Category: Uncategorized

BY FRANCIS WARARI

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK – For Wananchi) is a family of
Christian Churches and Communions that was established in June 1913. The NCCK is  therefore the oldest and largest Christian Churches umbrella body in the country. Being a membership organization, the NCCK does have a presence in all the Counties through the member churches and organisations. This is through Ward Committee, County Coordinating Committee, Regional Committee (a region combines 4 – 6 counties), and at the national level. All the officials are elected by the members of NCCK at that level.
The Council endeavours to fulfill the Vision “One Church; United in Faith and Mission
witnessing to Jesus Christ and Transforming lives”, being guided by the Mission: “Holistic transformation of lives for a just, resilient and sustainable society”.

Centrality of Dialogue Honorable Chairs,
We commend your committee for the progress you have made in reaching agreement on the agenda for the bi-partisan consultative process that has been bestowed on you. We cannot gainsay the centrality of dialogue and consultations among Kenyans for promotion of peace and national cohesion. This is the advice we receive in the Bible in Philippians 2: 4:
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests
of others.It is for this reason that we have consistently called for structured and broadbased dialogue for Kenyans to have appropriate platforms to discuss the issues that affect the nation and find viable solutions. As a nation we declared in the Preamble of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 that we are proud of our “ethnic, cultural and religious diversity”, to which we can also add political persuasions that form the basis of our democracy. These differences should always draw us to sit and converse, and should  never be the reason for divisions and conflicts.

Recommendations on the Agenda Items Set Out by the Committee. Having keenly considered the 5 Agenda items outlined in the Notice for Public Participation, we make the following observations and recommendations.
a) Outstanding Constitutional Matters
(i)
Article 43 of the Constitution, the Cost of Living and related issues.

Observations:
The National Council of Churches of Kenya, individually and in partnership
with other faith institutions, has routinely addressed itself to this matter. We
observe that the triple threats of rampant corruption, massive wastage in
government, and unmanageable public debt are the primary drivers of poverty, high cost of living and the overall economic challenges facing our country.

This has imposed on the citizenry a very heavy taxation burden in which the
few who are engaged in formal employment and those with formal businesses bear the weight of the nation. The perpetual growth in demand for financial resources by the state has been rising faster than the tax-paying base, resulting in a situation where the portion of income that Kenyans surrender to the state as tax increases each year. This trajectory is not sustainable.
We also do observe that this year, Kenyans are having to grapple with an instantaneous radical increase in fees charged by public institutions of higher
learning. The new guidelines bear the potential of making education a
preserve of the rich, which will negate the stated aspirations of the government to uplift the poor.
Recommendations:
In view of the foregoing, we recommend the following measures to promote
the attainment of the aspirations of Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya:

a. Finance Act 2023 be reviewed to reduce the tax burden imposed on Kenyans.

b. Parliament to review and allocate resources for implementation of the
National Food Security Policy and Strategy with a goal of ensuring that each Kenyan is assured of their next meal which will free them to focus on personal and social development.

c. Institution of a forensic audit of the national debt to ensure that Kenyans
pay back only those debts that were actually taken and were used for the
intended purposes

d. Institution of measures to incentivize localized industrialization to
enhance the value of Kenya’s exports, coupled with capping of the exportation of raw materials to encourage local processing, which combined will create jobs and increase household incomes.

e. A process that entails intensive public participation be undertaken to
develop a realistic anti-corruption strategy be initiated, with a commitment that the recommendations will be implemented in a fair and just manner.

(ii)
Implementation of the two thirds gender rule
Observations:
Over the last 13 years, different initiatives have recommended measures and
strategies to facilitate implementation of Article 27 (8) of the Constitution,
which states as follows:
(8) In addition the measures contemplated in clause (6), the State shall take
legislative and other measures to implement the principle that not more than
two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender.
Overall, the observation has been that in providing for the membership of the
National Assembly (Article 97 (1)) and Senate (article 98 (1)), the Constitution failed to include a provision similar to Article 177 (1)(b) which in providing for members of the County Assembly states:
(b) the number of special seat members necessary to ensure that no more
than two-thirds of the membership of the assembly are of the same gender.
Similarly, a parallel provision at the national level (Legislature and the
Cabinet) is lacking with regard to what is provided for in Article 197 (1)
which states:
(1) Not more than two-thirds of the members of any county assembly or
county executive committee shall be of the same gender.The primary recommendation, then, has been that the Constitution be amended to roll upwards the gender related provisions made at the county level to the national.

Recommendations:
Having considered the foregoing, the National Council of Churches of Kenya
holds that the singularity of amendment of the Constitution will not resolve
the gap in implementation of the two thirds gender rule. We therefore
recommend the following:

a. The State to prepare and release a comprehensive report detailing the
measures taken to comply with the provision in Article 27 (8). The report
should show laws, policies and strategies, as well as reporting on actions taken when state bodies, organs and committees have failed to adhere to the rule.

b. Public participation be facilitated to enable Kenyans input on the
legislation, policies and strategies for compliance with the Constitution
through implementation of the two thirds gender rule.

c. Parliament to comply with the requirements of Article 100 by developing
and enacting the required legislation.
(iii) Governance issues, including promoting national unity and inclusivity in
public appointments
Observations:
The biggest impediment to good governance in Kenya is the overweening
prevalence of impunity under which state and non-state officials break the law with abandon with confidence that they would not face attendant  consequences. Gross misconduct, including actions and sentiments that threaten national cohesion, go unpunished.
On its part, the sense of impunity is facilitated by the widescale capture and
weakening of the independent commissions and other institutions tasked with safeguarding the rule of law by politicians and financial elites.

Recommendations:
The people of Kenya, in the Preamble of the Constitution, recognized their
aspiration “for a government based on the essential values of human rights,
equality, freedom, democracy, social justice and the rule of law”. To achieve
this, we recommend the following:
a. The Constitutional Commissions be accorded genuine financial and
operational freedom in an environment where their decisions are respected and the states adheres to the rullings and guidelines given.
b. Appointment of officials in independent commissions be by merit so that the appointees are not beholden to the government of the day and will thus
effectively deliver on their mandates.
c. The Executive and Legislature should stop the blatant disregard and
disobedience of court orders and rulings issued by the Judiciary, and should desist from disparaging the Judiciary.
(iv) Adequate checks and balances
Observations:
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 presents a comprehensive set of checks and
balances. Any emerging gaps and challenges are the result of failure to follow the provisions of the Constitution.
Recommendations:

Recognizing that the future wellbeing of Kenya is predicated on constitutionalism and the rule of law, we recommend the following:

a. The government facilitates a comprehensive civic education programme to educate all Kenyans on the contents of the Constitution of Kenya. The
first step in this process would be inclusion of reading the Constitution as
a unit in the Basic and Tertiary Education curricula.
b. The three arms of government should set an example for the citizenry by
adhering to the provisions in the Constitutions and the Laws of Kenya. If
each organ plays its role, then the checks and balances will automatically play out.
b) Electoral Justice and Related Matters.

(i) Restructuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Observations:
Prior to 1991, elections in Kenya were managed by the government through
the Provincial Administration. With the repeal of Section 2 (A) in 1991, the
Electoral Commission of Kenya was established, with Justice Zacchaeus
Chesoni as the first Chairman. Justice Chesoni and his fellow Commissioners were appointed by President Daniel Arap Moi.

In the leadup to the 1997 elections, the Inter Parties Parliamentary Group
(IPPG) process provided grounds for the appointment of new members of the
ECK. Through the arrangement, each of the political parties appointed
persons to be commissioners tasked with overseeing the 1997 General
Elections. Hon Samuel Kivuitu was appointed the Chairperson. He went on
to oversee the 1997, 2002 and 2007 General Elections, as well as the 2005
referendum.
After the 2007-08 Post Election Violence which was driven by accusations
of rigging in the elections, the Parliament established a Select Committee that
oversaw the recruitment of the commissioners of the Interim Independent
Electoral Commission. After the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya
2010, the IEBC Act 2011 was enacted. It provided for the establishment of a
broadbased panel to oversee the recruitment of IEBC commissioners. It was
this panel that appointed Isaak Hassan as the Chairperson, enabling him to oversee the 2013 General Elections.
Following accusations that the IEBC had rigged the elections, the Isaak Hassan team was removed from office in 2016 and were replaced by the team led by Wafula Chebukati. On the heels of accusations of rigging the 2017
elections, 4 Commissioners resigned, and were replaced in December 2021.
At the tail end of the 2022 General Elections, the 4 new Commissioners
dissented with the results set to be announced by Chairman Chebukati, and
three of them subsequently resigned. One, Irene Masiit, was taken through a
tribunal that recommended her removal from office. In January 2023, the
term of office of Chairman Chebukati and the two other members came to an
end.

In view of the vacancies of Commissioners, the National Assembly passed the IEBC (Amendment) Bill 2022, and it was assented to by President Ruto
in January 2023. Thereafter, the IEBC selection panel was appointed as
provided for in the Act. The Panel advertised the vacancies of the
Commissioners and Chairperson of the Commission, and commenced the
process of reviewing the applications received.
It is in this context that the Azimio la Umoja Coalition expressed
dissatisfaction with the process, instead demanding a reconstitution of the
IEBC away from the process outlined in the Act.
Recent media reports indicated that some political actors are proposing a setup similar to the 1997 IPPG process whereby political parties appointed the IEBC Commissioners.

Recommendations:

In view of the foregoing review of the appointment of IEBC commissioners
in the past, we strongly recommend that political parties should NOT play a
role in the process. As a core principle, a player should not be the one to select
the referee.

In view of the foregoing analysis, we recommend the following:

a. That the Selection Panel is reconstituted to facilitate a mutually agreed  upon process.
b. That the IEBC Act be amended to provide that in future processes, the
Selection Panel will present only 1 name for Chairperson nominee and only 6 nominees for Commissioner position.
c) Entrenching Funds into the Constitution
Observations:
We in the National Council of Churches of Kenya have observed the different
iterations of the Constituency Development Fund, and have been following the public discourse with regard to proposals for establishment of the Senate Oversight Fund.

We do take into consideration the following provisions in the Constitution of
Kenya 2010 as regard the proposed funds:
(i)
The National Government Constituencies Development Fund Article 95 of the Constitution of Kenya provides for the role of the National
Assembly and its members. This role entails:

• Representation of the people of the constituencies and special interests
• Deliberation and resolution of issues of concern to the people
• Enactment of legislation
• Determination of allocation of national revenue between national and
  county levels of government
• Appropriation of funds for expenditure
• Oversight over national revenue and expenditure
• Review of conduct in the office of the President, Deputy President and
  state officers
• Oversights state organs
• Approval of declarations of War and extension of state of emergency
  We do note that despite the practice in the past years, the Members of the
  National Assembly do not have a mandate to manage any funds. Instead,
  Kenyans elect them to oversight the management of government revenue and
  expenditure.

(ii)
The National Government Affirmative Fund
The Constitution embraces and provides for affirmative actions to cater for
populations that have been marginalized, and various articles speak to this element:
Article 27 (6) – To give full effect to the realization of the rights guaranteed
under this Article, the State shall take legislative and other measures,
including affirmative action programmes and policies designed to redress any
disadvantage suffered by individuals or groups because of past discrimination.

Article 55 – The State shall take measures, including affirmative action
programmes, to ensure that the youth –
(a) access relevant education and
training;
(b) have opportunities to associate, be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life
(c) access to  employment.

(d)protected from harmful cultural practices and exploitation

Article 56 – The State shall put in place affirmative action programmes
designed to ensure that minorities and marginalized groups .

(a) participate and are represented in governance and other spheres of life;

(b) are provided special opportunities in education and economic fields;

(c) are provided special opportunities for access to employment;

(d) develop their cultural
values, languages and practices.

(e) have reasonable access to water,
heath services and infrastructure
Article 203 (1)(h) – the need for affirmative action in respect of
disadvantaged areas and groups;
Article 250 – “Affirmative action” includes any measure designed to overcome or ameliorate an inequity or the systemic denial or infringement of a right or fundamental freedom.
We do note that none of these provisions in the Constitution require a special
fund to actualize affirmative action.

(iii) The Senate Oversight Fund
Article 96 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides for the role of Senate,
and its members, which entails:

• Representing counties and protection of interests of the counties.
• Law making by considering, debating and approving bills that concern
  the counties
• Determining allocation of national revenue among counties
• Exercising oversight of national revenue allocated to county governments
• Oversighting state officers by considering and determining resolution to
  remove the President or Deputy President from office .We do note that the Senate and the Senators do not have a role in managing any funds, and instead are mandated to oversight the management of funds allocated to the counties.

Recommendations:

In consideration of the foregoing observations, we recommend that the three funds are not established, and the existing Constituency Development Fund
should actually be terminated, as they are in contravention of the Constitution.
The funds would allocate a mandate to the Members of the National Assembly and Senate that is not allocated by the Constitution, and which is inimical to the principle of separation of powers whereby the implementer
cannot oversight the same task with integrity.
d) Establishment and Entrenchment of State Offices

(i) The Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition.

(ii) The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Observations:
The National Council of Churches of Kenya is on record recommending that
measures are taken to provide for dignified opposition. The proposal for
creation of the Office of the Leader of Official Opposition is therefore a step
in the right direction.
Quite notably, there was appointed a holder of the office of the Prime Cabinet
Secretary, a position that currently does not exist in the Constitution. The
proposed establishment of the office is therefore a move to legalize what
already exists.

Recommendations:
In the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the citizens outlined the structure of the
government and which position is to have which mandate. Recognizably, the
Constitution is a covenant of the people of Kenya and the citizens therefore
have power to review it to improve the welfare of the nation.

We strongly recommend that a grassroots-driven process be allowed to run
in which Kenyans have discourse on the two proposed positions to determine
their scope, mandate and sustainability.
Any review of the structure of government should be people-driven.
e) Fidelity to Political Parties / Coalitions and the law on multiparty democracy
(i)
Preventing interference with political parties / coalitions

Observations:
Article 4 (2) of the Constitution provides that: “The Republic of Kenya shall be a multiparty democratic State founded on the national values and  principles of governance referred to in Article 10”.
It is therefore inimical to the Constitution for any person or organ to engage
in any actions that would offend the democratic nature of the republic.
However, there is recognition that the Constitution in Article 38 accords
Kenyans the right to hold and change political opinions, and to join or exit
political parties at wish.
Recommendations:

To address the concerns that have been raised with regard to interference with
opposition political parties by the government, we recommend
implementation of the processes and procedures provided for in the
constitutions of the political parties as well as the Political Parties Act 2011.
4.

In conclusion, we in the NCCK commend this National Dialogue Committee for the
process you have engaged on. However, the timeframe provided is rather short, which has the risk of forcing you to adopt a political settlement with minimal public
participation.Nonetheless, we strongly urge that the Committee does not recommend a process to amend the Constitution, and instead identify legislative and policy measures to address the issues set out in the agenda. It may not be prudent, at this moment in time, to subject the country to the polarization and politicization of life that accompanies constitutional amendment discourse when there is a potentially divisive boundaries delimitation process coming up in a short while. It is indeed our recommendation that this National Dialogue Committee identifies strategies to facilitate the exercise of political actions and oversight between the government and the opposition without polarizing the country or keeping the country on election mode perpetually.

WAMA International Group, a holding company that oversees franchise operations across Africa is celebrating a successful partnership with ALDO Group International by opening the second ALDO Store in Nairobi at Westgate Mall. The first store
opened its doors on April 15th at The Sarit Center Mall.
WAMA International has been granted the exclusive license to establish, own, and operate ALDO stores in Kenya. This follows the Distribution Agreement between ALDO Group International and Gedeon & Co, SARL. WAMA International’s expansion plans in East Africa continue to flourish with this exciting partnership following their successful ventures with various brands in Libya, Rwanda, and
Uganda.
The ALDO Group International brings a wide range of fashion footwear and
accessories all offered at accessible prices. This partnership will pave the way for up to four new stores to open soon, as WAMA International seeks to expand its presence in the region.
WAMA International expressed their excitement over the new partnership, which they believe will bring the latest fashion trends and top-quality products to the Kenyan market. The company is committed to providing a unique shopping experience to its customers and is confident that the venture will be a success.
The opening of the second ALDO store in Kenya is a significant milestone for the fashion industry in the region. Customers can expect special promotional discounts for the grand opening, and the brand promises a unique shopping experience that
has made it a worldwide destination for on-trend fashion footwear and accessories.

Kenya Bureau of Standards Acting Director for Standards Development and Trade Zacharia Lukorito presents the Integrated Management System (IMS) certification to Davis & Shirtliff Group Chairman Alec Davis. Looking on is Davis & Shirtliff Group CEO George Mbugua.

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Davis & Shirtliff has achieved a major milestone by receiving an Integrated Management System (IMS) certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). The certification is a testament to the company’s commitment to bring about robust systems for quality, environment, and health and safety in its bid to improve lives through the provision of water and energy solutions.

The IMS certification reinforces Davis & Shirtliff’s position as a market leader and showcases its readiness to delivering excellence in critical areas that impact the well-being and economic advancement of its customers spanning all 47 counties. The certification are a result of the company’s dedication and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of innovation and sustainability in all its operations.

“We are honored for having added one more badge to our certification achievements, which confirms the unrelenting resolve to deliver quality game-changing solutions in the country. Being certified means ensuring maximum reliability and dependability of all our products and solutions to help Kenyans rip their benefits to the highest capacities,” said Davis & Shirtliff Group Chairman Alec Davis.

Therefore, IMS certification integrates three vital management systems: Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), and Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001:2018) and further, an alignment with global concerns regarding climate change and sustainability, ensuring the safety of stakeholders through compliance with regulations and hazard prevention. The certification covers a broad spectrum, including 83 sites across eight countries where Davis & Shirtliff operates.D&S joins other top organizations that have received IMS certification in Kenya such as Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Kenya, EABL, Safaricom, Bidco Africa, and Isuzu East Africa.

In conclusion, The IMS certification was officially approved by the KEBS Certification Committee on July 17, 2023, and the certificates will remain valid for a period of three years.Integration of the management systems is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to streamline their management processes, reduce costs, improve overall performance, and demonstrate commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, occupational health, and safety.

SasaPay Chief Operating Officer Daniel Njoroge, Board Chairman Dr. John Munyu, CEO Steve Kaguchia and co-founder Dennis Githui during the unveiling of SasaPay 2.0. SasaPay, a leading digital payments service provider, has unveiled new strategy as the company targets to increase its customer base both in Kenya and the diaspora market. 

BY NJOKI KARANJA

SasaPay, a leading digital payments service provider, has unveiled new strategy as the company targets to increase its customer base both in Kenya and the diaspora market.SasaPay’s new strategy centers around the provision of cutting-edge seamless financial solutions and ensuring a secure payments experience for a diverse range of businesses; including financial services sector players banks, Saccos and digital lenders, as well as SMEs in general trade, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, transport sector players, agricultural enterprises and manufacturers. 

Therefore, it envisions playing a pivotal role in the Kenyan economy by acting as a bridge between businesses and capital providers, with the firm announcing it will facilitate quick, affordable access to working capital for businesses thus spurring business growth. “Through our rebrand, we aim to redefine the role of the payments and act as the meeting point between Kenyan businesses and their customers. Key to this will be empowering them to operate more efficiently to accelerate growth,” SasaPay Chief Operating Officer Daniel Njoroge said. 

The firm further added in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, it shall apply its AI-based innovative technology to enable businesses scale by providing timely and accurate data to capital providers to fasten their decision making in funding SMEs. This will be in accordance to data protection regulations. This way the businesses will grow, provide more employment and hence provide more households with dignified lifestyles thus directly participating in critical SDG goals like No Poverty, Decent work & Economic Growth and reduced inequalities. The firm unveiled disruptive models that will focus more on strategic partnerships engineered to enable its customers derive more value from their wallets through solutions in Savings, Lending, Investments and automated payments.

In addition, specialized focus groups will henceforth receive customized wallet propositions that fits their unique needs.  SMEs for instance shall see their wallet balances earning them interest through collaborative partnerships with financial institutions in line with the firm’s philosophy of Shared Prosperity. Similarly, individual users will enjoy the most competitive transaction charges in the market and will see their wallet balances automatically earning them interest when not transacting. SasaPay users shall also be able to Shop and Pay later through its BNPL model dubbed “Shop Now Pay Later”.

 SasaPay is also eying the diaspora market with seamless transfer of funds from the diaspora to Kenya and cross-border payments from Kenya. “We foresee SasaPay being the day-to-day transaction platform for Kenyans in the diaspora to empower them transact with their families, business interests and investments in Kenya seamlessly from wherever they are in the world. We shall be the first to enable Kenyans transact in foreign currency via their wallets, a breakthrough that has been made possible through its CBK-Regulated partner WapiPay,” Njoroge added.

Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) statistics shows that Kenyans living abroad remitted Sh453 billion in 2022. In the first four months of 2023, Kenyans in diaspora sent home Sh185.9 billion. According to CBK, about 42 million mobile money transactions, valued about Sh106.6 billion (USD 730 million), are made per day; in Kenya. The number of mobile money subscribers in the country stands at 28 million. The financial inclusion in the country has risen from 26.7 percent in 2006 to 83.7 percent in 2021, one of the highest levels of financial inclusion globally. The latest CBK’s FinAccess report shows that usage of mobile money rose from 28 percent in 2009 to 81 percent in 2022. The proportion of Kenyans who use two or more financial services simultaneously has quadrupled, from just 18 per cent of the population in 2006 to 75 percent in 2022. McKinsey, a consulting firm, predicts that the electronic payments market in Africa will grow by around 150 per cent within the next two years.

 “SasaPay seeks to establish Kenya as the gateway to Africa through a robust financial ecosystem. We are connecting SasaPay to diverse payments gateways across the world to ensure an individual or a business on the SasaPay platform can do business or any form of payment transactions with anyone from any part of the world,” Mr. Njoroge concluded.

The spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi receives the ‘Outstanding Catalyst in Vulnerable Empowerment Award’ from Cabinet Secretary Environment Soipan Tuya during the Africa Public Sector Awards and Conference Awards (APSCA) 2023 at a Nairobi hotel. The awards were part of the climax of the Africa Climate Summit 2023 that recognized the selfless efforts of those working in the public service. Photo/OSDP

By OSDP

Pastor Dorcas on Friday night received an award during the Africa Public Sector Awards and Conference Awards (APSCA) 2023 at a Nairobi hotel.

She received the ‘Outstanding Catalyst in Vulnerable Empowerment Award’ following her work with the boy child, widows and orphans, and people with disabilities in Kenya.

The organisers of the ceremony, led by the Founder and CEO of Instinct Wave Akin Naphtal of APSCA applauded Pastor Dorcas for continued efforts towards empowering the boy child, making it a conversation in the nation.

The awards recognized individuals, departments and ministries in the public service that have worked selflessly for the betterment of society, as another climax to the Africa Climate Summit 2023.

The awardees were from different African countries, and included Ghana Library Authority (Most Promising Public Sector Agency of the Year), and Kenya Revenue Authority (Public Sector Brand of the Year), among others.

Pastor Dorcas appreciated her family, and especially the husband for the constant support and encouragement in her work.

 “I appreciate my husband, the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for 35 years who has always been supportive because I would not have made it, even to those drug dens without his encouragement and support; together with my boy children,” said Pastor Dorcas.

She also appreciated all the partners and individuals who had stepped forward to give back to the vulnerable in their different situations.

As Patron of the Special Olympics Kenya, Pastor Dorcas took time to support the team in Berlin, which comprised those who are specially abled.

“I also cannot take this award and say it’s mine, the work you’ve seen is collaboration of many partners and people who have believed in my vision and have worked hand in hand; including ministries and government departments.

Many times when you hear stories about the public sector, you only hear the negative but we have public servants who dedicate their time to make sure the world runs better,” said Pastor Dorcas.

She pledged to go on with the fight for the boy child.

We are not stopping, this is not an epidemic. It is a pandemic. It is across Africa, and across the world. And I have said this time and again, once you mitigate the issues of a boy child, you have mitigated the issues of a girl child. The boy child is the seed carrier, and if a society has to exist the boy child must be protected,” said Pastor Dorcas.

Cabinet Secretary Environment Soipan Tuya who was present applauded Pastor Dorcas for her selfless work for the vulnerable.

“You are speaking to those who are dirty and disoriented, and giving them hope and we can see the transformation. I look forward to partnering with you and offering them an opportunity to join the greening movement, so they do not go back to where they came from in their integration back to society,” said CS Tuya.

Dr. MITHIKA MWENDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PACJA, Mr WILBER KHASILWA OTTICHILO GOVERNOR OF VIHIGA COUNTY AND Dr CHRIS KIPTOO PS NATIONAL TREASURY AND PLANNING .

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Experts and stakeholders in climate action in Kenya seek a neat framework for the implementation of Financing a National locally-led climate action program dubbed FLOCCA, in Kenya. Stakeholders from across the country convened at the National Conference to provide space for the exchange of experiences, share perspectives learning, and scale up on practical lessons and challenges faced by communities, governments, and funders in promoting locally-led climate action, with a specific focus on the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) Programme in Kenya.

Therefore,participants explored challenges in ensuring the fund flow is well channeled as stipulated and questioned on accountability and transparency are duly respected to ensure that the community has access to the locally-led climate action.Susan Otieno, Executive Director, ActionAid shed light on the need for transparency and accountability and insisted on the need for the inclusion of youth, women marginalized and indigenous communities in the process of implementation of the FLLOCCA Program noting the principle of human rights and equal participation.Since it was launched in 2021, the program has successfully disbursed 979 MILLION KES under the county Climate institutional support grants to 45 and44 counties respectively. The program is present in all 47 counties. However, challenges are still evident as accountability is still fuzzy.

Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director, PACJA, there must be a neat protocol to be followed and ensure communities have access to the funding which should enable them to address the impacts of climate change. He stressed that no one should left behind in the participatory process of the programme.The structure of the framework questioned by participants was also mentioned by the president of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto during the FLLOCA check handover at the start of the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.

“The FLLOCA program design provides a bold and innovative, bottom-up decentralization of climate financing, as well as decision-making, thereby empowering the lowest units, which are the grassrootslevel communities in each of Kenya’s 1450 wards, to take charge of the processes of identification, planning, and implementation of climate action, based on the existing climate risk”, said HE William Ruto.

Though this framework is well developed, H.E. Wilbur Otichillo, the Chair of the Council of Governors Environment and Climate Change Committee and Governor of Vihiga County highlighted the
significance of inclusive climate change laws to ensure smooth implementation. He underscored the role of counties in contributing to Locally-led Climate action instead of waiting for support from foreign funders. “Climate change is global, but climate action must be local”, stressed HE Otichillo.

In conclusion, the FLLOCA program has seven components namely: policy, legal, and regulatory Framework for climate change; capacity building, decentralized financing, community-led actions technology and innovation, measuring climate results, and climate-related emerging Issues.

By George Milo

The Nairobi Rivers Commission has officially launched its strategic Action Plan for regeneration of Nairobi river.

The launch comes a result of pressure coming from the head of state President William Ruto in line to restoring the lost glory of the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

The head of state had said that the Capital city of Nairobi is really loosing its status of the yore.

Addressing the event launch ,Principal Secretary of Devolution Affairs Teresia Mbaiku said this will plan will ultimately improve urban health and wellbeing, create decent jobs and eco-tourism opportunities and it will also enhance biodiversity, and support the provision of clean water, sanitation and waste management. The initiative will also be a catalyst for infrastructure development including affordable housing, non-motorized transport and green public spaces, particularly within the vulnerable areas,” she said.

PS has reiterated that the stakeholders to take the plan with a genuine candidness and internalizing that the restoring of Nairobi river basin and it will be a big significance achievements to food security.

She said that the plan of cleaning the river will improve communities living standards in the areas.

“Restoration of Nairobi river is a priority for the government. It is a legacy assignment for President Ruto and as devolution we have identified it as a priority and we are open to partnership for better and lasting results,” she said.

She added that the state of affairs must come to an end, and the unsafe and unhealthy environmental situation must be corrected to restore Nairobi to its true identity. We have resolved that the city must not only reclaim its glorious reputation as Africa’s green city in the sun but must also live up to its ancestral identity as the river of cool

This happens as Kenya awaits to host the first Africa Climate Summit.

By Jeff Kizzilah

The Ajira Digital Program has today held a graduation for the first Cohort of 16 young women under ( AjiraForShe) Apprenticeship initiative in Nairobi.

The AjiraForShe Apprenticeship is an internship initiative driven by eMobilis Technology Training Institute, under the Ajira Digital program whose aim is to advance opportunities for young women in Kenya in the digital economy through building their confidence in taking up digital job opportunities, enhancing their already gained digital skills and expanding women’s access to quality career pathways through increased participation in apprenticeships.

This has been made possible by the strategic collaborations with AjiraForShe partners that are Women Empowerment Organizations including Refushe, Nice Place Foundation, Madrasa Tulfalaha and Hope World Wide Kenya, who were involved in incubating the first cohort of digital interns, graduating today.

The Ajira Digital Program is an initiative of the Government of Kenya under the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.

The program’s mission is to enable over one million young people, 70% of whom are young women, to access digital and digitally enabled jobs annually through accelerating digital outsourcing and the digitization of processes and services within the private and public sectors in order to position Kenya as a choice labor destination for multinational companies and a global freelancing hub. The Program is a public-private partnership that is strategically supported by the Mastercard Foundation and is being implemented by eMobilis Technology Training Institute (eMobilis) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

Apprenticeship is a proven on-the-job training model that helps individuals develop the skills for a career.

However, it has not been fully accessed by a key segment of our nation’s workforce – women, despite the fact that women constitute 40 percent of the country’s workforce according to 2019 National census by KEBS.  The AjiraForShe is a pivotal step towards gender equality in areas that have historically been imbalanced. The initiative helps in horning young women’s technical and soft skills, to complement the skills and knowledge acquired in Ajira Digital Program curriculum training and mentorship. Additionally, it offers work experience by providing practical on-the-job experience to first-time jobseekers and help young women display their ability to potential employers.

Adressing the graduands, Mrs Priscilla Maina, Assistant Director State Department of ICT and Digital Economy said part of the focus of the government ICT masterplan is to establish the 1450 digital hubs across the country.

“Through the support of the Mastercard Foundation, we hope to enable more young people to access free digital tools across the country as we close the digital and gender divide. With the government target of digitizing over 5,000 services, the young people with digital skills will access digital and digitally-enabled work opportunities to earn a decent wage.” she added

Mr Anthony Karanja, Partner, Planning, Strategy and Digital Economy at Mastercard Foundation said there is need to focus on young women since they are less privileged compared to the other gender.

“As Mastercard Foundation we are committed to empowering over 30 million young people in Africa with 7 million of those being Kenyans, 70% of these being young women. The foundation is working to accelerate access to financial capital for young people particularly women to pursue diverse opportunities to live a meaningful and dignified livelihood. Digital economy has innumerable opportunities for young people especially young women as they are able to work from anywhere and make a dignified income.

For Instance, a young lady from Mombasa by the name Celine Wawuda, who had dropped out of college due to lack of school fees signed up on the Ajira Program and trained on transcription which later saw her participate in the judiciary pilot digitization project which coupled with other online freelance opportunities enabled her to make a decent income to support herself and her family. Currently she has advanced her skills to a software developer which is a reality made possible through the Ajira Digital Program.”

Ken Mwenda, Managing Director eMobilis Technology Institute and co-founder said the AjiraForShe Apprenticeship has been officially launched as the first cohort of 16 young women graduated under the theme; Making Digital Work a Reality for young Women.

“Just Like Faith Kipyegon, Kenyan athlete who won the Gold medal title at the World Olympics happing in Budapest, the world is a platform for the women to conquer and the young women here today are exposed to limitless digital opportunities to conquer the world. To date, the Ajira digital program has seen over 350,000 young people trained and mentored with digital skills with 53% of these being young women.

Out of the total trained, about 150,000 have been directly linked to digital work opportunities both in the Private Sector and the government. In fact, through the Ajira Pilot project with the judiciary, over 1500 young people trained under the program were deployed to courts across the country to deliver digital tasks including transcription, scanning and data entry aimed towards court digitization which has resulted in increased efficiency of service delivery in Kenyan the judicial system while creating digital work opportunities for young Kenyans.”

Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Project Director, Ajira Digital Program at KEPSA also said, “we are currently working within a complex environment where there are no sufficient jobs and on the other hand employers are struggling to get young people with the relevant skills set.”

He added, “The first thing we all need to acknowledge is that the skills of yesterday cannot help solve the problems our businesses and economy are facing today. Young people need to put away the perception that there are not enough work opportunities and instead start thinking through the needs in society and businesses so that they can use their skills and talents to provide solutions. Having gone through Ajira Digital program, you have the tools necessary to maneuver in the labour market.

This Apprenticeship Program gives young women an opportunity to learn from other businesses on how to be successful entrepreneurs. We can use this learning to make a difference in our society.”

The AjiraForShe Apprenticeship initiative has already registered tremendous impact within all the four organizations who were involved in the first Cohort of the initiative with most of the young women having been able to apply their skills to support the organizations where they’re interning.

For instance, at Madrassa Tufallahah, a lady by the name Khadija Khamisi led the team of other interns to develop and manage the website for Madrassa Tufallahah which is now live and operating seamlessly. “I have been able to develop and manage the website for Jamia Masjid Kibera website.

Currently, I am doing website and digital media management for other businesses. This has really opened up my perception of the numerous work opportunities in the digital space. I am encouraging young people to spread the word and save those young girls getting into early marriages due to lack of hope and instead, they can take advantage of the digital opportunities.”

Ajira Digital is a free program open to all young Kenyans who are looking to make a meaningful and fulfilling livelihood from digital and digitally enabled work opportunities. Just by a single click on www.ajiradigital.go.ke. one is able to access free training, mentorship, and online work linkages to enable them to work and earn a decent income.

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Hummel, an International Sport and Leisure brand opened its first Kenyan flagship store in Nairobi on the ground floor of the Westgate Mall.

Hummel has been brought to Kenya by WAMA International Group, which has more than 30+ stores in different regions with a massive expansion plan in East Africa. So far Hummel is present in three East African countries; Rwanda, Uganda and now Kenya.

According to WAMA International Group, Kenya has a friendly business environment that is ideal for this venture. Secondly, Nairobi is the hub of East Africa therefore an attractive location for global brands.

As one of the oldest sportswear brands in the world, Hummel is an internationally renowned manufacturer of sports & lifestyle apparel & footwear, luxury lounging apparel in its fashion sub-brand Hummel HIVE.

Hummel’s brand story is built behind character which is reflected in all Hummel’s products with each product expressing its own story with the same going for every team and individual player sponsored by the brand. The store plans to work with several local sports clubs in Kenya.

In conclusion, Hummel has honoured the camaraderie, celebrated the wins, and applauded the ability to play, share and enjoy sports and lifestyle throughout life and this is the brand heritage they look forward to sharing in Kenya.

August 22, 2023

By Jeff Kizzilah

The Global centre for policy and strategy (GLOCEPS) a think tank established based in Nairobi that deals with policy influence, advance research on climate change and regional security has called called on all African countries to unite and speak in one voice during the Africa Climate Summit to be held in Nairobi early next month and the cop 28 to be held in Dubai in November this year,

Speaking during the opening of the second annual  two day conference held at a Nairobi hotel, Retired Brigadier Dr.Robert Kabage the executive director of (GLOCEPS) has reiterated the need for peace, security and development in tackling climate change and the importance of scientific research in mitigation of climate change effects and countering organised transnational crimes.

Brig. DR. Kabage noted that the second annual conference comes at the right time when the country is awaiting for the climate summit that will be held September

In conclusion  he further urged the African countries not to import more than 33% of its good  from one country to avoid been held hostage in timesof climate change crisis that arebeen experienced across the world.

He has said that there is a need to advance adaptation and water security and resilience adaptation in the environmental sector as away of urban planning.

According to Dr.RG Kabage the private sector should lead from the front and find away of engaging and sensitizing the in order to combat climate change.