Tag Archives: government

Ruto’s Unfulfilled Promises and the Impact on Kenyan Citizens

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In the realm of political leadership, the consequences of overpromising can be profound, leading to difficult decisions that may prioritize short-term gains over long-term welfare. President William Ruto’s governance in Kenya bears striking similarities to the biblical account of Herod the tetrarch, whose rash promise led to a morally compromising decision. This analysis explores how Ruto’s ambitious promises, much like Herod’s fateful vow, have placed him in a tight spot, forcing decisions that appease certain groups at the expense of the broader populace. Herod’s story is a cautionary tale of how a leader’s words can become a trap. When he promised to grant Herodias’ daughter whatever she wished, Herod did not anticipate the moral dilemma he would face when she asked for the head of John the Baptist. Despite his reluctance, Herod felt compelled to honor his promise to maintain his authority and avoid public embarrassment. Similarly, Ruto’s leadership has been marked by a series of promises that, once made, have proven difficult to keep. The grand visions he laid out during his campaign—ranging from economic reforms to social justice—have created high expectations among the Kenyan people. However, the reality of governance has revealed the challenges in fulfilling these commitments, leading to a growing sense of disillusionment among the populace.

Africa News Report

According to reports from The Nation and The Standard, this gap between Ruto’s promises and the outcomes on the ground has become increasingly evident. Many of the ambitious goals set by his administration have remained unachieved, leading to public frustration and criticism. The unfulfilled promises are not just political missteps; they have real consequences for the people, particularly in areas such as employment, economic stability, and social equity. Much like Herod, who found himself trapped by his own words, Ruto faces the challenge of managing the expectations he has set. His administration’s focus has often shifted towards maintaining political alliances and managing public perception rather than addressing the underlying issues that the promises were meant to resolve. This has led to decisions that seem more about preserving power than serving the broader interests of the Kenyan people, mirroring Herod’s decision to prioritize his reputation over justice.

KTN News Report

The consequences of such a leadership approach are far-reaching. Just as Herod’s actions resulted in the death of an innocent man to uphold a thoughtless promise, Ruto’s governance risks sidelining the needs and welfare of ordinary citizens. The pressure to deliver on promises, particularly when they are unattainable, can lead leaders to make decisions that are more about appeasing specific groups or maintaining political stability than addressing the real needs of the population. This analysis underscores the importance of careful, realistic promises in leadership. The story of Herod and the current challenges faced by Ruto serve as reminders that overpromising can compromise a leader’s integrity and effectiveness. For a global readership, the lesson is clear: leaders must be mindful of the weight of their words, as they will ultimately be held accountable for the promises they make, and the decisions taken to uphold them can have lasting impacts on society.

References:

Nation The promises versus reality: President Ruto’s rough road ahead

The Standard Ruto’s missteps, broken promises cause untold suffering to Kenyans

Nation The appeal of elsewhere: Of Ruto’s promises and reality

The Standard Wandayi: Ruto’s regime has failed Kenyans with its empty promises

People Daily Queries over Ruto empty promises after Gen-Z demos

The Star AJUOK: Why Ruto has become master of false promises

People Daily With no cogent plan, pact with Raila may buy Ruto time

Nairobi News International Women’s Day: 7 promises to women Ruto has not kept


Kenya’s Governance Crisis: Using Legal Frameworks to Silence Dissent

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In recent years, Jimi Wanjigi, once regarded as Kenya’s most feared oligarch, has experienced a dramatic fall from grace, with the state employing various tactics to curtail his influence and silence his criticisms. Wanjigi, who was once a shadowy figure wielding immense power behind the scenes, has become a target of state machinery. This shift began when his relationship with the ruling elite soured, leading to a series of events that point to a broader pattern of intimidation against dissenters in Kenya. The state’s strategy seems to revolve around using legal frameworks and court processes as tools of political retribution, aiming to quash opposition voices and maintain control over the narrative.

Citizen Digital Report

The analysis of recent media coverage reveals a concerted effort by the Kenyan government to use the judiciary as a weapon against Wanjigi. From the fallout over the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, where Wanjigi allegedly lost favor with powerful allies, to the multiple legal summons and court appearances he now faces, the pattern is clear: the courts are being leveraged to harass and weaken those who challenge the status quo. The media reports show a continuous escalation of state action against Wanjigi, including police summons, publicized court battles, and the orchestration of highly visible legal confrontations. These actions align with broader trends observed in Kenya, where the judiciary is increasingly used to stifle dissent and intimidate those who seek to expose governmental malfeasance.

This pattern of using legal and judicial means to intimidate is not unique to Wanjigi; it reflects a growing trend in Kenya where the state appears to weaponize the law to suppress criticism. As seen in the media reports, Wanjigi’s high-profile clashes with the government, including his dramatic court appearances and the recent confrontations over the rejected Finance Bill 2024 and the Nane Nane protests, underscore a broader issue of governance in Kenya. The persistent legal challenges faced by Wanjigi and others who oppose the regime highlight a troubling trajectory in which the state, rather than addressing concerns raised by critics, opts to punish them through a series of strategically timed and publicized legal actions. This strategy not only serves to neutralize opposition figures like Wanjigi but also sends a chilling message to others who might consider speaking out against government wrongdoing.

References:

The Standard How death and SGR fallout forced Jimi Wanjigi out of the dark power circle

Nation Jimi Wanjigi: Kenya’s most feared oligarch

The Standard Wanjigi: Man who wielded influence, now at odds with government

The Star Police summon Jimi Wanjigi for grilling over Nane Nane demos

Nation Jimi Wanjigi’s high-stakes drama: Ruto’s government wants to eliminate me










Kenyan-Led Mission to Restore Stability in Haiti: A Historic Stand for Humanity

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In a bold move towards global solidarity and humanitarian aid, Kenya is stepping up to tackle the rampant gang violence in Haiti. This week marks a significant milestone as the first contingent of Kenyan police officers departs for the Caribbean nation, aiming to restore order and bring hope to its beleaguered population.

Haiti has been engulfed in chaos for years, with violent gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This lawlessness has led to widespread killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence, leaving the economy in ruins and essential services paralyzed. Hospitals have shut down, supply routes are blocked, and over half a million Haitians have been forced to flee their homes. With around half the population struggling to find enough food, the situation is dire. The crisis reached a breaking point in March when Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign amidst the escalating violence, underscoring the urgent need for a solution.

International efforts to stabilise Haiti have had a troubled history. The UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSTAH), which operated from 2004 to 2017, was marred by controversies, including civilian deaths, a cholera outbreak, and allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers. Despite these setbacks, the urgency of the situation in Haiti cannot be ignored. Gangs have tightened their grip on critical resources, including the main fuel terminal, effectively holding the nation hostage. The recent release of $100 million in US funding for the Kenyan-led mission reflects a renewed international commitment to addressing the crisis. This funding is not just for the immediate deployment of police but also for long-term projects aimed at restoring security and aiding Haiti’s recovery.

President Ruto flags off the first contingent of Kenyan police officers to Haiti

The Kenyan-led mission brings a fresh wave of hope for Haiti. Kenya is taking the lead by deploying an initial contingent of 400 police officers, with another 600 to follow. This mission is supported by personnel from Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Chad, and Bangladesh, all primarily funded by the United States. The goal is clear: break the stranglehold of gang violence, reopen humanitarian aid routes, and restore economic activity.

Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the mission’s importance, calling it a historic stand for humanity and universal values. This mission aims to create a secure environment that will allow Haiti to hold its first elections since 2016, paving the way for lasting peace and stability. By addressing the root causes of the violence and providing robust support, the Kenyan-led mission offers a real chance for Haiti to rebuild and move forward.

As the Kenyan police officers embark on this critical mission, they carry with them the hopes of not just the Haitian people but the entire international community. Their bravery and dedication stand as a testament to the power of global solidarity and the unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid. This mission is more than just a deployment; it’s a beacon of hope for a nation in desperate need of stability and peace.

References

Capital News President Ruto flags off the first 400 Kenyan police officers headed to Haiti

The Humanitarian US releases funding for Kenya-led Haiti police mission

UN Deadly Violence in Haiti at Record High, Some Worst Scenarios Now Realities, Special Representative Tells Security Council, Urging Deployment of Support Mission

Reuters Kenyan police to arrive in Haiti this week, US State Department says

AP Haiti’s transitional council appoints new Cabinet tasked with leading a country under siege by gangs

Education Bill, a step towards vision 2030

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Education is a very imperative factor towards economic and social development. Most of the industrialized countries are characterized by a large number of erudite citizens. Since primary school education was made free in Kenya, after the 2002 General elections, many of the children affected by poverty got the opportunity to acquire education. Although numerous were still locked out either because of the long distances from available schools to their homes or because of the negligence of some parents especially those from rural communities who do not value education. A lot of brilliant students were therefore denied their right to education. Fortunately, this will soon be a tale of the past if the education bill that was recently tabled in parliament is to be passed. The bill is intended to make education free and compulsory to every child.

The bill states that education should be free and compulsory to every child, and parents should enroll any child of school going age to a nearby primary school. It also states that no child should be held back until he/she completes basic education. If a child fails to attend school on a regular basis or is not enrolled in any school, the parent or guardian is to face up to one year jail sentence or a fine of 5,000 shillings. The bill also outlines that only a cabinet secretary, through a gazette notice, will exempt any child’s admission to a school. Toting up to that, the cabinet secretary in consultation with the National Education Board and County Education Board will establish primary and secondary institutions within a radius of 3 kilometers of every residential area. This will curb the problem of schools being inaccessible to some children, particularly those in rural areas.

This bill could transform the lives of many Kenyans. There are countless children unfairly deprived of education and for some, it is due to the negligence of their parents. This will also increase opportunities for the girl child to be educated as well as eliminate their early marriages since some communities are notorious for holding the belief that educating the girl child is a waste of time and resources. Additional opportunities for education will also promote economic development. This is because education increases invention and innovation. Many scholars will also be enrolled in secondary schools and this will open scholarship opportunities for secondary education. If these students pass well, they will be sponsored by various institutions and organizations for their secondary education and for some even their tertiary education. Therefore the education bill is a colossal step towards development in Kenya.

KENYA FOOD SECURITY | A critical view

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Co-Author :  Victor Daniels

On February 22, 2010, a senior policy analyst with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), was quoted saying, “we have a challenge in the management of our public affairs [and] the management of our food stocks. Sometimes we are exporting food yet we later need to import. There is failure to learn from best practices, to invest in knowledge and transform that knowledge into action.”

According to OneWorld UK, the UN “estimates that 3.5 million Kenyans will require food assistance, a figure that may rise before the end of 2011.” However, the assessments updated on July, 2011, “exclude the Somali refugees located in the Dadaab camps in eastern Kenya whose plight is managed as an international refugee crisis, as distinct from Kenya’s national food insecurity.” Scholars have blamed the looming food crisis in Kenya, not only on the failure of successive seasonal rains, but also on poor standards of governance, and mismanagement of the agriculture sector, coupled with lack of political goodwill. Providing credit facilities to farmers, setting up micro-irrigation schemes, and cash transfers to poor farmers, as well as effecting input subsidies are just but a few ways to begin the comprehensive process, to realize food security in Kenya.

Kenya Food Security

In light of the above, an economy should be based on a long-lasting, reliable system, not on slavery, and coercion. Our economy relies on greed, and a serious lack of thought about consequences. That is a very unstable sort of economy. A lucid socio-economic analysis of the mechanisms of exploitative processes in the Kenyan economy brings out Kenya’s predicament in the light of under-hand shady policy making, which is not exclusively Marxist, but still draws heavily on that school of thought. Even before the fall of the KANU regime, the prices of prime commodities such as tea, sugar, rice, and maize, have constantly been rising, which creates a conflict of interests considering we locally produce the same. Where does the buck stop? Can we still interpret this, as Kenya’s success story? Are the Kenyan food policies a success in terms of growth, or total output? The time has come to reappraise agricultural pricing policies in general, so that agriculture makes its optimum contribution to maximizing gross national production. For maize, the Kenyan staple grain, the producer’s selling price should be reviewed, and be set at the relevant export parity price. The consumer price should be down to a comfortable level, thus, the price should be set at the producer’s selling price, plus marketing costs- incurred in distributing the maize to consumers. It is true that costs are rising, but then, if a justified investment policy was directed for export, we would expect the abolition of domestic marketing, thus, providing comfortable floor and ceiling prices. Starvation in most Kenyan regions remains to haunt us due to the government’s sub-standard reckoning, without political goodwill for the Kenyan people. Well known Members of Parliament, politicians, senior civil servants, and business men affiliated to high echelons of power, have repeatedly been accused with controversial maize and sugar imports and exports, but still, calls to prosecute the alleged suspects, go unheeded. Impunity and indecisiveness, thrives at high levels of governance, and on the miseries of the citizenry, where justice refers to how deep your pockets are. Budgetary allocation for the Ministry of State for Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands is irrelevant, if the people meant to be protected by the same, are dying of acute food shortage, and malnutrition. The chronic famine situation in Kenya, signals a malfunction in the governance of the Kenyan democracy. Kenya truly needs, a decentralized system, of running State affairs. Focus should be on the people and their strengths, instead of importing western innovations, and ideologies. Since we should be the change we want to see, we should put an end to popularistic politics, and deal with real issues affecting Kenyans on the ground, in a comprehensive manner.

References:

Food Security in Kenya-briefing OneWorld UK, July, 2011

Experts voice food security concerns IRIN Africa, February 22, 2010

Outrage over rising food and fuel prices IRIN Africa, April 20, 2011

 

 

ID CRISIS | Government lags in issuance of IDs

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On October, 2009, the Public Procurement Administration Board ruled that the tendering process for the new generation IDs was unfair, and ordered the ministry of Immigration to begin it anew.

Otieno Kajwang-Minister of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons

Last weekend on Saturday, Daily Nation reported that “more than 4 million Kenyans-the majority of them youths-could be prevented from voting next year if the political infighting over a Sh. 12 billion tender for the production of national identity cards is not resolved soon.” The tender for design, supply, installation and commissioning of the 3rd generation IDs, advertised on April 2007, “has attracted a lot of attention from powerful people in government. It has been derailed because some forces think that ODM wants to turn it into an Anglo Leasing and mint money for campaigns,” Otieno Kajwang-Minister of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons, said for the record. On 3rd March, 2011, allAfrica.com reported that, “although funds were allocated for the project, powerful people with vested interests have been fighting to influence who gets the contract.” On the flip side, “without an ID one cannot transact official business, get a job, travel outside the country, join college, access government offices, and entertainment spots or acquire other crucial documents like passports.” Daily Nation reported. Findings from a research carried out by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) addressing the crisis on issuance of national identity cards in Kenya stated that, “the Government only recognizes the importance of an ID card in so far as elections are concerned, but not for other crucial purposes… This means that political interests of those in Government tend to supercede the day-to-day interests of Kenyans.” Surprisingly, the government seems to have disregarded results of the 2009 census, exhibiting that “young people constitute a core voting bloc that will determine who becomes the country’s next president.” The KNCHR research drew a conclusion that “registration of persons and issuance of ID cards is core in determining the extent of enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by Kenyans.”

For how long the Kenyan government will view the citizenry as mere statistical elements, is an issue begging for urgent corrective reasoning, lest much more young people will stand disenfranchised and dispossessed.

References:

ID crisis: 4 million face lockout in poll Daily Nation July 23rd 2011

Sort Out ID Cards Crisis allAfrica.com March 3rd 2011

Youth Seeking IDs to Wait Longer After Tender Quashed allAfrica.com October 15th 2009

An Identity Crisis? A Study on the Issuance of National Identity Cards in Kenya KNCHR 2007

 

Drought Situation in East Africa

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In August 2010, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center (NOAA/CPC), both, officially declared a La Nina event.

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) measurements in 2010 indicated rapid cooling, thus yielding “a moderate La Nina event…” projected to last for 9 to 12 months, Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) reported. “La Nina events are generally associated with drier than normal conditions in the eastern sector of East Africa, and wetter than normal conditions in the western and northern sector of the region.” FEWSNET reported. According to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the La Nina phenomenon results in “drought over most parts of East Africa and floods and lush vegetation in Australia and other parts of southeast Asia.” guardian.co.uk reported. Jan de Leeuw, the Operating Project Leader (OPL) in the Vulnerability and sustainability in pastoral and agro-pastoral systems within ILRI’s People, Livestock and Environment theme (PLE) was put on record saying, “this La Nina event is one of the strongest since the 1970s.” Meanwhile, Daily Nation reported that “Kenya has been listed among countries facing the world’s worst food security crisis in the eastern horn of Africa.” Further afield, Associated Press (AP) reported that, “UN officials sounded the alarm Tuesday about a deepening humanitarian crisis in East Africa caused by a severe drought and fighting in Somalia…” Approximately 10 million people in northern Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea and South Sudan need urgent humanitarian assistance as the region experiences the worst drought in 60 years. An estimated 1,300 Somali refugees stream into Dadaab refugee camp daily following continued conflict in Somali, coupled with severe drought. The situation on the ground is getting worse as the world’s largest refugee camp- Dadaab, in Kenya has been forced to house people, four times its full capacity.

I echo Kimani wa Njuguna’s opinion on Tuesday that, “Rather than being preoccupied with weighty bread and butter issues which will add value to the lives of Kenyans, we have seen most elected leaders concentrating on non-issues like singing to the tune of tribal kingpins, how to escape paying taxes, and the 2012 elections.” Real issues are on the ground; drought, a looming food shortage, high inflation, delayed constitutional implementations, and so on. “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”, Winston Churchill said. The Kenyan Government should savor the opportunity to act decisively and do something significant to comprehensively take care of the current drought situation.

What’s your say?

The Conversation begins…

References:

Kenya in urgent need of food aid, says US Daily Nation July 11, 2011

La Nina blamed for east African drought guardian.co.uk July 14, 2011

UN struggling to cope with East Africa drought Associated Press July 12, 2011

Executive Brief: La Nina and Food Security in East Africa August 2010 FEWSNET as of July 14, 2011

East African drought ‘worst in 60 years’ Channel 4 News June 28, 2011

Leaders must get their priorities right and put food security at top of agenda Daily Nation:-Opinion July 12, 2011

 

 

 

The Alcohol Dilemma

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In an already soaring economic environment, the so soon effected directive to increase excise duty on alcohol is projected to reduce government revenue.

On March 22nd 2010, National Campaign against Drug Abuse (Nacada) acceded to legalizing chang’aa so that its production can be regulated. On July 22nd the same year, Sam Ikwaye, the Executive Officer of the Pubs and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) was reported saying that “the proposed laws(Alcoholic Drinks Control Act) will do to the alcohol industry what the “Michuki Rules” did to the public transport sector.” However, we should note that the cause/effect of either vary significantly. Ideologically, the new alcohol law is designed to limit drinking hours in an effort to allow for more time to be spent on productive activities. In a society characterized with high unemployment, and rising cost of living, compounded by increased taxation on alcoholic drinks, it will be difficult to implement the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act because, frequent alcohol consumers who can now not afford the bottle would compulsively opt for cheaper nonstandard alcoholic drinks, which are still highly unregulated, thus reduced revenue collection from licensed alcohol. “Increase of excise duty on alcohol is ‘counter productive’ and likely to reduce government revenue from the industry which is one of the major contributors”, said Consultancy firm Deloitte and Touche Kenya.

Instead of aggressively enforcing regulation of the alcohol industry by strict adherence to directives by the district liquor licensing boards, the government should consider a more overt system to address the issue of alcohol abuse by establishing adequate and affordable rehabilitation facilities and advocate for aggressive civil education on the economic, social, and psychological effects of alcohol abuse. Do not bite the hand that feeds you, and two wrongs never make a right.

References:

High Alcohol Tax Likely to Affect Revenue-Analyst allAfrica.com June 10, 2011

License Chang’aa, Nacada tells State Daily Nation March 22, 2010

New alcohol law hard to effect, say players Daily Nation July 22, 2010

 

Fraud in the Ministry of Education

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More than 100 people, including top civil servants may face graft charges following a new forensic audit by the government revealing fraud involving Sh4.2 billion in the Education Ministry.

The Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta disclosed findings that alleged Sh4.2 billion intended for the Free Primary Education Programme (FPEP) is unaccounted for. Kenyatta, who is also the Finance Minister, handed over the audit report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director, Ndegwa Muhoro. Daily Nation website reported that, “according to Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, the officials (in the Ministry of Education) not only stole the money, but also manipulated the records to hide the theft.” On one hand, Education Minister Prof. Sam Ongeri has sided with Uhuru Kenyatta in saying, “the focus was not going to be on prosecutions alone, but also on the recovery of the money, with the real possibility that some of the assets of those found guilty may be seized”, Daily Nation reported. On the other hand, Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) Director, PLO Lumumba was reported accusing Uhuru Kenyatta of “putting on a show for the World Bank…” The article goes on to read that “Lumumba said Kenya is trying to look good before the world, whereas it is not, adding that the launch and handover of the report to the CID was meant to please the World Bank officials who are in the country to inspect the projects they sponsor.”  Last year, the U.K. Department For International Development (DFID) terminated its financial support to the Ministry of Education in Kenya citing, “It is vital that U.K. aid money is being spent on its intended purpose. We could not be sure this was happening and also we have stopped direct funding to the Ministry of Education in Kenya,” following a statement made by the DFID concerning allegations that some officials in the Ministry misappropriated the fund. Prior to the statement by the DFID, Prime Minister Raila Odinga suspended Ongeri from office for a period of three months following a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers Kenya and  Internal Auditor General, which “laid credible foundations…” African Press International (API) website reported. However, President Kibaki later annulled the suspension.

In 1970, Abba Eban, an Israeli diplomat, said, “history teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.” Maybe this time the culprits involved in the scam will face the law. ‘Big and small fish’ alike all should be prosecuted, because only then will the government inch closer to recovering the lost billions and more so, toward ending the culture of impunity.

References:

How free education billions were stolen Daily Nation June 16, 2011

Heat over missing billions for schools The Standard June 14, 2011

DFID Halts Funding for Kenyan Education Ministry Devex March 16, 2010

Ministers Ongeri, Ruto suspended by PM Raila over graft: Will his action breed powerful

enemies and destroy his chances to seek presidency come 2012? African Press International February 14, 2010