Dr. Edris N. Omondi (Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

In recent times, the state of our collective mental health has become of serious concern. A once close-knit society that cherished values as enshrined in our constitution and delved around the societal three magic words- I am Sorry-Forgive me and I love you, seems to be a distant mirage and lost before our very eyes. We have transitioned from giving our public transport seats to the elderly persons and physically challenged to ignoring or arguing expectant mothers out of a queue. The rise in online bullying and insults, political hatred, both physical and emotional mob justice has further amplified our deepening social malfunction. Even the recent death of the former IEBC chair has sparked more anger and jubilation than sympathy, reflecting a complex blend of emotions that highlight the mental health challenges we are currently facing as a nation.

We were a nation that was united through our football, celebrated our heroes and athletes, shared love in small gatherings like birthday parties, participated in ‘harambees’ to take our children to university, celebrated baby showers and new-borns’, and mourned in equal measure whether the departed soul was a friend or a villain.

The question we must ask ourselves is: how did we lose our sense of empathy, and how can we begin to restore the dignity, empathy, and respect that once defined us?

The Growing Crisis: What Are We Facing?

In the past, our communities thrived on respect, kindness, and unity. The loss of these core values is evident in the troubling rise of hate speech, political tribalism, and acts of violence, both on the streets and in the digital sphere. From the tragic instances of physical and emotional mob justice to the violent political disputes that have plagued our past, these challenges suggest that our societal fabric is fraying.

Social media, once hailed as a platform for connecting people, now often serves as a breeding ground for insults and destructive rhetoric, unfortunately we quietly celebrate this! The tendency to politicize even moments of national grief, such as the death of a prominent leader, shows how polarized our emotions have become. Instead of unity in mourning, we see an outpouring of anger and bitterness, in-dignifying our vey social fabric.

Best practices

While the current situation may seem bleak, there are tested best practices we can follow as a nation to restore our social fabric as we knew it, unity, and mental well-being in our society. Countries around the world have implemented strategies that have proven successful in fostering healthier, more empathetic communities. Here are some key practices we can adopt to improve our collective mental health:

1. Promote Mental Health Awareness

Countries like Canada and the UK have integrated mental health into their national health policies, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being. A similar approach here would help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek help when needed. Mental health education in schools, workplaces, and through media campaigns would go a long way in fostering a culture of well-being.

2. Strengthen Community Ties

A lack of strong community support structures has left many individuals feeling isolated and disconnected. Drawing inspiration from places like Japan and Scandinavia, where community-based programs thrive, we can start rebuilding local networks. Initiatives such as volunteer work, youth mentorship, and community activities can help foster connection and a sense of belonging, especially among the younger generation.

3. Tackle Hate Speech and Tribalism

The destructive impact of hate speech and tribalism is undeniable. We must look to nations like Germany, where laws regulating hate speech and promoting tolerance have been successful. In our context, implementing policies that promote media literacy and digital citizenship can help reduce harmful narratives in the public sphere. Furthermore, engaging political leaders to reduce political toxicity and promote unity over division can help reduce political violence and encourage cross-cultural understanding.

4. Empathy in Political Discourse

One of the key drivers of division in our society is the lack of empathy in political discourse. By following the example of countries like New Zealand, where political leaders consistently advocate for unity and respect, adhere to constitutionalism and the rule of law, can foster to a more empathetic political environment. Political leaders must model respectful dialogue and discourage hatred and divisiveness, especially during times of national crisis.

5. Adopt Alternative Justice Models and Empower Faith-Based Organizations.

Both physical and emotional mob justice is a stark indication of the breakdown of trust in law enforcement. Rather than focusing on punitive measures, models like restorative justice, used in countries like South Africa, could be explored within the context. Restorative justice emphasizes healing and reconciliation, focusing on repairing harm and restoring relationships between offenders and victims. Faith-based organizations can be roped in through this process and by empowering communities to engage in restorative practices, we can reduce violence and build stronger, more resilient communities.

6. Empowerment Through Education

Education is a powerful tool for societal transformation. Countries like Finland have integrated emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and non-violence training into their educational systems with great success. By teaching these values from an early age, we can instil a sense of empathy and respect in the next generation, paving the way for a more compassionate society.

7. Collaborative National Efforts

A national conversation about our shared values and the future we want to build is essential. Countries like South Africa have used truth and reconciliation processes to heal national wounds. A similar initiative could be introduced here, bringing together citizens from diverse communities to discuss issues of trust, unity, and healing.

Pathways to Healing: A National Unity & Mental Health Initiative

The solution to healing our nation lies in a comprehensive national initiative that combines mental health awareness, unity-building programs, stronger regulatory frameworks, and the active involvement of all sectors of society. We need a National Unity and Mental Health Initiative (NUMHI), spearheaded by a coalition of government bodies, civil society organizations, and key institutions like the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education.

This initiative would focus on:

1. Mental health education and support at all levels, from schools to workplaces, ensuring that emotional well-being is prioritized.

2. Community-driven programs that revive traditional values of respect, empathy, and care.

3. Stronger legal frameworks for social media platforms to prevent the spread of hate speech while protecting free expression.

4. National dialogues and inter-community initiatives, fostering unity, understanding, and reconciliation among different groups.

With a united effort and focused collaboration, this initiative could provide the foundation for a healthier, more connected, and harmonious society. We are all called to do good, and by embracing these solutions, we can restore the moral and mental well-being of our nation.

Together, we can build a society where kindness, empathy, and peace are the norms, ensuring a prosperous future for all.

A Call to Action: We Must Choose the Path of Good It is time for us to heal as a society, to restore the values that once held us together, and to build a future where mental well-being, kindness, and unity are at the forefront of our national identity. The journey will be long, but if we work together, we can transform our country into a place where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported, not only transitioned generation like the Gen-Z, but, from Baby boomers to Gen-Alpha.

By Anderson Ojwang       

 Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua can aptly be said to be walking in the footsteps of Kenya’s first vice President the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Just like Jaramogi, who served under Kenyatta for two years before he resigned as Vice President, Kanu and a member of Parliament cited frustrations.

 Rigathi was also impeached two years in the office following allegations of propagating tribalism and alleged abuse of office.

Jaramogi founded Kenya’s People Union (KPU) that he had hoped to force a mini election  after he had anticipated majority of his supporters would resign from the parliament.

Jaramogi’s Nyanza became his solid political block and  locked the founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta from Nyanza, intense ethnic rivalry ,tension and mistrust became part and parcel of the Lake and the Murima.

Currently, the same template is being replayed in the country with two different characters, President William Ruto and Rigathi.

Rigathi has gone to fence off the Mountain from President Ruto and presently, he has managed to lock the president from Murima and his vast political fortunes in the region have continued to dwindle.

The old pattern, between Kenyatta and Odinga is replaying itself, with the Valley and the Murima developing rivalry and mistrust. Rigathi has also announced that in May this year, he will unveil a new party for Murima and that UDA party was a shell and dead in the region.

Just like Odinga built his dynasty in Nyanza, Rigathi is out to build his own power base in Murima and currently is seen as the king.

“ The entire Mountain left with me and followed me to Wamunyoro. I am their leader and Ruto cannot take that away, We will be king or king maker and there is nothing wrong about that,” he said.

The Murima has remained a constant in all the two major unfolding political scenario which continues to shape the country’s political landscape.

In a KTN television Interview, Rigathi said “ When I left the office, the people of my region felt that we needed to consult on the way forward because as a community we felt very bad.

The community felt totally misused by president Ruto, they felt deceived and we needed to consult extensively. As their leader they asked me to do that consultation,” he said.

Rigathi is mastering Raila’s scheme and now is preparing his supporters in the parliament, senate and county assembly to resign and seek re-election to elevate the party and himself ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Our political party is ready and for some strategic reasons, we did not want to unveil it until May. One of the reasons was, we wanted the Independent  Election and Boundary Commission (IEBC) to be constituted.

This was because quite a number of our senators and members of parliament want to resign from UDA and join our new party and go for by-elections.

My people thought for us to get the right momentum , it is better for us to launch the party when IEBC is in place. I have got quite a number of people who are through with UDA.

They do not want anything to do with UDA especially from the Mountain, because the whole Mountain has moved from UDA. By the way, UDA now is a shell. Without Riggy, there is no UDA in the mountain, There is no party there.

You realize even MPs who move around with the President, they do not even talk about UDA and even the president they don’t mention him on the ground.

We decided to wait for IEBC to be constituted and we will have several by-elections. As of today, we have 139 members of the county Assembly  (MCAS) who want to resign from UDA and go for by-elections.

 We are going to force a little mini-general election after IEBC is constituted. Because our people do not want to live a lie. The mountain, people are honest, and people of integrity. When they are through with something, they are through.

They will repeat what Raila Odinga did in 1994, and I admire Raila Odinga, he left Ford Kenya and went  NDP, resigned and was elected and since that time, his career has been rosy.

I am encouraging my MCAs, MPs and senators the ones who make that very brave decision, I want to assure them that the way I am listening to our people, any leader who makes that decision will be re-elected without a doubt, they will be heroes of our people and their politics will be rosy for the period to come. The party will be the home for the Murima. Politics is local.

I am the leader of the Mountain and President Ruto did not understand this.  The entire Mountain left with me and followed with me to Wamunyoro.

 That is why you find the place is a beehive of activities. The meetings you see on social media are the few ones we report.

There are several other meetings we don’t report. We are secretive. serious decisions have been made by the community on how we proceed going forward.

One of the reasons, is that we are through with President William Ruto for betraying and deceiving the Mountain.

Political analyst Mr. Odoyo Owidi said Rigathi is borrowing heavily from Jaramogi and Raila’s school of politics to deconstruct president Ruto.

“If you keen watch Rigathi brand of politics, you will realize and understand that is replaying Raila’s and Jaramogi scripts and soon he may be the main kingmaker in this country,” he said.

Odoyo said Rigathi is selling hope to the people of the mountain and turned President Ruto into a tool of hate to the Murima and this is gaining traction in the region.

By Erick Otieno

Muhuru Bay in Muhuru Ward, Nyatike Sub-County, is set for a major transformation as plans to restore its historical significance as a key maritime hub gain momentum. Once a bustling landing point for ships, the port’s revival is expected to boost trade, transport, and economic activities in the region.

A high-profile delegation recently conducted a public participation exercise to engage the local community on the project. The team included officials from the National Land Commission, the Ministry of Lands, and the Migori County Government. The delegation from the National Land Commission was led by Mr. Msongo Ndege, while the Migori County Government team was headed by County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) John Oring’o (Lands & Transport) and Mercy Okwanyo (Land & Housing), alongside Chief Officers Prof. Rose Ogwang Odhiambo (Gender & Inclusivity) and Andrew Mwera (Lands & Urban Development).

During the engagement, it was affirmed that the land designated for the Muhuru Port project originally belonged to the Kenya Railways Authority and is now under the Kenya Ports Authority. However, it was noted that some individuals had illegally acquired titles to sections of the land. The community, in a show of unity, expressed full support for the project and called for the immediate revocation of these illegal titles to pave the way for the port’s construction.

The plan to revamp the port comes just weeks after Migori Governor Dr. George Mbogo Ochilo met with Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga in Nairobi. Their discussions focused on the actualization of several development projects, including the establishment of Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets within the county.

The revival of Muhuru Pier is expected to unlock economic opportunities for Nyatike, positioning it as a strategic trade hub and enhancing connectivity with neighbouring regions. The government has assured residents that the project will be implemented transparently, ensuring maximum benefits for the people of Nyatike.

With renewed commitment from national and county leadership, Muhuru Bay is on the path to reclaiming its status as a vital economic gateway, promising prosperity for local businesses, traders, and fishermen.

By Remmy Butia

Kenya, a nation with a history marred by ethnic and post-election violence, is once again facing a precarious moment as the utterances of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua risk inflaming tensions and undermining national unity. Gachagua’s recent incitement remarks, including his threats to President William Ruto, have raised alarm bells about the potential for renewed conflict and instability. His latest statement—warning President Ruto not to step into Meru County if Kenya’s Chief Justice is removed from office—is not only inflammatory but also a direct threat to national security.

Gachagua’s rhetoric is particularly dangerous given Kenya’s fragile political landscape. The country has yet to fully heal from the wounds of the 2007-2008 post-election violence, which left over 1,000 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced. His words risk reigniting ethnic divisions and polarizing the nation, taking Kenya back to the dark days of political instability and violence. Such reckless statements from a high-profile leader are unacceptable and must be addressed with urgency.

President William Ruto, on his part, has consistently called for national unity and has taken steps to foster inclusivity by forming a broad-based government. His efforts to bridge divides and promote cohesion are commendable, but they are being undermined by Gachagua’s divisive rhetoric. The former deputy president’s actions are not only a challenge to Ruto’s leadership but also a threat to the peace and stability of the nation.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), tasked with promoting peace and mitigating ethnic tensions, must act swiftly to address this situation. Gachagua’s remarks fall squarely within the realm of incitement, and the NCIC has a duty to summon him for questioning. Allowing such statements to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent and embolden others to engage in similar behaviour. The rule of law must prevail, and no individual, regardless of their position, should be allowed to threaten national security with impunity.

Kenya’s journey toward unity and stability is far from complete, and the actions of leaders like Gachagua pose a significant setback. The country cannot afford to slide back into the chaos of its past. It is imperative that all leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, prioritize the interests of the nation over personal or partisan agendas. The NCIC, the DCI, and other relevant institutions must take decisive action to ensure that incitement and threats to national security are not tolerated.

Rigathi Gachagua’s inflammatory remarks are a stark reminder of the fragility of Kenya’s peace. His threats to President Ruto and his divisive rhetoric risk plunging the country into turmoil. The time to act is now. The NCIC must summon Gachagua, and all leaders must commit to fostering unity and stability. Kenya’s future depends on it.

Dr. Edris N. Omondi (Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

A Testimonial of Transformation:

Mary Adero, a mother of three and a widow, was once a roadside vendor along Ahero-Katito road in Kisumu County, struggling to access proper healthcare for her family. For years, she grappled with the challenge of balancing her business and the well-being of her loved ones, often unable to afford even the most basic medical services. However, three years later, her life has taken a transformative turn. Mary now, not only runs her business with ease but also can afford to pay school fees, commute from her home in Ahero municipality to her business space at Oile Market in Kisumu town, and feed her family comfortably.

This change came when Mary became a beneficiary of an Indigent Health Scheme, an initiative by the County Government of Kisumu in collaboration with a partner whose ilk was to improve access to quality health cover. The scheme provided free healthcare services at local clinics, along with referral services, including inpatient and outpatient care, all at no cost to Mary.

As a result, not only has Mary’s health significantly improved, but so has her productivity. Her face now radiates with hope, a testament to the impact of affordable healthcare and the possibilities it opens for those who need it most.

Kisumu’s Health Landscape: Current Situation and Disease Prevalence

Kisumu County, is faced with unique health challenges due to its geographical location, economic activities, and the socio-economic status of its population. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, diarrheal diseases, and respiratory infections remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the rise of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer is also growing raising great concern in the region.

Malaria is a major health challenge, with Kisumu being one of the counties most affected by the disease in Kenya. It thrives in the warm, humid environment around Lake Victoria and remains a leading cause of hospital visits, especially for children and pregnant women.

HIV/AIDS continues to affect many in Kisumu, with the county having one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the country, which impacts productivity and increases healthcare costs.

This challenges among many, need assessment, pushed Kisumu County to develop the health initiative Indigent Scheme, which was to address health inequities by providing healthcare services to low-income and vulnerable communities. This can be a starting point for counties as they await the National indigent policy.

The Success of  Indigent Scheme:

What Kisumu achieved by initially covering approximately 45,000 indigents through the scheme, is a penumbra and a better version of what the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), under its health benefit package was to accomplish in Kenya. Kisumu County Health indigent program is a perfect example of how a county government can develop interventive measures for its population amidst National health scheme implementation challenge. Other countries across the world have, legislations in place and policies that have increased their health budgetary allocation and succeeded in implementing the same.

For instance, Brazilian Unified Health System-Brazil’s Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS), a public funded health system does provide free healthcare to all Brazilians citizens and was established with a view to rationalize disparity in the country and focus on equity and quality. The system has significantly improved the health of the population, increased productivity and the life expectancy of Brazilians. Studies have shown that as healthcare access improves, so does workforce participation and output, especially in rural and underserved areas. Also, Thailand, has similar scheme-the Thailand Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Scheme, Rwanda has the Rwanda’s Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI)- Mutuelle de Sante and South Africa has a similar scheme -South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI). All these schemes have led to an increment on employment rate, fewer sick days, improved worker efficiency, and greater overall economic productivity. The focus of all these schemes are the disadvantaged and low-income population, of which Kenya should follow suit.

Strengthening the Scheme and Building Partnerships

Governor Nyong’o’s ability to build partners is commendable. He is one in a million and the health indigent stop gap measure is profound. However, sustainable health schemes should be the national government responsibility, and indeed the Ministry of Health should fully take the responsibility of implementing article 43 (1) (a) of our Constitution -every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health. This is non-negotiable, considering that county governments have no budgets of their own and funds continuously delay, affecting capitation arrangements or direct programs.

Like many well-intentioned initiatives, there are concerns about the sustainability of county governments-based health schemes, particularly given the fear of partners withdrawing funding or facing delays in financial support. The most recent tinkering experience, is the withdrawal of crucial health funding from Kenya by the Trump administration, hence disrupting health services and operations.

As the National Government figures out on appropriate health schemes, county governments like Kisumu, can continue on expanding its partnership strategies to ensure their citizens are productive and healthy as counties cross borrow and share formidable implementable ideas for the sake of their individual population. Here are some key strategies for improvement:

1. Expanding Coverage: The current scheme only covers 45,000 indigent individuals. Renewed negotiations can be encouraged to target not only the poor of the poor, but also the vulnerable groups such as the elderly, orphans, and informal sector workers who are often left out of mainstream health insurance schemes like NHIF/SHA.

2. More Public-Private Partnerships: Expanding partnerships with local pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers is essential. Kisumu County can work more closely with the private sector to bring down the cost of healthcare services, ensure timely drug supply, and offer specialized care for chronic diseases.

3. Strengthening Community Health Workers (CHWs): Community health workers play a vital role in preventive care and health education. Kisumu should invest in training and equipping CHWs to ensure they can help reach remote populations and prevent disease outbreaks at the community level.

4. Improved Digital Health Systems: Incorporating digital health technologies such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health apps could enhance access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas.

Global Studies on Health and Productivity

The link between health and productivity has been well established globally. A healthy workforce is more productive, more innovative, and contributes more to economic growth. Several global studies highlight the importance of health as an economic asset:

1. The World Health Organization (WHO) found that every $1 invested in improving population health yields a return of up to $9 in economic productivity due to reduced healthcare costs and increased labor productivity.

2. In Turkey, investments in health systems have shown a strong connection between improved healthcare access and economic development. Turkey has made remarkable progress in improving health services for rural populations, and its economy has grown significantly as a result.

3. In Singapore, where the government places a high priority on healthcare, studies have shown that a healthy population is one of the key reasons for the nation’s high productivity levels. The country’s comprehensive healthcare system, which includes universal health insurance, has contributed to its success as a global economic hub.

Conclusion

A healthy society is the cornerstone of a productive economy. Kisumu County has made significant strides in improving health access for its residents, but there is still work to be done. However, the bulk of responsibility to take care of its citizen is dependent on National Government formidable, practical and implementable health policies that affect the indigent, vulnerable and the aged in our country. As the county independently develop there indigent policy, the focus must be on creating systems that not only provide health access but also encourage proactive health management at the community level, thereby driving sustainable economic developmen

By OPCS Press, in Geneva, Switzerland

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said that the time was ripe for the world to confront the enduring legacies of colonialism, address the contemporary manifestations, and build a more just world.

Mudavadi, also Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary said that Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for marginalized groups, particularly in the face of rising xenophobia, Afrophobia, and racial discrimination.

Speaking during the Opening of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council at the UNheadquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Mudavadi said as the current Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Durban Declaration, Kenya was dedicated to combating racism and related intolerance, welcoming the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and its focus on reparatory justice and development.

“It is important to mention that the 2025 AU Theme of the year ‘Justice for Africans and The People of the African Descent Through Reparations’; a clear demonstration of Africa’s commitment to justice, accountability and the recognition of historical injustices,” said Mudavadi.

PCS said that Kenya recognized the evolving landscape of human rights challenges in the digital age and is committed to addressing them proactively and was reviewing the 2014 National Policy and Action Plan on Human Rights to integrate emerging issues, particularly those related to technology and bridging the digital divide.

“We further recognise the challenges that emerging technologies present, such as disinformation campaigns fueled by generative AI, weaponization of technology, and its dual-use nature, which must be mitigated,” said Mudavadi.

However, as the “Silicon Savannah” of Africa, the PCS said that Kenya was also alive to the transformative potential of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in advancing development; thus, was developing a National AI Strategy 2025-2030 which focuses on strengthening data sovereignty and inclusive development.

He urged the Human Rights Council to play a crucial role in promoting equitable access to emerging technologies, critical infrastructure, and skills necessary for full participation in the information society.

“During our tenure, Kenya aims to advocate for the recognition of access to technology as an essential component of the right to information, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We welcome all efforts towards ensuring that technology is accessible, affordable, and beneficial for all,” said Mudavadi.

On global peace, Mudavadi said that cases of increased incidence of wars and conflict persist leading to grave violations of human rights as reflected in the rising cases of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and even genocide. The implication is that the Council’s crucial role in addressing abuses, preventing conflict, and its emphasis on the need for peace, has become more important.

He said that the world was today witnessing violent conflicts characterized by indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations, including schools and hospitals, the use of Sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war, a rise in violent extremism, decimation of economic livelihoods, and forced displacements.

Mudavadi said that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in its “Global Appeal 2025”, projects that over 139 million people globally will be forcibly displaced or become stateless by the end of 2025 due to conflicts.

“Most of these are vulnerable people from Developing Countries. Recent reports by UNICEF indicate that as of 2025, nearly 47 million children are displaced due to conflict, with the numbers expected to continue increasing,” said Mudavadi.

Grimmer statistics Mudavadi noted was the Save the Children International report indicating that one in eleven children are being denied their basic rights to live, learn, be protected, and prosper due to violent conflict, adverse climate change, and global economic instability. Today in Africa, over 2.8 million Children are out of school; a grave risk to almost an entire generation.

He observed that the wars in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Haiti, and Myanmar are some of the notable examples of crises, including Africa’s forgotten conflicts, that have contributed to humanitarian catastrophe worldwide.

In DRC, for instance, the PCS noted that the cases of sexual violence have reached unprecedented levels, with reports that sexual violence including rape of children as low as 12 years increased five-fold in one week from January 27 to February 2 of 2025.

He said that Kenya continues its active engagement in peace initiatives both regionally and internationally, including in DRC, Sudan, Somalia, and Haiti among others because we recognize that sustainable peace is linked to the protection and promotion of human rights noting that there was a compelling need to fully incorporate human rights considerations in peace missions and general conflict resolution mechanisms.

“We believe the Council’s work is more vital than ever, serving as a critical platform for addressing human rights abuses, which are often both a cause and consequence of conflict,” said Mudavadi.

With greater equity in the Global Financial Architecture, Mudavadi said that the African continent was able and determined to build capacity to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts in the region calling for “Local Solutions to Local Problems.”

“Kenya will promote discussions on the “human rights economy” within the prism of the need for structural changes in the global financial system. We aim to highlight how these reforms are essential for creating an environment where all nations can effectively uphold their human rights obligations and commitments,” said Mudavdi.

He affirmed Kenya’s strong adherence to human rights evident by its membership in most of the key international human rights instruments, and said Kenya was an active member of Regional Human Rights mechanisms including the East Africa Community Court of Justice and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He said that Kenya was cognizant of the fact that corruption is a threat to human rights, noting that graft often facilitates and aggravates human rights violations, particularly against vulnerable groups, by hindering their access to rights and services such as legal representation and a fair trial, property rights, education, health, and social protection.

“We continue to strengthen institutions, legislation, regulations, and policies to fight corruption including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

On the environment, PCS said that Kenya commends the Council’s crucial work in recognizing the inextricable link between climate change and human rights and averred that Kenya acknowledged the urgent need to address environmental crises as a recognition of the direct connection between environmental degradation and human rights abuses.

Kenya will continue to champion this cause during our tenure on the Council and will remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving 100 percent renewable power by 2030, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and foster sustainable development.“