LET’S RESCUE OUR COUNTRY
PRESS STATEMENT
PREAMBLE
Religious Leaders drawn from the National Council of Churches of Kenya, have met here at Church of God Getembe in Kisii County to review the worsening situation in our Nation and County.
Our discussions have been guided by the word 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 and public participation, 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. Additionally, the Governor should reconsider his decision to scale down the ECDE feeding programme.
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 and project implementation to County residents. We also urge residents of this great County of Kisii 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 launched and budgeted for by the previous regime e.g. Factories, Roads, 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 objectively. 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 Keroka, Bonchari, Daraja Mbili, Kitutu Chache South, Nyakoe, Nyamache, Marani, Nyamarambe, Kenyenya among others 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 like 40 Brothers in Kitutu Chache South Constituency and other militia groupings 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. Kisii 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 hurting the 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 Dr. 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 Kisii County and Kenya.
God Bless Kisii County! God bless Kenya!
Signed on this 12th Day of March 2024 at Church of God, Getembe Headquarters, Kisii County by:
Rev. James Mogire
Incoming NCCK Kisii CCC Chairperson
- Published in News
NCCK NORTH RIFT REGION
PRESS STATEMENT
Preamble
NCCK Religious leaders in Uasin Gishu have met here today at the ACK CBR Hall where they did reflection, analysis, and scenario-building sessions on emerging issues related to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
Following a consultative session, the following are the way forward:
1. NCCK appreciates the work of the NADCO Committee for its consensus-building initiative.
2. NCCK religious leaders advocate for public participation in any constitutional changes since it has a direct impact on the Kenyan people.
3. NCCK Religious leaders are concerned about the cost implications that come with the referendum and some of the reforms suggested by the NADCO Report, such as the introduction of new offices.
4. NCCK Religious leaders continue to urge peace and cohesion to be advocated for and upheld by all actors.
5. Additionally, NCCK adds its voice that the electoral justice be reviewed after every election.
6. NCCK recommends that during the transition and implementation of this report, there be conscious of the need to have a peaceful nation in promoting peace and cohesion.
Acknowledgment.
We hereby bind ourselves to the use of this Uasin Gishu County Dialogue Consultative Forum with integrity and sound thought for the collective betterment of our well-being as representatives of diverse Communities and interest groups in the Region, and we as the people’s spiritual leaders, commit to remain faithful to our God, who has called us all to be his stewards and overseers over his people.
Long live our great nation Kenya!
To God be the Glory!
Signed by:
Ven. Chelal Solomon
Chairperson of NCCK Uasin Gishu County Coordinating Committee.
- Published in News
A Call to Steward the Nairobians’ Resources
PRESS STATEMENT
PREAMBLE
The Nairobi County Coordinating Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has today 12th March 2024 held a forum here at Ufungamano House to reflect on the socio-political state of this City. Importantly, we have also held the Nairobi County Coordinating Committee (CCC) elections. The delegates represent the clergy, women leaders, and youth leaders in the Nairobi Churches.
Having reflected on the state of affairs in Nairobi County, we now wish to share the following message with the Nairobi City County government and the sovereign people of Nairobi.
The Sovereign God has commanded according to Gal 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”.
Your Excellency, we commend your county governments for the services they have delivered to the citizens thus far.
We appreciate the enhanced security efforts within the city to curb criminal and insecurity cases.
We also commend the continued School Feeding program by His Excellency Gov. Sakaja.
We ask that you kindly give an ear to our message.
- Curb Corruption
The ghost workers within the county government system have hindered development projects. The report that there was zero development in the city raises eyebrows among the citizens. This is unacceptable to the people who elected you to office to steward their resources. Our elected leaders should stop using public funds meant for development in doing early campaigns to entice the citizens.
2. Embrace Public Participation
We have also interrogated the manner in which public participation is carried out in Nairobi County. We have observed that the sessions are not effective and lack clear structure.
We do call on the Governor and the executive to consider a clear structure of Public participation. As a church, we are ready for the partnership to deliberate on a framework to effectively.
On this note, we are concerned with the government’s plan to implement the Boroughs governance system. We do propose a comprehensive sensitization of Nairobi Citizens so that the system is well understood and adopted. We do not want to see any conflict in the leadership structure.
3. Enhance Accountability systems
We recommend timely access to information and the provision of comprehensive information on both county governments’ websites for the residents to follow progress and generate queries where they arise.
We recommend that the county government develop and avail to the public simplified tools to track the implementation of their manifestos. The County government should provide platforms to the citizens to audit the progress of the County leadership in delivering their promises to the citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we continue to appreciate fellow clergymen for being the prophetic voice in our county and nation during these tough times for our congregants. We also urge the clergymen to be informed and critic the governance of our elected political leaders as we steward the resources God has blessed us with.
Tunawasihi viongozi wetu wa Nairobi kutumia raslimali zetu kwa utaratibu ili kuboresha maisha ya wananchi.
Signed on this day 12th March 2024 at Ufungamano House, Nairobi
Rev Dr. Alphonse Kanga – CCC Chairman, Nairobi
National Council of Churches of Kenya
- Published in News
NCCK spearheading youth transformation
NCCK spearheading youth transformation
The NCCK internship programme is continuing to transform the lives of young graduates into effective and efficient workers, as was attested to by the 2023-24 cohort during their mid-term review session.
The 31 interns, who are placed in different departments and units within the NCCK, noted that the programme is pivotal to their smooth transition into the job market, with the knowledge gained providing them with vital insights for long-term character, career and spiritual success.
The mid-term review entailed a 1-week refresher training, coming 6 months into their internship period. It accorded them a chance to share experiences and check whether they are gaining the experience desired.
“This internship programme has so far met our aspirations to obtaining knowledge and becoming competent in our future work stations,” Moses Obala commented.
Conducted at the Fellowship of Christian Unions (FOCUS) Kenya, the mid-term review incorporated training designed to enhance the interns’ continuous development, improve their level of self-awareness, and reinforce their capacity to work effectively.
“This mid-term review has been enriching, we’ve not only had a chance to reflect on how the past six months of our internship have been but also gained vital insights on how to transition once our internship lapses,” said Ufungamano’s Maryane Wangechi.
The NCCK’s internship programme onboards fresh graduates who are then given placements in either the Council’s programmes, Ufungamano House, or Jumuia Resorts for on the job apprenticeship.
The internship programme is part of NCCK’s leadership and capacity-building component of its five-year youth program dubbed Wholesome Youth for a Wholesome Society, with the current cohort being the second cohort since the launch of the program in August 2021.
- Published in News
Happy International Women’s Day
The National Council of Churches of Kenya is today celebrating all women and wishes all a Happy Interntional Women’s Day 2024
We celebrate women as strong pillars of godliness, justice and resilient communities.
- Published in News
“THE STATE OF BUNGOMA 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 27th day of February 2024 at ACK Saint Crispin’s Cathedral Bungoma to deliberate and review the prevailing socio-economic and political state of the Nation and County and reflect on the ongoing constitutional and democratic governance processes with a view of providing pastoral guidance to the duty bearers and right holders for a successful and prosperous nation and county.
Our broad discussions are geared towards improving accountability and transparency in service delivery; highlighting the challenges affecting our people; strengthening the rule of law and promoting peaceful co-existence and cohesion among all county residents.
Our discussions have been guided by the words of the Holy Scripture in Mathew 16:13-17.
In respect of the above we humbly wish to share the following message:
1. We take note of the report from the Controller of Budget stating that Bungoma is one of the Counties that have spent less than 1% of its revenue on development with the balance going to recurrent expenditure. This has adversely affected local businesses as well as watering down the development aspirations of Bungoma. We urge H.E. the Governor to address this mismatch in the use of public funds. On the same note, the County Executive should clear the huge amount of pending Bills as they affect the local business community.
2. The County Government of Bungoma has also not prioritized the completion of stalled projects in the County including those initiated by the last regime. These stalled projects including the dual carriageway and Chebukube represent an investment of public funds that should be speedily completed for the public to enjoy the benefits. Initiating new projects while these are pending is a waste of public resources
3. Whereas we are aware that Scholarship remains the National Government function, we appreciate the County Government’s investment in the Scholarship programme. However, the scholarship programme should target and benefit the most vulnerable and needy children in the community.
4. With the ongoing development of Masinde Muliro Stadium, we feel that the dual carriageway should be completed in readiness for the Madaraka Day that will be hosted by Bungoma County on 1st June 2024.
5. We observe that the Constitution guarantees public participation in democratic and constitutional governance processes at all levels of devolution. This public participation framework is broken, as evidenced by the recent demolition of roadside businesses and kiosks in Kanduyi, Chebukube, Town Center, and Soko Kubwa, as well as the ensuing public demonstrations that called for armed police intervention. We implore H.E. the Governor to guarantee thorough consultations with the populace before implementing such drastic measures that impact the people’s means of subsistence. A human rights perspective should be used in such interventions. The county ought to think about offering assistance to the impacted companies to lessen the losses they sustain. The church solely backs the eviction and demolition of people who have trespassed on public property and road reserves. However, for us to prevent massive losses of property and lives in the future, that needs to be structured per the law and due process.
Gender-based violence cases, which are marked by high rates of teenage pregnancies, defilement, rape, and incest, have increased significantly. The negative attention that Bungoma County has received has impacted the county’s and its residents’ perceptions. We demand that the national and local governments, the parent and teacher associations, and the civil society work together to combat this pandemic endangering the next generation. Similarly, drug, alcohol, and substance abuse abuse are on the rise. To eradicate these social vices, cooperation and teamwork are required. We ought to give up placing blame and pointing fingers.
On the same note, we urge the County Government through the Gender department to operationalize the rescue Centre at Ndengelwa in Kanduyi to shelter the many affected girls and women.
6. In the run-up to the 2027 elections, we have observed a rise in the political activity and campaigns of politicians affiliated with both sides of the government. Political campaigns should wait until later, and this is the height of the political class’s self-interest. Politicians ought to concentrate on providing services and carrying out their agendas and manifestos before elections. We strongly advise politicians who are discussing running for specific seats in 2027 not to do so.
7. that the oversight role of our elected leaders is wanting. this is likely to compromise service delivery
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 all 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 Bungoma County and Kenya.
God Bless Bungoma County! God bless Kenya!
Signed on this 27th Day of February 2024 at ACK Saint Chrispin’s cathedral Bungoma., Bungoma County by
Bishop George Mechumo – ACK Bungoma
Moderator Joseph Wanyonyi – Reformed C.E.A
Bishop Zedekiah Chunge – ECA
- Published in News
Call to Action
NCCK LOWER EASTERN REGION
PRESS STATEMENT
Preamble
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Lower Eastern Region held a Citizen Led Accountability forum here at ACK All Souls Cathedral, Machakos to reflect on the state of the SEKEB Counties, which include Machakos, Makueni, Kitui and Kajiado. The forum included representatives from NCCK, KCCB, SUPKEM, SDA, IMLU, KNHCR and Machakos Civil Society Organizations
This meeting took note of the County performance report findings on the County government’s Budget Implementation Review Report for the Financial year 2022/23. In particular, it indicated that Machakos was one of the countries that had the lowest absorption rate of its development budget, at 42.5 percent. We acknowledge efforts by the Kajiado County Government for high own-source revenue generation in comparison to the other counties. We take note that Kitui and Makueni Counties had low revenue generation to sustain their budgets according to the controller of the budget annual report.
This is a worrying state of affairs, and there is an urgent need for action to address challenges that derail effective and efficient budget execution.
- Times are tough, Improve service delivery
The Constitution of Kenya provides in Article 129 (2) that “Executive authority shall be exercised in a manner compatible with the principle of service to the people of Kenya, for their well-being and benefit”
To our Honorable Governors together with your administration, we acknowledge the efforts made towards fulfilling the promises you made to the people in Financial Year 2022/23. We look forward to improved service delivery and progressive development across the counties in the next four years through effective budget implementation. We recommend that:
- 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 availed on the county websites to enhance accountability and transparency.
- The Counties should address their own-source revenue performance 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.
- The County treasury should improve the vote book and budgetary control to ensure expenditure is within the approved budget.
- An increased absorption rate of development budget as stipulated in the CIDPs and in line with people’s priorities.
- The County leadership should address the pending bills to ensure genuine bills are paid promptly in the remaining financial year.
- 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.
- The national government should ensure timely disbursement of county funds to ensure effective service delivery in the Counties.
2. Uphold the Constitution of Kenya and Rule Law
We commend the County administrations for their continued public commitment to uphold the Constitution of Kenya in their work. It is in this context that we request the political and administrative leaders to lead the county governments in adhering to the Constitution and Laws of Kenya.
We are particularly alarmed at the intolerant relationship between the executive and some Members of the County Assembly. This has been witnessed in the verbal and physical attacks against each other. In the Constitution of Kenya, the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary were created separately to provide checks and balances to ensure justice. Progressively tearing down these boundaries results in a loss of confidence in the institutions of governance.
We plead with the leaders to bring to an end to the public attacks on each other. Where there is suspicion of corruption and misappropriation of funds, let the proper procedures be followed to have them investigated and necessary action taken. In the same breath, we urge that the County Assembly and any member of the public should be free to hold the Executive accountable as provided in the Constitution.
3. 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.
4. Education; Safeguard the Future of our Learners
Recognizing the centrality of education in shaping the nation, we together with all Kenyans are deeply concerned about the admission of our children to universities and colleges. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) website has been experiencing delays that have rendered most candidates unable to choose their preferred universities and colleges. A majority of them took to social media to express their frustrations over the server issue. We urge the Ministry of Education to promptly address this concern to ensure placement service is working closely with relevant stakeholders in the government to ensure that all applicants are enabled to submit their choices in the shortest time possible.
We take note of the good initiatives to advance ECDE learning across the Counties. We applaud Kitui and Makueni Counties for upgrading their ECDE teachers’ salaries to permanent and pensionable grades. We commend Machakos County for the ECDE milk project. This is a good initiative. We propose counties to adopt ECDE feeding programs that are sustainable and will increase school retention.
We are grateful that our children are closing school for their mid-term break. We request all caregivers to take care of their children during this school mid-term break. Moreover, we urge that all involved in the transport sector adhere to road safety guidelines and drive safely to minimize accidents.
5. In Conclusion
We wish to join Kenyans in condoling the families that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate accident at Katangi. We pray for comfort for the bereaved families and wellness for those affected.
To all residents, we urge us to evacuate yields from our 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 March April May rains to increase food production.
To our County Government Administrations, we assure all governors of our continued prayers, that God will grant you wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as you lead his people.
God Bless Kajiado, God Bless Kitui
God Bless Makueni, God Bless Machakos
God Bless Kenya.
Signed on this 29th day of February 2024 at ACK All Souls Cathedral, Machakos
Bishop Joseph Mutungi
NCCK LE Chairman
Ali Asuman
SUPKEM Machakos
- Published in News
Protect Lives and Livelihoods
PROTECT LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS
PRESS STATEMENT
Preamble
The religious leaders drawn from Nakuru, Baringo, Bomet, Narok, Kericho and Samburu counties have led a forum here at ACK St. Luke’s Church, Narok, today on 29th February 2024 to reflect on the state of the South Rift region and the Nation at large. This was a joint forum with key religious leaders from NCCK, SUPKEM Narok Chapter and KCCB Ngong Diocese.
The Religious Leaders have taken a deep reflection on the regional and national issues and we are deeply concerned by the worrying state of affairs. This implies there is a great need for urgent remedial actions and radical changes.
While reflecting on the Holy Books, 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”
Therefore, we humbly wish to share three key messages and recommendations thereof, particularly with all political leaders, Arms of the Government and Kenyans;
- Honest Commitment to End the Spiralling Insecurity in the Region
The insecurity status is quite worrying and intriguing in Baringo, and Samburu Counties as well as the relapse of inter-communities clashes in Narok and Kericho Counties. We are deeply concerned since the violence has persisted and is continuing despite the security interventions that have been put in place in the areas.
It is so bad to the extent that an elected leader can be killed by bandits in a region under government security operations since February 2023. The insecurity status is characterized by sporadic banditry attacks, killings of innocent lives, vandalism of key infrastructure e.g. schools, livestock theft, inter-clan wars, and inter-community clashes. These criminal activities have an irreversible impact on Kenyans; unnecessary loss of innocent lives, disruption of livelihoods, displacement and migration of residents, loss of livestock, and disruption of education of our children. It is disheartening to note that this happening yet we say we the nation is peaceful.
Recognizing that security is a pre-requisite of peace, cohesion, and tolerance, we make the following specific recommendations:
- a. We urge the government to take stern action against politicians and individuals having a hand in violence either directly or indirectly.
- Strengthen community policing; revamp and empower Peace Committees’ Structures to promote peace and cohesion. The government to engage the church leaders in ethnic dialogue forum initiatives.
- Promote public-police trust for enhanced early warning and intelligence sharing at the community level
2. Uphold the Constitution of Kenya and the Rule of Law
Dear all, the Rule of Law has been under great threat characterized by open impunity, mobilization of groups, and attack on some institutions by some leaders. We are particularly alarmed at the widening gap in the three arms of government relationships. In the Constitution of Kenya, the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary were created separately to provide checks and balances to ensure a just society. Nakuru County is a good scenario case where there is open disregard for the court rulings by the National Police Service and political leaders in power. We plead with all leaders, institutions, and Kenyans to protect, adhere and promote the Constitution and Laws of Kenya.
3. Address the High Cost of Living, Accelerate the Delivery of Quality Services, and End Corruption
This is our biggest cry and demand to HE The President, the National and Senate Parliaments; that the most urgent concern of the people of Kenya is to lower the skyrocketing cost of living amidst other socio-economic and political challenges. The soaring cost of commodities coupled with dwindling expendable income, has pushed more Kenyans below the poverty line leading to a lot of suffering. 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 a reprieve for the people by lowering taxes and freezing the increment of statutory deductions. Instead, we urge measures to promote the growth of export-oriented businesses. This will earn the nation the much-needed foreign exchange and also increase tax income without unnecessarily aggravating the people.
We also call for all county governments in the region to accelerate the delivery of quality service and prioritize community-felt needs for sustainable development. It is intriguing to hear from the Auditor General reports that some County Governments have zero development reports, others have increased revenue with very minimal or zero development while some recorded declined revenue collection.
As patriotic Citizens, we must have an honest fight against corruption. Corruption compounded by other issues such as the high cost of living, and high taxation, poor service delivery erodes the confidence of the public and demotivates their trust in political leadership and government institutions. We urge an honest total war against corruption through the prosecution of any persons who have been involved in any irregular processes to misappropriate state resources for their selfish interests. We highly recommend the ODPP to desist from any other attempts to withdraw corruption cases– it is not right and it is unfair to the People of Kenya. We urge for recall of the dropped corruption criminal cases to follow the due courts’ processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we continue to pray for our dear Nation; for Unity, Prosperity, and Resilience to the global dynamics.
We condole with the family of the late Hon. Paul Leshimpiro and all families that have lost their loved ones in the banditry-prone areas. We are taking time to pray for the region to attain peace and the nation at large and we are also inviting all Kenyans to join hands in the same.
This is our message of hope to all Kenyans to appreciate and protect democracy, live in harmony and tolerate each other, and persevere for a better today and tomorrow.
God bless us all.
Signed on this 29th day of February 2024 at ACK St. Luke’s Church, Narok by:
Rt. Rev. Ernest Ng’eno
NCCK South Rift Regional Chairman
Ali Juma Ramadhan
Chairman, SUPKEM Narok County Chapter
Fr. John Nderitu
Chairman, KCCB/CJPD Ngong Diocese
- Published in News
State of Kiambu County
PRESS STATEMENT
The Kiambu County Coordinating Committee has held a meeting here at ACK St Pauls’ Church Kiambu on this 29th day of February 2024 to reflect on the state of the county. The County Committee was joined by the Clergy, other church leaders, and the NCCK Regional Chair of the NCCK member churches in Kiambu County.
Delegates reflected on the state of the county and now wish to share the following message:
We plead with the government to listen to the cries of Kenyans. The level of stress and mental anguish due to the high cost of living has risen to unmanageable levels. If the situation is not resolved, the damage to the residents of Kiambu and the nation will be unredeemable.
The prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse is greatly affecting the population manifesting in increased criminal activities including insecurity and mental health issues. We urge the government to make a concerted effort to fight drug and substance abuse. We also want the government to regulate entertainment joints and clubs to reduce the manufacturing of illicit brews.
We appeal to the county government to prioritize issues facing the Mwananchi, specifically prioritization of provision of medicine in our hospitals to improve access to healthcare to the people of Kiambu, infrastructure, and education.
We have noted the political heckling in Kiambu County and we want to call upon the elected leaders to sit and dialogue to find solutions to the problems facing the people of Kiambu. We want you to be united to develop the County. We urge our politicians to allow those in leadership to do their work and give them space to perform and deliver.
Due to economic hardships, we want the county government to Review and amend the land rates bill. The County Government has issued new taxation demands where the freehold land owners are expected to pay land rates following the Kiambu County Valuation and Rating Act passed in 2016. According to the act, land rates are to attract a 3% penalty every month and are to be back-dated to when the act was enacted. This goes against the will of the people as the act and the directive is punitive.
Signed
Rev Simon Murigi
CCC Chairman Kiambu County
- Published in News
SECURING A DEMOCRATIC AND ACCOUNTABLE NATION.
CITIZEN LED CONSULTATIVE FORUM.
SECURING A DEMOCRATIC AND ACCOUNTABLE NATION.
PRESS STATEMENT
Introduction:
The North Rift Regional Consultative Forum as part of the Religious Leaders of Kenya, has held the Regional Dialogue Conference today Thursday 29th February 2024 at Reformed Church Conference Hall. We reflected on John 2: 1-5 “Follow what Christ Says and do what he asks us to do”
The North Rift Regional County consultative forum brought together delegates from religious groups and representatives of Dialogue Reference Group (KCCB, NCCK, SUPKEM
)Youth, Women, and Mediators to deliberate on pertinent issues affecting us and have come up with resolutions and recommendations endorsed in this Press Statement.
Our Point of Reference:
On insecurity in some parts of the nation- We are apprehensive of the rising insecurity in parts of Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu counties, and other parts of the nation. We as religious leaders ask political leaders and other agencies to stop profiling of communities from the affected regions without proof. Criminals remain criminals irrespective of which community they come from and should be treated as such. Let the full force of the law take its course on them. We as religious leaders from the region recommend the process of disarmament be conducted in a humane way by providing economic opportunities for reformed warriors. Equally, some leaders should avoid politicizing the situation and provide citizen-led and centered solutions to address the menace. Similarly, we call upon the government to come out clearly on the issue of boundaries by indicating the demarcated boundaries to avoid the continuing loss of lives and property.
On cattle rustling and banditry, we as religious leaders have observed that this is now a business venture that involves cartels. We call upon the minister of interior and internal security to move fast and quell the fears of residents in these areas by apprehending the culprits. Lives are being lost every day and yet perpetrators continue operating under impunity. The sanctity of life should be protected at all costs. We as religious leaders hereby resolve to constitute an ad-hoc peace committee to look into the issue and provide long-lasting solutions to address the insecurity in the region. We are open to partnering and collaborating with the existing structures to combat the insecurity in our region. Further, we also recommend that all stakeholders in education sector ensure that children and youths from these regions access education which will go a long way in alleviating the menace.
Our Commitment
Having thoroughly deliberated on the resolutions that were raised during this meeting, we have identified some action points to be taken by the leadership of the religious groups, the community, other multi-sectoral actors, the executive, the judiciary, the legislature, and government security agencies to bring back normalcy in the areas affected by insecurity.
Our Outcomes
The North Rift Regional Dialogue Consultative Forum wishes to respond as follows to the current political situation in our region and nation at large.
On supremacy war between the executive and judiciary, we as religious leaders call upon our President and The Head of the Judiciary to refrain from utterances that will make Kenyans lose confidence either in the Executive or the Judiciary. All arms of the government should work independently as provided for by the Constitution. However, we encourage positive criticisms from either side. The president swore to protect the constitution and therefore should desist from openly saying that he will not obey court orders. Thus we call upon the top leadership to continue emphasizing the need to respect the rule of law.
On Corruption, we, the members of the North Rift Regional Consultative Dialogue Forum are supportive of steps to be taken to root out corruption in Kenya. However this should not be done selectively, especially when judges/magistrates issue a ruling contrary to the wishes of the executive, we don’t expect the executive to fight back in political arenas. The rule of Law must be followed by everyone. We should not have selective fighting against corruption. Corruption is an enemy to the development of Kenya and should be fought from all sectors. Due diligence should take center stage in fighting corruption to avoid the question of labeling the fight as witch-hunting. As Kenyans, we need to protect the independence of the three arms of the government. If not, this will erode the confidence Kenyans have in the independence of the three arms of the government.
On Gender Based Violence (Femicide), as religious leaders, we are concerned with the current wave of femicide in Kenya which is not only alarming but also setting the country to a worrying security crisis if nothing is done urgently. Multiple cases of femicide have been reported in different parts of the country – starting from the murders of female university students on various campuses across the country. We call upon the President and security agencies to ensure that our women are being protected and everyone at large.
On the high cost of living, we call upon our president to step up more efforts to ensure that the cost of living is further brought down in Kenya. This is especially hurting the vulnerable and poor members of our society.
On Unemployment, we call upon the National and County governments to create an environment to create more jobs for the youth, through SMES, JUA Kali sector, public and private sectors. We are concerned that some private sectors are closing shop and moving out of the country citing unfavorable business environment. Additionally, on appointive positions we call upon concerned agencies to ensure that it’s done fairly and ensure that people are appointed on merit rather than out of bribery and nepotism.
On Taxation-Kenyans feel that they are heavily taxed and yet they are not reaping the fruits of high taxation. We call upon both levels of our governments to ensure prudent use of taxes and minimize fraud.
CONCLUSION:
We hereby bind ourselves to the use of this North Rift Regional Dialogue Consultative Forum with integrity and sound thought for the collective betterment of our well-being as representatives of diverse Communities and interest groups in the Region, and we as the people’s spiritual leaders, commit to remain faithful to our God, who has called us all to be his stewards and overseers over his people.
Long live our great nation Kenya!
To God be the Glory!
Signed by
Rev. Daniel Barno
Chairperson of North Rift Regional Consultative Forum
- Published in News