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President Ruto breathes a new lease of lifein the ailing sugar sector in Western Kenya

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sugar
By Anderson Ojwang

Western Kenya could be waking up from the economic doldrums that have bedeviled them for the last four decades after a near collapse of the sugar sector, which was the main economic mainstay.

The public-owned sugar industries in the region namely Chemelil Sugar Company, Nzoia Sugar Company, Muhoroni Sugar Company, and  Sony Sugar Company have been in the intensive care unit, debt-ridden and operating below the capacity.

The public-owned sugar industries have for seasons suffered from dilapidated and outdated machinery and huge debts owed to the government and farmers that had adversely affected their operations.

This situation provided a soft landing for privately owned sugar companies to emerge and thrive in the region while the public-owned sugar companies struggled with some grounding to a near halt.

But President Willam Ruto is rewriting the story through his strategic intervention that includes a raft of radical measures that aim to increase and improve cane development and crushing capacity of the factories.

Among the radical measures President Ruto had pledged included a revamp of the sugar industry by opting to lease state-owned sugar mills instead of pursuing privatization.

Another measure involved bailing out the ailing sector by having the government write off Sh111 billion that was owed by the sugar companies to enable them to start operating from a clean slate.

Similarly, the President pledged that the government would disburse Sh2 billion for cane development with the first tranche of Sh 600m already undertaken.

The staff of the four government sugar companies were to be paid sh 6.94 billion in accrued arrears and this applied to Nzoia Sugar Company Limited, South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited, Muhoroni Sugar Company Limited, and Chemelil Sugar Company Limited.

The payment comes after the national assembly approved the leasing of the five sugar companies and a directive for payment of arrears under certificate No.039/13/2023.

“This is to request the Farmers and Staff to urgently confirm their Bank details with the management of the Sugar Companies in readiness for disbursement of the verified arrears,” the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh said.

President Ruto said it was important to have a comprehensive overhaul in the management of the sugar sub-sector to make it productive.

“We are going to change the way the industry is managed. We have danced in this sector for the last 25 years. I am announcing here that we are not going to privatize our industry but to lease the sugar millers so that private investors can pump in money and we are going to terminate the contract if we feel things are not going the way they are supposed to go in helping the farmer, factory, and country.” he said during a recent investment conference in Kakamega county.

President Ruto asserted that, in alignment with other sectors, sugarcane farmers will receive year-end bonuses from sugar millers. 

When the President visited Sony Sugar Company, he committed to have arrears owed to farmers paid to boost the sector.

The president gave the assurance during his visit to the Company on 8th October 2023 and the commitment has already been met.

President Ruto also said that the Sh 1.1 billion salary arrears accrued by the employees over the last three years will be settled. 

 Migori Governor, Ochilo Ayacko said a bold move by the president to streamline the sub-sector was going to revive the local economy and spur development.

“Since the Government cleared the arrears owed to the farmers who supplied milling and seed cane to SonySugar, the company is now able to attract high volumes of cane—of up to 15,000 tones per week. The arrears had been accrued over three years,” said  Jared Kopiyo, chairman of the Sony Sugar Board.

He said at first the farmers were reluctant to supply the cane to the factory due to huge arrears but with the payment, the cane supply has improved.

“ By the end of January 2024, the farmers received their pay into their bank accounts. “The payment came as a big relief to us and we have now returned to cane farming,” said Mr. Jared Ayany, a large-scale farmer contracted by the company. 

Another farmer, Mzee Dominic Akong’o, said he is now able to reinvest the money into cane production. The farmers spoke with the team from the Statehouse Communication Unit.

The Government has eventually given a nod to South Nyanza Sugar Company Ltd to implement their revised Human Resource (HR) Instruments seventeen years after the last approval in the year 2007.

The approved instruments: Career Guidelines, Organizational Structure, Grading Structure, Staff Establishment, and HR Policy and Procedure Manual—bundled in three publications—were officially presented to SonySugar by the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) Board Chairman, Mr. Patrick Mong’ony and CEO, Mr. Simon Indimuli on 4th September 2024.

The Managing Director Mr. Martine Dima said they can now recruit skilled staff, promote staff, and remunerate talents in line with the government structures and procedures.

Former Nyakach MP Pollyns Ochieng Daima says the action by the President has radically changed the sector and would go a long way in redefining the economy of the region.

“We are happy with the government initiative on the sugar cane industry. This engagement will stir new economic moment for the region,” he says.

Pastor Dorcas supports a widows group in Karungu in Migori to start poultry farming.

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widows
By: Erick Otieno

In the heart of Karungu Bay, Nyatike Sub-County, a beacon of resilience and hard work stands tall—Kirengo Widows Women Group. 

Comprised of both young and elderly women, the widows, symbolizes hope and determination as they shoulder the heavy responsibilities left by their departed husbands by providing for their families’ basic needs.

Recently, the group’s economic prospects received a significant boost when Her Excellency Pastor Dorcas Gachagua. funded their initiative with Ksh 250,000 under her women empowerment program. 

This financial injection allowed the group to delve into poultry farming, receiving two hundred chicks from Ken Chick Company. Four months into the project, the widows are now reaping the fruits of their labor.

The group has successfully raised the chickens and even sold twenty, using the proceeds to purchase feeds for their continuing poultry farming. 

During a visit by the Migori County Chief Officer in charge of Gender and Inclusivity, Prof. Rose Ogwang Odhiambo, the group chairperson, Mrs. Lilian Otieno, expressed her gratitude for the support they received. 

She particularly praised the Dr. Agnes Ochilo Foundation, spearheaded by Migori County’s First Lady, for linking them with Pastor Gachagua’s foundation and facilitating the funding.

Prof. Ogwang Odhiambo commended the widows’ efforts, urging them to maintain their dedication as the primary breadwinners of their families. 

The group, which has been active for several years, also engages in table banking, a financial strategy that allows members to secure friendly loans to cater to their needs. 

“These loans have enabled many members to pay school fees for their children, build homes, and rear chickens in their respective homesteads, “she said.

Despite their growing success, the group faces challenges, particularly the low prices of their chickens in the market, which they say does not match the cost of feeding and maintaining the birds.

 In response, Prof. Ogwang Odhiambo assured the group that the county government would collaborate closely with them to help secure better market opportunities both within and beyond Migori County.
With hope for more donors and supporters, the Kirengo Widows Group is determined to continue growing their projects and creating a sustainable livelihood for their families, standing as a testament to the power of women’s empowerment and unity.

When truth finally returns to haunt the Kenya’s self-confessed “Truthful man”.

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Truthful man
By Anderson Ojwang

Kenya’s self-confessed truthful man, the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, could be fast waking up to the reality and dawn of truth exposing him to the public court.

Rigathi could quickly be sobering to the truth as the ground turns slippery. His words, statements, and public pronouncements of supposed “truth” have returned to haunt him, as he struggles to stabilize his political boat facing heavy storms from capsizing.

Today, the truthful man is on the cross.

The phrase ‘Truthful man’ emerged and became popular when Rigathi appeared for the Deputy Presidential debate in July 2022.

“I am a truthful man, I don’t take alcohol, I wake early to attend meetings,” he said while introducing himself during the debate.

That became his brand and forte, which made a journalist ask him during a recent joint television interview “To some they say you appear to be always in a combative mode. Some say at any opportunity with the microphone you lecture Kenyans. Is the truthful man a bitter person?”

Rigathi responded by saying “What people mistake with bitterness is the truth. I speak my heart. I say what is in my heart. I am a truthful man. I am honest man. Kenyans are not used to honesty and many people have a problem with that,”

During the impeachment motion both at the National Assembly and the Senate, the truthful man found himself accused of “truth’ which became part of the charges pressed against him.

Rigathi displayed hard tackles on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, immediate former  President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the alleged non-shareholders in the Kenya Kwanza government.

“If Raila wants dialogue, two things, let him come to the president and seek appointment from the controller of  State House, He will find me seated there with a notebook. The only agenda to discuss with Raila Odinga is only one, and to discuss his exit from Kenya’s politics and permanent retirement from this country,” Rigathi said. 

But Raila replied saying “Riggy there is no harm in people dialoguing. Allow people to have a dialogue. Even if you don’t want to hear my view, just listen,”. 

Also, in a quick response Rigathi said “Former Prime Minister, my brother, we don’t reject greetings. We fear you, when you came and befriended our son our Uhuru Kenyatta, he was a good man, he loved us and worked for us.  But he changed because of you,”.

However, the first taste of truth dawned on Rigathi when he revealed that he had been removed from the State House WhatsApp group containing President Ruto’s official schedule highlighting the changing moments. 

When he recently, spoke in an exclusive interview on Citizen TV. Rigathi said, “I no longer know the president’s schedule. My team and I were removed from that WhatsApp group by the president’s Private Secretary, Mr. Maiyo. It’s very petty,”. 

Interestingly, Raila has become a regular visitor to the State House and has made several international and local trips with President Ruto. Truthful moment.

During the post-election demonstrations, Rigathi explained to the opposition leaders the reason for the withdrawal of police. “My brother, I am sorry about that little discomfort that your guards were taken away. I do take this opportunity to explain to you why, it is important that I do so that you understand. Chaos and mayhem that was in Nairobi that Wednesday, for five hours, almost burning the country and brought the country to a standstill, then they announced, they had three days of madness, and we had to get prepared. We needed every police officer available for that work. Because the ones we had were not sufficient. The very logical decision by Kindiki and IG Koome to first get those ones guarding those engaged in the demonstrations to come and protect Kenyans. Where did you want us to get the policemen from? We had to get them somewhere. And you start with those people who were arranging the demonstrations. that is what we did,”

But after his impeachment and discharge from the hospital, truth visited him “ I want to tell people of Kennya I don’t feel safe and that President Ruto will be held responsible for my safety”.

Currently, Rigathi’s private home is being guarded by private security guards, a truthful moment.

During the protest after the 2022 elections, Rigathi also claimed that one of the opposition leaders admitted himself to the hospital.  

“When they realized that the government was resolved to crack down on demonstrations, one person admitted himself to Nairobi hospital and asked doctors to put him on a drip, while others chose to stay in their homes,” Rigathai said.

Ironically, during the Impeachment motion in the Senate, Rigathi also got admitted to Karen Hospital before he could be cross-examined by the senators but the Senate went ahead to uphold his impeachment by the assembly.

Rigathi said he had retreated to Harambee Annex for Lunch with his team when he fell ill.

“After lunch, we looked at possible areas of cross-examination then my team left for the Senate. I went to my office and then suddenly I developed a very intense pain in the chest. As I was speaking with my doctor, I started to experience shortness of breath and Dr Gikonyo instructed me to drop everything I was doing and get to Karen as quickly as possible,” he said.

 After the 2022 presidential victory, Rigathi took the gospel of shareholding in the government and often reminded those who never supported them in the last elections that the KK government was like a company owned through shares.

“This government is a company that has shares. Some owners have the majority of shares, and those with just a few, while others do not have any. You invested in this government and you must reap. You sowed, tilled, put manure, and irrigated, and now it is time to reap,” Rigathi said at a function in Kericho county. 

But Rigathi later apologized saying “If our brothers from regions that didn’t support the President and myself in the same way that Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya did felt uncomfortable with our expressions of appreciation, I ask for your forgiveness.

“We didn’t mean any harm. If we offended you in the process, please find it in your heart to forgive me,” 

Rigathi has maintained he was in the government to stay and nobody could edge him out of the regime.

“I fought for this government. I am inside the government. There is no way I can move an inch. Those the president has brought they are welcome, Even if there was an attempt and there is none, it cannot work” he said.

Currently, Rigathi is fighting for his political survival in the Court after he was impeached and has a date with the Director of Criminal Investigation over remarks he made after his discharge from the hospital.

The ghosts of truth have finally built their apartments in Rigathi’s stead and he has to contend with the unfolding political moment. Will truth save him?

The angels and ghosts of Tharaka Nithi reappear again with a stalemate on DP seat.

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lom robb
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Rigadhi
By Anderson Ojwang

The spirits and the ghosts of Tharaka-Nithi have descended once again in the country. This time, the angels are smiling and dancing with the son from the country’s region with the tallest tree Mutunguruni. 

Tharaka, meaning star, meteor, a pupil of the eye is today at the eye of the country with the stars shining brighter on their son while on the Western side of Mt Kenya, the ghosts are tormenting, creating panic, heartbreaks, and disillusion. 

Tharaka Nithi County with an area of 2608km2 According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, the population of Tharaka Nithi County was 393,177 people with a population density of 153 people per Km2 and an annual growth rate of 3.0%. 

In 2006, the population of Tharaka Nithi was 119,873 and it jumped by 8.53 to 119,875 persons in 2009.

It is on the Eastern side of Mt Kenya, and the county is composed of four administrative sub-counties namely Tharaka North, Tharaka South, Meru South, and Maara. 

Today, Tharaka Nithi is in the eye of the storm after Internal Security Cabinet Secretary, Prof Kithuri Kindiki was nominated by President William Ruto for the post of designated deputy President.

Pomp and fanfare marked the announcement with the angels of Tharaka Nithi delivering the good news that the second most powerful flag was beckoning.

But in Mathira, Mt Kenya West, the ghosts of Tharaka Nithi were causing havoc with the impeached deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sliding into political oblivion.

Allies of Rigathi, left heartbroken and confused broke into tears while others were left berating the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for conspiring with the President to bring down the self-proclaimed truthful man.

The gods of Tharaka Nithi seem to have conspired to relegate the former Mathira MP into political oblivion with the impeachment.

But the battle of the angels and the ghosts of Tharaka Nithi usually results in a stalemate in the country and often threatens the nation’s socio-economic and political fabric.

In the 2007, general elections,  Tharaka Nithi became the decider of the presidential results turning around the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s lead to make the incumbent Mwai Kibaki remain on the steering wheel.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo during a rally in Chuka in 2022 ahead of the elections elected to revisit the infamous Tharaka Nithi vote basket.

“I was the lawyer for ODM at the Kenyatta Conference Centre (KICC) the tallying center, the results from other constituencies had been brought. But one, Tharaka Nithi remained. When it came, we collapsed and it gave Kibaki the victory,” he said.

With the results from Tharaka Nithi, Kibaki was declared the winner with ODM disputing the presidential result thus resulting in a stalemate and post-election violence.

The angels of the Tharaka Nithi smiled at President Kibaki as he remained the president of the coalition government with Raila agreeing to settle for the prime minister seat.

The ghosts of Tharaka Nithi have subsequently confined Raila to the opposition despite coming close to winning in the three last presidential elections losing to immediate former president Uhuru Kenyatta and the incumbent, President Ruto.

Currently, Kenyans and the rest of the world could be watching a constitutional stalemate with the impeachment of deputy president Rigathi by the National Assembly, the Senate and the subsequent nomination of the designate  deputy President Prof Kindiki.

Lawyers have differed on legal opinion on the conservatory orders given by two courts with others arguing that the swearing can proceed while others arguing against it.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma posted on his X formerly Twitter By Peter Otieno Kaluma, MP Homa Bay argued that a new Deputy President should be sworn into office immediately saying the country was in a very extraordinary situation, requiring judges to be circumspect in handling some matters

“Those, including our good judges, who think this is an ordinary matter should imagine what would happen to Kenya were anything to happen to the President causing him to be absent, now. 

Under the Constitution, the Speaker, of the National Assembly would take over for 60 days within which elections must be held. IEBC is not constituted and the Commissioners are appointed by the President who would not be there. After the 60 days, Kenya would be leaderless, with no constitutional recourse … nation in crisis!’ he argued

But Lawyer Nelson Havi differed saying “The court order must be obeyed. It is not a suggestion. That is what every truthful advocate including those of us who support  President Ruto must tell him and the people of Kenya. Do not mislead anyone,”.

But Kisumu senator and a senior counsel Mr. Tom Ojiemda said the court order was inconsequential as it had been overtaken by events.

Former cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria had claimed that the swearing-in would take place on Saturday at Uhuru Gardens.

“We cannot afford a constitutional crisis. We cannot be another Sudan with two presidents. For the sake of our nation and families, we will swear in Kithuri Kindiki as the president in waiting. You can deposit the ruling on the pigeonholes.,” he wrote on his Twitter page.

Lawyer Chris Kanjama also said “ What we have is a conservatory order, which is the most powerful constitutional order. When you look at the exact wording of the court orders that have been issued, both in Nairobi and Kerugoya, they are conservatory orders stopping the implementation of the impeachment resolution of the senate,”.

Will Rigathi survive the ghosts of Tharaka Nithi to re-invent his political wheels and will the Mountain remain united as 2027 beckons?

Raila delivers second victory to Ruto in his epic political duels with destiny

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Raila
By Anderson Ojwang

On June 3rd, 2006, at Eldoret Sports Club, leaders led by then-Orange leader Raila Odinga converged at the ground to mark a historical moment. 

Among those present were the Luo Council of Elders, led by the then chairman, the late Ker Riaga Ogalo, elders from the Kalenjin community, and former vice President Musalia Mudavadi.

Raila after leading a successful campaign for the proponent of the No against the draft constitutional amendment, had another battle of a lifetime to fulfill. 

This time, it was the battle for his new ally and student, then Eldoret North MP William Samoei Ruto. The new political kid on the block.

Ruto then Kanu Secretary General was the emerging political leader from Rift Valley after the party’s candidate  Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta was vanquished in the 2022 presidential contest by Narc candidate Mwai Kibaki.

With Kanu debeaked and never crowing again, the political future for the Valley looked bleak after 24 years of power. 

The Valley was in a somber mood. Panic and anxiety were the hallmarks of the once beaming and cheerful Valley.

While Kanu was in a free fall, Ruto became embroiled in a political battle with immediate former President Daniel Arap Moi over the leadership of the Kalenjin community. 

In the instructions and political mechanization of Raila,  Eldoret sports club became the venue where Ruto was installed as a Kalenjin elder and subsequently became the community leader. 

At the installation, Raila told the mammoth crowd that Ruto had come of age and it was time he took over the leadership of the community. 

Enraged Moi, dismissed the installation and instead asked the Kalenjin community to listen and follow former powerful cabinet minister the late Nicholas Biwott and former minister Henry Kosgey. 

But Ruto, the star was rising and he soon assumed the community leadership, which has remained firmly in his grip to date.

Sixteen years later and for the second time, Raila once again came to Ruto’s political rescue after he was faced with a battle of survival from Gen Zee over the Finance Bill and his immediate former Deputy, Rigathi Cachagua. 

This time, Raila marshaled his troops both at the national assembly and at the Senate to ensure the impeachment motion against the deputy president succeeded.

The motion by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Matuse got a majority support of 281 votes to proceed to the Senate.

Mutuse preferred 11 charges upon which MPs voted to send Rigathi home and the Senate also confirmed the impeachment, leaving the former  Deputy president as the first officeholder to be impeached.

At the Senate, Raila’s top ally Siaya governor James Orengo led the counsel team for the assembly despite earlier protests from allies of the Deputy President.

Also on the team was Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, both Orengo and Otiende have been key in the prosecution of Raila’s presidential cases at the Supreme Court.

Raila’s ODM broke ranks with their colleagues on the Azimio coalition to form a broad-based government and also to support the impeachment motion of the deputy president.

In the broad-based government, top ODM leaders John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Opiyo Wandayi were all appointed to the cabinet

And on Thursday night, Raila delivered a second victory to President Ruto, who will now have a new deputy president and has successfully guillotined his ally turned foe.

According to former Nyakach MP, Pollyns Ochieng Raila has a soft spot for President Ruto and will always come to his rescue whenever he is faced with political battles.

He argues that for Raila, President Ruto remains the prodigal son and that is why despite their previous fallout, they have always come together for a common political course.

” For Raila, Ruto is his student and just like a teacher, he protects his student from adversaries even if he has come of age. Teachers always want the best for their students and are often very protective of them ” he says 

Ochieng says through Raila, Ruto was able to assume the Kalenjin community leadership mantle and currently, he has enabled Ruto to wrestle down his main political nightmare in the Kenya kwanza coalition government.

He says Ruto and Raila could have a bond that is hard to break even if they have had political differences in the past

Kisumu-based advocate and Analyst Joshua Nyamori says Raila often says there are no permanent friends and enemies in politics and this has come to pass after he came in for President Ruto at hos lowest moment.

Nyamori says for the interest of the nation, the decision for the two leaders to work together was calming and gave hope to Kenyans to engage in their daily activities.

“Kenyans wanted peace and the decision by Raila to work with the President is a welcome and a milestone. This is a step in the right direction,” he says.

Time to Fix the Leadership Gap in Junior Secondary Schools

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Junior Secondary Schools
By Billy Mijungu

As Kenya continues to navigate the challenges of implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), it is clear that a critical component of its success lies in effective school leadership and management, particularly in Junior Secondary Schools (JS). While secondary schools with large student populations have adopted innovative internal structures to manage their vast student numbers, the glaring gap in leadership at the Junior Secondary level must be addressed urgently.

In many secondary schools, we are witnessing an organizational shift where “Form Principals” are appointed to head individual forms (Form 1, 2, 3, or 4), overseeing all the streams in their respective grades. This system allows each Form Principal to manage the students, teachers, and overall development of their form, while still being accountable to the school’s Deputy Principal and the overall School Principal. This structure has proven effective in streamlining decision-making and ensuring a focused approach to student welfare and academic growth, especially in schools with large populations. It fosters better management and enhances accountability across the board.

In contrast, Junior Secondary Schools are suffering from a severe leadership vacuum. The absence of a dedicated Head Teacher or Principal for JS creates an organizational mess, leaving teachers and students without clear direction. Currently, no one is tasked with providing overall leadership to Junior Secondary, which has resulted in a chaotic transition, especially in rural areas. This lack of leadership not only hampers the flow of authority but also creates uncertainty as to whether Junior Secondary falls under the purview of primary or secondary schools.

It is imperative that the Ministry of Education moves swiftly to rectify this situation. By appointing or promoting teachers to Head of Junior Secondary positions, the government would provide much-needed structure to these schools. A designated leader for JS would serve as the crucial interface between primary schools and senior secondary schools, ensuring that Junior Secondary is aligned with modern educational needs and demands. Such a leader would also guide the smooth transition of students from primary school to the new curriculum model, addressing concerns that have plagued parents, teachers, and students alike.

Furthermore, the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) holds a unique opportunity to introduce this change through a well-coordinated promotion system. By promoting deserving teachers to leadership positions in Junior Secondary, the TSC can incentivize excellence in school management while addressing the systemic gaps. These promotions should come with adequate budgetary support and be part of an annual action plan that ensures continuity and sustainable growth in JS.

While the government’s focus on improving school infrastructure under CBC is commendable, it is time to place equal emphasis on human resource management. The last three years have shown a glaring need to organize the leadership structures in Junior Secondary Schools, a move that would bring stability, improve academic outcomes, and enhance teacher and student morale.

The chaotic transitions in Junior Secondary Schools are an outcome of poor organizational structure and leadership. With the right leadership in place, Kenya can ensure that the Competency-Based Curriculum delivers on its promise of a better, more relevant education for our children. It’s time to pay attention to Junior Secondary and take bold steps toward resolving these pressing issues.

My Piece!

The author is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
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National Gender and Equality Commission accused of  violating law in the recruitment of Chief Executive Officer

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National Gender and Equality Commission
By Investigative Reporter

Storm is brewing at the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) after the commission was accused of allegedly floating the procedures and laws in the recent recruitment of its Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.

Similarly, the Commission has been accused of denying other prospective applicants the opportunity to apply, participate, and be considered for appointment by failing to advertise the job offer in the country’s daily newspapers as required by the law.

Equally, the Commission is also accused of widespread nepotism in the employment of staff at the Commission with allegations of favoritism in employment by the commissioners and top management.

For the post of chief officer, the commission has been accused of alleged conflict of interest, failure to advertise the post in two widely read daily newspapers, and to failure to adhere to the conditions and spirit of the advert.

The Commission had advertised on its website for the position of Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer capped: COMMISSION SECRETARY/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REF: NGEC/HR/1/1/2024 – (1 POST) TERMS OF SERVICE: CONTRACT

It listed the requirements for the appointment to be considered for the post, a candidate must:  

Be a Kenyan citizen; hold a degree from a university recognized in Kenya and have had at least ten years proven experience at management level.

And that a candidate must have had experience in public administration; and meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. 

The Commission recently appointed Dr Purity Ngina as the CEO who has ten years of proven experience at the management level and experience in public administration.

According to the documents seen by The Western Insight Media, Dr. Ngina claims to have 10 years of experience in education, both in the classroom and in evidence-based policymaking.

“In 2020, Purity Ngina left Strathmore University after four (4) years of teaching to concentrate on her passion for Education Research at Zizi Afrique Foundation, especially in 21st-century measurements and skills for youth,” the document read.

 As a Regional Manager at Zizi Afrique Foundation, she led a team of thirty-five in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to deliver quality evidence and advocate for evidence uptake in the Education sector.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2013 December and in 2015 she attained a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from Egerton University and June 2018 she got a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomathematics from Strathmore University.

Sources intimated to the writer that one of the committees of the Senate sitting in Mombasa had raised the issue with the board over the appointment and qualification of the new CEO and why they failed the alleged conflict of interest.

The Commission was also accused by the senate committee of nepotism that was stifling its operations.

It is alleged that at the interview, the applicant and a commissioner never revealed to the panel a possible conflict of interest owing to the existence of a relationship.

Acting Chairperson Mr. Tom Koyier stated that the Commission currently does not have a chairperson or a deputy and that he was holding the brief for the moment.

He said the commission opted to undertake online advertising owing to a lack of finances because of budget cuts and therefore was not able to place the advert in the daily newspaper due to the cost.

“I cannot comment further on the issue. We will establish the allegations and respond appropriately,” he said.

Sources claimed the board manipulated the exercise and denied qualified Kenyans the opportunity to participate in the interview as the successful candidate was already predetermined.

They want the Head of Public Service to intervene to allow for competitive selection of the new chief executive officer of the board.

They also want the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate allegations of nepotism in employment.

They said the Commission failed in its mission to promote gender quality and freedom from all forms of discrimination in the country, especially for special interest groups through compliance with policies, laws, and practices in the recruitment of the new CEO.

“The core values of the Commission are fairness, inclusivity, accountability, teamwork, and integrity. Why didn’t they employ the core values,” they quipped.

The Best Gift Ruto-Raila Pact Can Give Kenyans Is a Parliamentary System Modeled on South Africa

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By Billy Mijungu

As Kenyans, we take great pride in electing our representatives, and I firmly believe that the “first-past-the-post” electoral system still serves us well. It keeps our politics competitive and ensures accountability, as every leader is challenged by strong opposition on the ground. However, it is time to consider a system that ensures stability and prevents national crises fueled by leadership conflicts—like what we are witnessing now.

The Bomas Draft Constitution offered Kenya an ideal system of governance. The proposal for a popularly elected president to delegate executive powers to a prime minister as head of government was a significant step toward addressing our political needs. What ultimately derailed this idea was the notion that a ceremonial president without significant executive authority could satisfy Kenyans’. The Country had a preference for combining the roles of head of state and head of government, which we can still do under a South African model of a Parliamentary system cascaded to Counties.

But as we have seen, this fusion of powers has not worked as smoothly as many had hoped. Deputy President Gachagua’s impeachment saga has revealed critical flaws in our system. The conflicts within the presidency are pulling the country into unnecessary chaos. This brings me to the idea of a parliamentary system, modeled after the one in South Africa, where the president is not directly elected by the people but chosen by MPs from the majority party. Such a system eliminates the friction at the executive level, which is now consuming the country.

In a parliamentary setup, the president would be directly accountable to Parliament, fostering stronger oversight. Additionally, ministers should be drawn from both the National Assembly and the Senate, ensuring that the executive remains directly connected to the people through their elected representatives. This approach would also be more cost-effective than our current, purely presidential system, which centralizes power in a way that fosters conflict and inefficiency.

At the county level, adopting this system could help lower tensions and reduce the conflict-prone nature of gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. The heightened stakes in these elections often exacerbate divisions, and a parliamentary system could diffuse some of that tension by decentralizing executive power.

Ruto and Raila, the real gift you can offer Kenyans by 2032 is the legacy of stability and accountability. A parliamentary system is that gift. Our current presidential system is slowly eroding our national cohesion, and unless we shift course, it may prove to be our undoing.

The time for change is now. Let us not wait for the next crisis to force our hand.

The author is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
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Kisumu County hit by political thuggery as leaders defy Raila over early 2027 campaigns.

By
lom robb
-
0
Kisumu
By Team

Hardly two years after the 2022 general elections, Kisumu County has been turned into a campaign frenzy with a section of sitting MPs, members of the county assembly (MCAS), and aspirants traversing the county.

Already funerals and social gatherings in the region have been turned into a political playing ground with various hopefuls trying to outdo one another.

Consequently, this has resulted in the re-emergence of political thuggery in Kisumu County after various aspirants defied immediate former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to stop early campaigns. 

 Odinga has spoken strongly against the ongoing early campaigns in Kisumu County warning leaders to stop jostling for 2027 positions and instead work for the people.

Odinga had warned those seeking to unseat Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, saying they must concentrate on delivering services in their current seats.

But now dark periods that visited Kisumu County twenty years ago have once again reared their ugly face leaving a trail of destruction of properties, deaths, injuries, and wanton looting from innocent residents.

The victims of the return of political thuggery early in the year include Raila, Mama Ida Odinga, and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during the commemoration of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Kisumu.

Recently, at a funeral in Kisumu East Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Luo Council of Elder Mzee Odungi Randa and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor had to escape to safety from marauding political gangs who caused chaos and robbed mourners of valuables at the funerals.

During a bus handover to the Kisumu Jua Kali group, the police had to shoot in the air severally to avert among others in various events.

Four constituencies in the county have now been classified as hot spots for violence and they include Kisumu Central, Kisumu East, Kisumu West, and Nyakach constituency.

The Kisumu gubernatorial seat has attracted six aspirants namely Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili and Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Adhiambp Odinga.

The incumbent Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o is serving his final term, leaving the seat open for grabs.

Similarly, Nyakach, Kisumu West, and Central will be up for grabs after the current MPs seek to upgrade to the governor seat.

The vacuum in the three constituencies has stirred political activities in Nyakach and Kisumu Central constituencies that have witnessed constant incidences of political thuggery among the parliamentary aspirants.

The various aspirants were apportioning blame towards each other over the re-emergence of political violence in the county.

However, the political leaders and stakeholders in Kisumu County agreed that the emerging political thuggery in the region must be brought to a stop and elected leaders made accountable for the pledges they gave during campaigns.

Ker Odungi Randa condemned the emergence of political thuggery in the county and warned such acts could only hurt the image and development of the region.

“We must stop this act of lawlessness. It is shameful and pitiful that Kisumu is fast turning into a war zone, yet we have three years to the next general elections,” he said.

Adhiambo called for an urgent meeting by all MPs and elected leaders from the regions to address the emergence of political thuggery which she termed as barbaric and backward.

The Women Representative appealed to fellow MPs to stop early campaigns and instead deliver to the constituents.

“It is unfortunate we have embarked on premature campaigns without serving the constituents. This is unfortunate. We must refocus our agenda,” she said.

Aduma condemned the emerging violence in the county which he claimed was meant to intimidate the opponents from selling their policies.

He challenged his fellow elected leaders to practice tolerance and avoid inciting the youths to violence.

Oron said political thuggery was giving the county a bad image and must be stopped to avoid the losses that have been witnessed in the recent past.

“Let us concentrate on developing our constituency and wait for the right time to do politics. Let the police arrest and prosecute youths and those behind political thuggery in the region,” he said.

Kisumu was known to be a battleground between Kisumu Mayor and the late Akinyi Oile, who controlled the proscribed Bagdad Boys against Raila’s party youths over supremacy.

Making Arabic and Swahili official languages for all African states could enhance cultural unity, regional cooperation, and economic development.

By
lom robb
-
0
Languages
By Billy Mijungu

Here’s a case for each language:

  1. Arabic as an Official Language

Cultural and Historical Importance: Arabic is widely spoken across North Africa (e.g., Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia) and has strong historical roots in the continent due to trade, migration, and Islamic influence. It remains a vital language for many African countries with Islamic heritage.

Economic Integration: Arabic is a global language spoken by over 300 million people, primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Elevating its status could strengthen trade and diplomatic relations between African and Middle Eastern countries, fostering greater economic ties.

Pan-African Cooperation: Many African states are members of the African Union and the Arab League, making Arabic an important bridge language for intergovernmental dialogues and regional collaborations, especially in North and East Africa.

Literary and Religious Significance: Arabic is the language of the Quran, which plays a central role in the lives of millions of Muslims across the continent. Recognizing Arabic could promote cultural literacy and religious understanding across African societies.

  1. Swahili as an Official Language

Widespread Use in East and Central Africa: Swahili (or Kiswahili) is already an official language in several East African countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is spoken by over 150 million people, making it the most widely spoken African language.

African Identity and Unity: Swahili is a Bantu language with deep African roots, and its widespread use promotes a sense of African identity and belonging. Adopting Swahili as a continental official language would symbolically reinforce Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

Ease of Learning: Swahili is relatively easy to learn compared to other African languages due to its simple grammar and phonetics. Its wide use as a lingua franca in various regions would make it a practical choice for bridging language gaps across different African linguistic groups.

Promotion of Regional Trade: As a common language across East and Central Africa, Swahili facilitates regional trade, communication, and governance. By expanding its use, intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be bolstered.

Political Integration: The African Union recognized Swahili as an official working language in 2022. Formalizing its use across all African states could further the AU’s goal of continental integration and unity.

Benefits of Both Arabic and Swahili as Official African Languages:

Cultural Diplomacy: Official recognition of both languages would enhance inter-regional diplomacy, with Arabic serving as a language for North Africa and Islamic populations, while Swahili can connect East, Central, and Southern Africa.

This dual-language policy would promote inclusivity.
Pan-African Identity: Arabic and Swahili are rooted in Africa’s diverse history, offering a blend of indigenous African heritage (Swahili) and centuries-old Islamic and Mediterranean influence (Arabic). Recognizing both languages could reinforce Africa’s multi-linguistic, multi-cultural identity.

Linguistic Unity in Diversity: Africa is a continent with over 2,000 languages. Having Arabic and Swahili as official languages could serve as unifying linguistic bridges, without undermining local languages, creating platforms for education, media, and governance accessible to more Africans.

By recognizing Arabic and Swahili as official languages for all African states would foster cultural unity, boost regional trade, and enhance political cooperation while respecting Africa’s diversity and history.

Writer is Billy Mijungu,
2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
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