Day: May 16, 2024

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is putting up mechanisms to curb corruption menace in the country.

The agency wants to recover public properties especially land taken away unlawfully by corrupt individuals.

Speaking in an interview with the media in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County during a joint workshop that brought together representatives from Kisumu, Vihiga and Elgeyo Marakwet County Assemblies and County Public Service Boards, EACC spokesperson, Mr. Eric Ngumbi indicated that the initiative is part of a programme to be implemented in all counties to tame the increasing challenge of theft of public funds and grabbing of public assets.

The commission met with stakeholders to discuss proper strategies to be adopted in line with managing the monster of corruption that is ruining the integrity of the public institutions.

He underscored that corruption remains a serious threat in the country hence affecting service delivery to the citizens.

In regard to the status of corruption in the North r
ift region, the EACC spokesperson revealed that the commission has recovered public property worth Sh3.2 billion in Eldoret, which had been in the hands of grabbers.

‘In Eldoret the EACC has been able to re-acquire land that was grabbed, the total sum of land re-acquired from grabbers sums to a total of Sh.3.2 billion. The grabbed land originally belonged to the Judiciary, Uasin Gishu County Referral hospital, County Fire Station and Administration Police of which is now reinstated to respective institutions,’ he noted.

Ngumbi further alluded that the commission is currently undertaking investigations on 97 other properties worth Sh 7.4 billion currently in private hands in Eldoret Town for recovery and return to the public.

He noted that after concluding the investigation on the 97 pieces of land, they will serve the holders with notice to surrender the land voluntarily to the original institutions, failure to which will result to court action.

‘There will be criminal proceedings in respect to the Depart
ment of Lands officials, who facilitated the acquisition of these parcels of land. Because even after land is re-acquired back to the government, they conspire to re-grab it,’ he said.

Ngumbi issued a stern warning to such public officials conspiring with grabbers that strict action will be taken against them as he insisted that involvement in wrongdoing will not go unaccounted for.

He explained that, in addition to recommending suspects of land grabbing to the Director of Public Prosecution [DPP] for prosecution, EACC will recover public property acquired through corrupt means, unexplained wealth, and others.

In its efforts to tame corruption in North rift, the commission is monitoring the ongoing development of county budgets for the next financial year 2024/2025 due to increased cases where County Assemblies collude with officers on the County Executive for corruption, largely through allocation of budget for already existing projects or projects that are not intended for execution, as a mechanism for s
tealing public funds.

Additionally, on the ongoing floods, the authority is monitoring all public officials tasked with management of funds designated for containment of the current floods’ disaster in the country in order to ensure accountable and prudent use of the resources and at the same time Accounting Officers to be held personally liable for any mismanagement of the resources.

EACC has also undertaken Corruption Risk Assessment and examination of systems, policies, procedures and methods of work in Moi University and identified the systemic weaknesses and loopholes conducive to corruption and unethical conduct in the University.

The Commission has since handed over the Report to the University with reform recommendations for implementation. Notably, public universities are now hotbeds for corruption and unethical practices.

‘We have been focusing on counties alone and forgetting that our institutions of higher learning, the public Universities, are now becoming hotbeds for corruption. We have cond
ucted what is called corruption risk assessment in order to help our universities to fight corruption and to be able to identify loopholes that bring corruption and to see ways of closing the loopholes,’ noted the EACC spokesperson.

‘The report that we have given the university already has revealed a lot of loopholes and weaknesses that are systemic in nature that allow corruption and unethical conduct including the risk of the integrity in the examinations taking place but we are working with the university to assist them in sealing those loopholes,’ he added.

EACC’s North rift Regional Manager, Charles Rasugu in his remarks decried the increasing trends of corruption and unethical practices adding that, the high level of land grabbing in Eldoret town threatens the proposed city status which requires adequate space for various facilities.

He decried the increasing trends of corruption and unethical practices that had permeated the higher education sector with the risk of destroying the foundation of the c
ountry’s present and future development as he called upon the participants to lead the way in combating and preventing issues of fake academic credentials, bribery, conflict of interest and examination malpractices.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The County Government of Nakuru is working on a five-year strategic plan to make the devolved unit’s urban areas more resilient, functional and efficient.

The City Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP) is expected to provide a roadmap for building towns that are not only environmentally sustainable but also equitable and inclusive.

City Manager, Gitau Thabanja, said the Strategic Plan was being crafted into a robust framework that will guide a people-centered development model in the face of trends impacting on them such as population growth, demographic shifts and increasing risk of disasters induced by climate change.

‘The Strategic Plan will address current challenges and anticipate future ones. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without proper urban planning. We need to significantly change the way we build and manage open spaces,’ stated Mr Thabanja.

He said the five-year plan is further being designed to harness opportunities for sustainable urban development while focusing on crucial aspects, infr
astructure development, economic revitalization, social improvement, environmental sustainability and improved governance.

While indicating that Governor Susan Kihika’s administration was working on reforms to reinvigorate the region’s urban development as well as develop financing models that can attract local investors to fund urban infrastructure projects, the City Manager highlighted the need for innovative strategies and robust implementation mechanisms to translate the plan’s objectives into tangible outcomes.

He said the devolved unit’s administration was also creating and enforcing policies that promote sustainable urban development and provide incentives for green initiatives.

The official explained that the goal of the Strategic Plan was to ensure that Nakuru had ‘smart’ sustainable urban centers that have adequate services such as water, electricity, a functional transport system and proper waste management.

Thabanja disclosed that the county would continue embracing private sector investments
where city finance or jurisdictional flexibility is limited.

He observed that commercial investors have the required capital and investment mandates to contribute significantly to developing critical urban climate infrastructure.

‘We are committed to being enablers and mobilizers of the private sector. We will continue identifying and sharing potential project opportunities and streamline regulatory and permit processes to enable smoother deployment of private capital into projects,’ added the official.

While indicating that the policy document aims to create a vibrant and inclusive urban environment that enhances the quality of life and fosters economic prosperity, Thabanja noted that there was a need for structured connection between the National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA), National Construction Authority (NCA) and the county government approval processes.

He affirmed that Governor Kihika’s administration was creating a strong integration of spatial planning, social and economic develop
ment and environmental protection as provided for in the County Governments Act.

The policy document, Mr Thabanja explained, was also an institutional development strategy and aimed at institutionalizing a plan-led system of development. This means that all public investments and approvals of land development by the private sector must be aligned to urban development plans and policies.

The devolved unit, according to the official, had in place clear guidelines and regulations on public participation to facilitate people-centered planning.

‘Structured involvement of neighbourhood or residents’ associations and other stakeholders gives a sense of ownership of the planning process and promotes planning as a tool in delivering public good and attaining equitable development,’ he added.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The County Government of Nakuru is working on a five-year strategic plan to make the devolved unit’s urban areas more resilient, functional and efficient.

The City Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP) is expected to provide a roadmap for building towns that are not only environmentally sustainable but also equitable and inclusive.

City Manager, Gitau Thabanja, said the Strategic Plan was being crafted into a robust framework that will guide a people-centered development model in the face of trends impacting on them such as population growth, demographic shifts and increasing risk of disasters induced by climate change.

‘The Strategic Plan will address current challenges and anticipate future ones. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without proper urban planning. We need to significantly change the way we build and manage open spaces,’ stated Mr Thabanja.

He said the five-year plan is further being designed to harness opportunities for sustainable urban development while focusing on crucial aspects, infr
astructure development, economic revitalization, social improvement, environmental sustainability and improved governance.

While indicating that Governor Susan Kihika’s administration was working on reforms to reinvigorate the region’s urban development as well as develop financing models that can attract local investors to fund urban infrastructure projects, the City Manager highlighted the need for innovative strategies and robust implementation mechanisms to translate the plan’s objectives into tangible outcomes.

He said the devolved unit’s administration was also creating and enforcing policies that promote sustainable urban development and provide incentives for green initiatives.

The official explained that the goal of the Strategic Plan was to ensure that Nakuru had ‘smart’ sustainable urban centers that have adequate services such as water, electricity, a functional transport system and proper waste management.

Thabanja disclosed that the county would continue embracing private sector investments
where city finance or jurisdictional flexibility is limited.

He observed that commercial investors have the required capital and investment mandates to contribute significantly to developing critical urban climate infrastructure.

‘We are committed to being enablers and mobilizers of the private sector. We will continue identifying and sharing potential project opportunities and streamline regulatory and permit processes to enable smoother deployment of private capital into projects,’ added the official.

While indicating that the policy document aims to create a vibrant and inclusive urban environment that enhances the quality of life and fosters economic prosperity, Thabanja noted that there was a need for structured connection between the National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA), National Construction Authority (NCA) and the county government approval processes.

He affirmed that Governor Kihika’s administration was creating a strong integration of spatial planning, social and economic develop
ment and environmental protection as provided for in the County Governments Act.

The policy document, Mr Thabanja explained, was also an institutional development strategy and aimed at institutionalizing a plan-led system of development. This means that all public investments and approvals of land development by the private sector must be aligned to urban development plans and policies.

The devolved unit, according to the official, had in place clear guidelines and regulations on public participation to facilitate people-centered planning.

‘Structured involvement of neighbourhood or residents’ associations and other stakeholders gives a sense of ownership of the planning process and promotes planning as a tool in delivering public good and attaining equitable development,’ he added.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government fully commits to supporting the African Medicine Agency (AMA) as it works to ensure there is increased availability of safe medicine, medical products, devices, diagnostics, vaccines, and other related products across the African continent.

AMA is a specialized Agency of the African Union that is dedicated to supporting the growth of local pharmaceutical production and improving access to quality, safe, and efficacious medical products in Africa.

This commitment underscores the country’s dedication to delivering on the pillars of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage.

Speaking at the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Anchored Pooled Procurement Meeting held at Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha Wafula said that Africa needs to actualize this initiative to curb the continuous challenges in delivering quality and affordable healthcare to its people, which is the major obstacle making healthcare inaccessible to millions across the continent.

‘The Afr
ica Continental Free Trade Area anchored Pharmaceutical initiative not only presents an opportunity for us to collectively work towards lowering the cost of our pharmaceutical products but also to harmonize our regulations and enhance quality and safety,’ Nakhumicha said.

She further assured that the Government of Kenya has prioritized the lowering of essential products particularly through encouraging local production.

She announced that the country recently celebrated a great milestone when the Parliament ratified the Treaty of the Establishment of AMA and that the ratification instrument was subsequently deposited to the African Union Commission. Kenya became the 26th member state to ratify the treaty in September 2023 following the confirmation of the African Union.

‘The ratification of the AMA treaty barely 2 years after its establishment is a clear affirmation of Kenya’s support for regulatory harmonization initiatives in Africa. Kenya shares the vision of ensuring that all people across Africa have
access to essential medicines and health technologies,’ she explained.

She reiterated that Kenya has stated its commitment to support local manufacturing, therefore, AMA serves as a great opportunity to progressively increase Kenya’s and Africa’s manufacturing capacity for health products.

In line with AMA’s vision, Nakhumicha said that Kenya also supports the AfCFTA pharmaceutical initiatives, with the key objective of addressing socio-economic-related challenges facing the Continent in improving access to maternal, neonatal, and child health products and essential medicine and commodities.

‘It is my firm belief that the 10 countries selected to pilot this initiative will provide insights and learn the development of a pooled procurement mechanism for selected section reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health essential medicines and commodities,’ Nakhumicha said.

Among the countries represented included Comoros, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Seychelles, Djibouti, Mauritius and Eritrea and host Kenya.

S
he extended that beyond the health benefits, the AfCFTA-anchored pharmaceutical initiatives African Pooled Procurement Mechanism would also go a long way in creating business opportunities for the private sector hence leading to the creation of jobs, cost savings, and increased production of medicines.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Office of Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and the Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya (DFSAK) have joined forces in curbing cases of harassment and debt shaming by digital lenders.

Speaking in Nairobi during the DFSAK digital credit breakfast, Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait said that there has been a drastic decline in the complaints against financial service providers, since the introduction of a regulatory framework by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) two years ago.

She said that due to the growing adoption and use of technology based innovation, financial services have undergone radical digital transformation over recent years.

‘New technology innovation created new business model application processes and products are largely responsible for these transformations,’ she said.

Kassait highlighted that the emerging issues in adoption of new technology in the financial sector included increased collection of personal data to get access to services and increased automate
d process using AI and machine learning among others.

‘The office has established a record of all processing operations undertaken by the digital credit providers and the lawful basis for each,’ she noted.

The Commissioner also said that her office would continue having more training on matters concerning data protection, adding that they were planning on going to mashinani the coming year and create massive awareness on data protection.

DFSAK Chairman Kevin Mutiso said that they have been working in collaboration with the ODPC to ensure customer protection by coming up with guidance notes.

Mutiso added that this has helped digital lenders to be more compliant reducing the numbers of complaints against the lenders.

He noted that the practice of debt shaming is nearly eradicated and warned those who continued to harass customers to do so at their own peril.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance has called for the fast-track of the gazettement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and 100 percent implementation of the ban on the single-use plastic carrier bag which is estimated to be at 80 percent.

EPR is an environmental policy approach that establishes a producer’s accountability for the post-consumer phase of a plastic product’s life cycle.

During their address at Ratna Square, Alex Kubasu, a representative of the World Wide Fund (WWF) emphasized the urgency of the bill that has already been presented to the parliament, stressing the critical need for its gazetting to empower effective implementation on the ground to mitigate further environmental pollution.

KEPSA has held its 2nd sensitization workshop endeavoring to assess more collaboration with both the National and County Governments to ensure that this bill can be implemented most effectively.

This assessment involves exploring avenues for cooperation, establishing clear lines of communication an
d responsibilities of producers, and fostering a participatory approach that incorporates input from all stakeholders.

‘Our main plea to the government as we proceed with the Extended Producer Responsibility bill is to prioritize robust regulation,’ Kubasu said.

He noted that currently, within the Sustainable Management Act, there are two to three provisions that allow the National government to implement EPR. However, their emphasis lies in ensuring that these provisions are comprehensive and effective.

‘We advocate for clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms to hold producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products, thereby promoting a circular economy and environmental sustainability,’ he extended.

Karin Boomsma, the Project Director, KEPSA expressed her belief that the EPR can make our Country deal with waste management more efficiently, be clear on what products to be used for, and if they are necessary.

She emphasized the need to create a uniform, harmonizing system to make sure that th
e products used have a value to reuse, recover, or recycle.

Boomsma noted that they represent the Private Sector’s commitment to ensuring that EPR regulations are deployed as they should be across the country.

She said that they have supported the process by having a dialogue with the government to ensure that the policy that is being developed, is implementable.

It was noted that the pace to gazette the regulation is not too slow and not as fast but on track with continuous momentum needed for assurance that it is going to be implemented.

On the plastic bags ban, Boomsma noted that it was implemented quite successfully at approximately 80 percent because there is still border crossing leakage.

‘We have been successful in not having this massive amount of plastic bags in rivers, drainages, and the environment in general,’ she said.

Ayyub Macharia, Director in charge of Environmental Enforcement said that the plastic bags ban has been continuously enforced since 2017.

‘The plastic bags remain banned, th
e only ones in use are those in permission with NEMA especially those used in food packages for hygiene purposes,’ Macharia said.

He noted that they recently wrote to County Governments to ask the managers of the county markets to enforce the ban on plastic bags as they shall take action against them if they find plastic bags in the markets.

Source: Kenya News Agency