulations and measures, and structured mechanisms for bursary allocation and disbursement with a proposed minimum of 10,000 per recipient.
- We take note with a lot of concern that current political tension is being perpetrated by our politicians and has played out most in funerals and church functions. In as much as we recognize our leaders and politicians, we as the ecumenical council in Siaya County wish to state as follows:
i. Funeral services or any other church functions are not arenas for political battles and we urge our member churches not to allow the sacredness of our pulpit to be defiled by politicians with ill motives.
ii. We urge our politicians to respect our lines of engagement, for us churches we don’t interfere with their political events. - We urge the parliament to expedite their engagements on the recommendations in the NADCO report to allow for its implementation since several issues addressed have been overtaken by time.
Conclusion
We the religious leaders are the voice of reason in the county and we advocate for meaningful change in our society. We call upon other religious leaders to unite and speak with courage on the social issues affecting our communities without fear or favour. We remain open to a facilitative dialogue with our county and national leaders to find a solution to the various issues that are of concern to Siaya County and Kenya.
God Bless Siaya County! God bless Kenya!
Signed on this 26th Day of March 2024 at the ACK Diocese of Maseno West, Siaya County by:
Bishop Francis Ouma, FGCK
Rev. Dorothy Rose Ochieng, ACK
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THE STATE OF KAKAMEGA COUNTY AND NATION: A CALL TO ACTION
PRESS STATEMENT
We, the religious leaders under the umbrella body of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), have met on this 29th day of February 2024 at Salvation Army Kenya West Territorial Headquarters, in Kakamega to deliberate and review the prevailing political and socioeconomic status of the county and nation, as well as reflect on the ongoing constitutional and democratic governance processes, with the view of providing pastoral guidance to the duty bearers and right holders for a successful and prosperous nation.
Our broad discussions are aimed at increasing accountability and transparency in service delivery, highlighting the challenges that our people face, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting peaceful coexistence and cohesion among all county residents. Our discussions have been guided by the words of the Holy Scripture in 1 Peter 2: 9 “But you are a chosen People, a royal Priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
In respect to the above, we humbly wish to share the following message:
1. The current Governor has implemented notable projects and programs, but we expect him to create key legacy projects for which he will be remembered. Furthermore, the quality of service delivery, particularly in the health sector, remains poor due to medical practitioners’ regular industrial strikes, and lack of drugs and essential equipment in most health facilities. Furthermore, the Governor’s commitment to improving ECD education by hiring more ECDE teachers is yet to be fully realized.
2. The County has seen an increase in political activity leading up to the 2027 elections, with many candidates expressing interest and starting early campaigns. We urge all politicians to refrain from early campaigns, which interfere with service delivery to County residents. We also urge residents of this great County of Kakamega to proceed with caution and use the few remaining years to evaluate the suitability of those running for various elective positions.
3. The Current Governor should complete all stalled projects that were legitimately started by the previous Governor I.e. Factories and level 4 Hospitals. We believe that this is a waste of taxpayers’ money and delayed service delivery.
4. Members of the County Government are using proxies to implement projects as contractors raising concerns about integrity and conflict of interest. We would like to remind the County Government and all other elected leaders that their core responsibility is to implement and oversee development projects in the county. The County Government should ensure adherence to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
5. We have noted increased cases of insecurity in the County in places like Butere sub-county, Mumias West, Malava, Lurambi, and Lugari where residents are mugged, trucks robbed, houses broken into even early in the evening, and many other such related cases. The rise of violent youth groups and other militia groupings such as 42 Brothers among others who are harassing members of the public, extorting money from passers-by, and smoking bhang openly is a cause for concern. These cases need to be addressed urgently.
6. Gender-based violence has increased significantly, with high rates of adolescent pregnancies, defilement, rape, and incest. Kakamega County has received negative attention, affecting the county’s image and population. We urge civil society, county, and national governments, as well as parent and teacher organizations, to work together to combat this pandemic, which threatens future generations. On the same note, drug, alcohol, and substance abuse are on the rise, and it is having a negative impact on boy child. These social vices must be eradicated through collaborative efforts. We should stop pointing fingers and assigning blame.
7. At the national level, we note that the government has implemented tax measures that have become a burden for Kenyans. The tax measures have reduced household incomes, particularly among the employed and salaried population, pushing them deeper into poverty. We urge the government of H.E. President William Ruto to listen to the people’s plight and reduce the current burden.
Conclusion
We the religious leaders are the voice of reason in the county and we advocate for meaningful change in our society. We, the NCCK-affiliated leaders, call upon other religious bodies to unite and speak with courage on the social issues affecting our communities without fear or favor. We remain open to a facilitative dialogue with our county and national leaders to find a lasting solution to the various issues that are of concern to Kakamega County and Kenya.
God Bless Kakamega County! God bless Kenya!
Signed on this 29th Day of February 2024 at Salvation Army Kenya West Territorial Headquarters Kakamega County by:
Reverend Benson Shisia
Outgoing NCCK Kakamega County CCC Chairperson
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Protect Us From The Notoriety of The Bandits
Press Statement
Preamble
The NCCK Samburu County Committee has met here at the ACK All Saints Pro-Cathedral, Maralal for ecumenical fellowship and a reflection on issues affecting all of us. Further, we have taken time to pray for the restoration of peace and security in Samburu. We urge all Kenyans to continue being hopeful and trusting God for He is with us amidst all the challenging times we are facing. Take heart from Psalms 23:1-3a
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.”
From our consultations and deliberations, we wish to share the following message;
A. Protect Samburu residents from further banditry attacks and resource conflicts
Over the last decade, Samburu County has continued to manifest unabated intercommunal conflicts majorly attributed to many factors. These include the availability and misuse of small arms, inaccessible county terrain, ungoverned spaces, struggle for available scarce natural resources, intercommunal raiding, revenge, and retaliatory attacks, harsh climatic conditions, and political incitements due to narrow political interests, inequitable distribution of resources, criminal elements among others. The persistent conflicts have been detrimental to the local economy and polarized intercommunal relations.
Interventions to deal with the conflict, including the deployment of security forces, have remained limited because they have largely been reactive and do not often address the root causes of the conflict. These root causes are related to the structural conditions of underdevelopment and broken inter-relationships within and outside the County borders.
The most affected areas by the banditry are; In Samburu North Sub-county (Baragoi, Marti, and Morijo), in Samburu West Sub-county (Loosuk ward, Porro Ward, Pura Location, and some parts of Suguta ward e.g. Logorte location), and Samburu East sub-county (all areas bordering the Borana community)
To remedy the situation, we call for the following;
- The security agencies in Samburu County and neighboring counties be regularly restructured so that all citizens are treated fairly and equitably.
- Protect the vulnerable community groups; women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, who continue to face challenges and are forced to migrate to urban areas due to insecurity and other risks such as GBV, food insecurity, and economic survival.
- We recommend that state agencies such as the NCIC in partnership with religious institutions and goodwill stakeholders initiate and drive intra and inter-ethnic interventions to bring the cycles of cattle rustling, violence, and hatred to an end. The government should also prevent potential triggers for increased conflicts in the county such as lack of public trust in the security organs and lack of clear boundaries.
- A multi-prong approach to strengthen the resilience of communities against the harsh effects of climate change. It is observed that conflicts emanating from banditry cases increase during drought periods as banditry is employed as a means to restock depleted livestock. Capacity building of the local communities’ ability to embrace livelihood diversification will go a long way to strengthening their resilience leading to stable communities.
- We call upon the County Governments of Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, and West Pokot to embrace and implement projects based on the development-security nexus. As the former UN Secretary Kofi Anan stated “We will not enjoy development without security, we will not enjoy security without development” The 3 county governments must ensure inclusive development as an integral part of the region’s security strategy.
- We also urge our politicians to desist from narrow political interests to seek and solidify their political bases. We urge politicians to desist from any form of mobilization of their community and acting as community ‘saviours’ in times of crisis.
- The government should reinforce its directives such as mandatory education for all school-aged children particularly targeting the young men (Morans) Households in the interior areas of the county. We believe education transforms a society. The Samburu church pledges to do missions and evangelism as well as church planting in conflict-prone areas with the support of the government.
B. Accelerate service delivery and development in Samburu County
In the Auditor General Report released early this year, Samburu County Government was rated poorly as one of the counties with a low proportion of development expenditure. After 10 years of devolution, Samburu County lags in critical infrastructure development. This is characterized by a poor road network, public health concerns in Maralal town, lack of recreation and social facilities, and poor drainage systems among others. We challenge Samburu County on the following;
i. Prioritize and increase development expenditure targeting all sectors in the county.
- Enhance accountability and transparency in all County operations and utilization of the county budget. This can be achieved through improved oversight by the Senator and County Assembly particularly on county budget utilization.
- Conduct intensive and continuous mass education on governance processes. The low levels of Education in the county are a major hindrance to adequate participation of the uneducated electorate in the county.
C. Address the Medics Strike and Refusal of Use of NHIF in Private Hospitals
If the government for real is for the ‘poor hustlers’ then it must resolve the national medic’s strike and NHIF stand-offs that have paralyzed health services. We remind the government that The right to health is a fundamental human right guaranteed in the Constitution of Kenya, Article 43 (1) (a) which provides that every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health. The ongoing doctor’s strike and the NHIF issue should be resolved to alleviate the suffering of the poor Kenyans who heavily rely on public health facilities to receive health services. Noting the implementation of SHIF has been marred by confusion, controversy, and opposition, we highly urge that the transition from NHIF to SHIF be expedited with no further delays.
D. Promote Citizen Engagement in the NADCO Proposals and Bills
The Church leaders here have keenly followed the NADCO discourse in the country. We appreciate the efforts of the political class to resolve both political, legal, and socio-economic issues in the country as proposed in the NADCO Report. However, we urge that the NADCO proposals must be transparent and honest, and embrace intentionality to let Kenyans be informed and participate in the process. We urge the politicians not to force their way on us as recently witnessed in the signing of other bills into law. We strongly advocate for public consultation for inclusivity and sustainability in dealing with the country’s issues.
In conclusion
The Church in Samburu believes that attaining lasting peace in Samburu County is the collective duty of the state and the citizens at large. We request the goodwill of the government and all stakeholders to promote effective collaboration in developing practical community-driven solutions that address the root causes of conflicts, community needs, and grievances. We urge the Samburu community and our neighbors the Pokot, Borana, and Turkana communities to desist from further attacks and retaliations and give dialogue a chance in order to resolve conflict issues.
Signed on this day, 22nd March 2024 here at the All Saints ACK Pro-Cathedral, Maralal by:
Bishop Joram Kiarie
NCCK Samburu County Coordinating Committee Chairman
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LET PEACE REIGN
Press Statement
Preamble
The Laikipia County Coordinating Committee met here at PCEA Nanyuki Town Church on March 26, 2024 to transact formal business and reflect on issues of concern to the citizens.
The delegates were inspired by scripture drawn from Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Having considered the state of our county and the nation, we now share the following message.
1. Reinforce security measures
The residents of Laikipia County continue to suffer from insecurity issues. People have lived in fear for far too long and this is unacceptable. Gender-based violence is on the rise, with high rates of adolescent pregnancy, defilement, rape, and incest. Bandits have been reigning terror leaving a trail of destruction characterized by loss of properties and lives. We condemn the recent attacks where armed bandits shot dead one National Police Reservist (NPR) in Graton village, Laikipia North Sub-county, and left five nursing injuries.
In this regard, we call on the National Government and the County government of Laikipia to enforce serious security measures to protect Laikipia residents. In liaison with the national Government, the county should deploy as many police officers as possible to restore sustainable peace for prosperity. The banditry suspects should be apprehended and face the full wrath of the law. We further call on the County government to improve infrastructure to increase accessibility for a swift response to security attacks.
As the Church, we continue praying for our county to remain peaceful. We call on the people of Laikipia to uphold peace and cohesion and collaborate with the government in its efforts to make peace.
2. Embrace Public participation
Laikipia County residents are alarmed by the opaque nature of Laikipia County government. Public participation only remains on paper and is only done to rubber-stamp the process. Residents are not given ample time to contribute to matters under discussion. We urge Laikipia County residents to embrace public participation forums to enhance accountability and transparency in governance. Laikipia County Coordinating Committee affirms our commitment to mobilize our members to participate in public participation engagements to exercise their constitutional rights. These are key forums to voice out issues and ensure the prioritization of projects in the county.
In this regard, we call on the County government to prioritize fulfilling the manifesto and promises they made to the people.
3. Address the Cost of Living
We have taken keen note and are concerned about the slow progress in the implementation of promises and commitments made by the county and national governments. 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. Quite notably, the persistent increase in taxation is hurting our people by creating panic and psychological instability.
In the meantime, we call upon the national and country governments to reassure the citizens by reducing the taxation levels. This will give citizens a chance to recover from the impact of Covid-19 and persistent droughts.
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 elected leaders at the county and national levels to focus on the welfare of the people, keeping in mind the inspiration of Colossians 3:23
”And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of inheritance.”
May the Lord bless our great county!
May God bless Kenya.
Signed on this 26th Day of March 2024 by:
Rev Susan Mugendi,
NCCK Laikipia County Coordinating Committee Chairperson.
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‘CHOSEN TO SERVE’
PRESS STATEMENT
Preamble
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Lower Eastern Region held its Makueni County Coordinating Committee meeting here at ACK St Emmanuel Pro Cathedral Wote to reflect on the state of the County and to review the Makueni County Environment and Climate Change Act 2022 which is under review. The forum included representatives from NCCK Member Churches including ABC, ACK, PCEA, Episcopal, PEFA, and KELC.
This meeting reviewed the County performance report findings on the County government’s Budget Implementation Review Report for the Financial year 2022/23. We took note that Makueni County had low own-source revenue generation in the first year to sustain their budgets according to the controller of budget annual report. However, this has improved by a commendable increase in revenue remitted in the last 2 quarters
We applaud the efforts made by the County government to improve service provision and deliver on development projects such as the markets. Moreover, programs and opportunities for the youth venturing into ICT. These are great initiatives that ought to be devolved across Makueni. We recommend consideration of the recommendations by the controller of budgets to address challenges that derail effective and efficient budget execution.
1. Improve service delivery
We recommend that:
1. The County Treasury should ensure timely preparation and Submission of financial reports to the Office of the Controller of Budget in line with Section 166 of the PFM Act, 2012. Comprehensive financial reports should be available on county websites to enhance accountability and transparency.
2. The County to explore strategies to raise own-source revenue to ensure the approved budget is fully financed. We recommend that more efforts should be made to ensure value chains are enhanced, experts are recruited to drive economic development, and local communities are supported to establish sustainable enterprises and income-generating activities.
3. The County treasury should improve the vote book and budgetary control to ensure expenditure is within the approved budget.
4. Increase the absorption rate of the development budget as stipulated in the CIDPs and in line with people’s priorities.
5. The County leadership should address the pending bills to ensure genuine bills are paid promptly in the remaining financial year.
6. All salaries are to be processed through the IPPD system. Counties should fast-track the acquisition of Unified Personnel Numbers for their staff to scrap the use of manual payroll.
7. The national government should ensure timely disbursement of county funds to ensure effective service delivery in the Counties.
2. Cut Down on the Cost of Living
The biggest concern of the people of Kenya is the high cost of living. The soaring cost of commodities coupled with dwindling expendable income, has pushed more Kenyans below the poverty line. The collapse of businesses, both big and small, has exponentially raised unemployment levels in the country. This situation is unsustainable regardless of any macro-level economic measures being put in place.
To remedy this situation, we strongly recommend that Governors provide reprieve for the people by further lowering business permits and levies. This will provide a favorable business environment for growth, which will in turn increase tax income without unnecessarily aggravating the people.
3. Education; Safeguard the Future of our Learners
We take note of the good initiatives to advance education across the County. We applaud the Makueni County Government for upgrading their ECDE teachers’ salaries to permanent and pensionable grades. Moreover, the Makueni County Scholarship program has benefitted many bright and needy learners who sat for their KCPE in 2023 to join their secondary schools of choice on full scholarships
4. Environmental Conservation
In light of the recent enactment of the Makueni Environment and Climate Change Act 2022, we commend the County for taking proactive steps towards environmental sustainability and climate resilience. This landmark legislation underscores the County’s commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
As stakeholders in environmental conservation and climate action, we urge the County to consider the following recommendations drawn from the provisions of the Makueni Environment and Climate Change Act 2022:
1. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms: The County should prioritize the effective implementation and enforcement of environmental laws such as waste disposal to ensure compliance and accountability among all stakeholders.
2. Promoting sustainable practices such as land use practices, promoting renewable energy sources, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives will contribute to a greener and more resilient future for Makueni County.
3. Enhancing public awareness and education by investing in public awareness campaigns. Educational programs on environmental conservation and climate change will empower communities to take active roles in protecting their environment.
4. More collaboration with relevant stakeholders and local communities, will foster a holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges in Makueni County, and also reduce duplication of projects and roles.
5. Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress, measure impact, and adapt strategies that will ensure effective implementation of the Act
6. We request the County government to speed up the rehabilitation of gulleys especially close to Nthunguni Primary, in Kaiti Sub County.
By embracing these recommendations and working collectively towards a sustainable future, Makueni County can set a positive example for other regions to follow. Together, we can build a resilient environment for current and future generations.
5. In Conclusion
We call upon all Makueni residents to evacuate yields from their farms to reduce post-harvest losses by utilizing proper storage technologies. We also urge farmers not to sell their yields at a throw-away price. Moreover, commence land preparation for THE March – April – May rains to increase food security.
We commit to continue praying that God will grant the Makueni County leadership wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to lead God’s people.
God Bless Makueni
God Bless Kenya
Signed on this 11th day of March 2024 at ACK St Emmanuel Pro Cathedral Makueni by:
Bishop Japheth Ndivo
NCCK Makueni CCC Chairman
- Published in News
MIGORI COUNTY RELIGIOUS LEADERS CONSULTATIVE FORUM
Eliminating barriers to peaceful coexistence
Press Statement
Preamble
Religious leaders representing NCCK member churches in Migori county have this morning met here at PEFA church in Migori town to reflect on the state of our county and the nation. We reflected on the scripture recorded in 1 Corinthians 13:11;
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”
This forum has provided an opportunity for us to deliberate on a number of socioeconomic and political scenarios that are emerging in our county.
We now wish to share the following message with the residents of Migori County and the country in general.
Economic slowdown
1. High basic commodity prices have exacerbated the country’s cost of living situation, reducing ordinary citizens’ purchasing power and causing additional issues for them. We have reached a point where the government does not appear to have enough revenue to provide services, repay loans, or even meet salary obligations. Unfortunately, the level of waste in government is staggering, exacerbating the issue.
2. The current Governor has implemented notable projects and programs, but we anticipate that he will create significant legacy projects for which he will be remembered. Furthermore, the quality of service delivery, particularly in the health sector, remains low as a result of medical practitioners’ frequent industrial strikes, as well as a lack of drugs and essential equipment in most health facilities. We decry the state of the recently launched sweet potato plant which only operated for a few months and has since stalled, we urge the county government to revive the project for the well-being of the Citizens of Migori County.
3. We urge the current Governor to complete all stalled projects initiated by the previous Governor, including factories and level 4 hospitals. We believe this is a waste of taxpayer money and a delay in service delivery.
4. The County Government’s use of proxies as contractors raises concerns about integrity and conflicts of interest. We would like to remind the County Government and all other elected leaders that their primary responsibility is to implement and oversee development projects in the county. The County Government should enforce the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
5. Insecurity has increased in the county, specifically in Suna East, Suna West, Rongo, and Awendo Sub-county with residents being mugged, trucks being robbed, houses being broken into early in the evening, and other related incidents. They are extorting money from passers-by and openly smoking bhang, which is cause for concern. These cases need to be addressed immediately.
Gender-based violence is on the rise, with high rates of adolescent pregnancy, defilement, rape, and incest. Migori County has received negative attention, affecting both its image and population. We urge civil society, county, and national governments, as well as parent and teacher organizations, to work together to combat this pandemic that endangers future generations. On the same note, drug, alcohol, and substance abuse are on the rise, and it is having a negative impact on young boys. These social vices must be eradicated through collective action. We need to stop pointing fingers and assigning blame.
We condole with the families that lost their loved ones due to road accidents. As we pray with them for comfort, we pray that our roads will be safe by the spirit of God. We implore the government to mark the roads, and lanes and ensure that all road signs should be put in place. The government should also ensure that traffic rules are enforced.
In regards to the NADCO report, we urge the parliament to move with speed in its implementation and look critically at the cost of living.
Our recommendations
1. We urge the government to resuscitate the collapsed sugar and tobacco sectors which directly offered employment opportunities to a majority of Migori residents. For the short-term economic revival, the government should implore on rolling out social protection programs like Kazi Mtaani. This will go far into reducing rising cases of crime in Migori County since unemployed youth are more easily mobilized to violence.
2. We recommend that the national and county governments adopt an approach to frugality by cutting off all unnecessary expenditures.
Further, the government needs to communicate clearly to Kenyans the pathway out of the economic crisis the nation is experiencing.
Thank You All.
God Bless Migori County.
God Bless Kenya.
Signed on this day of 22nd March 2024 by:
Bsp Dan Rangili – PEFA Church.
Pst Phillip Ochieng – Friends Church.
- Published in News