Obama's grandmother Sarah proudly announced on Thursday that her modest Kenyan homestead was now solar-powered.
"I am very pleased that my home has been improved thanks to solar energy and I'll make sure my grandson hears about it," Greenpeace International quoted Sarah Obama as saying.
The environmentalist group is hosting a workshop on renewable energy in the country drawing youth from Sarah's Kogelo village in western Kenya and the country's largest slum in Nairobi, Kibera.
Senator Barack Obama school in Kogelo was also fitted with solar panels.
Sarah became a national celebrity when her grandson visited the country in 2006 and her home has become a tourist attraction since the former Illinois senator's November 2008 election triumph.
The Kenyan government has also declared Kogelo a national heritage site.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
TJRC Rejection
The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission has rejected a Cabinet resolution to expand their mandate and include the trial of post election violence suspects.
Chairman Bethuel Kiplagat said on Thursday that his team was ready to quit should the Cabinet amend the TJRC Act to expand their mandate. Amb Kiplagat said his team had formally communicated their objection to the Cabinet through the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Mutula Kilonzo.
“That was not our job and bringing it in will totally mess the whole concept of TJRC,” he emphatically stated.
“We are happy the Minister has assured that he was not going to make any amendments and our role would remain as it is,” he added.
Cabinet rejected a proposal by Mr Kilonzo to create a local tribunal to try the suspects and instead vouched for the use of the TJRC and the normal courts but the move attracted heavy condemnation.
The civil society, religious leaders, international community and other interested organisations have threatened that they would not support the TJRC process unless the government showed any will to support the creation of the tribunal.
A lobby group claiming to be victims of atrocities of the past has moved to court to halt the commission’s work questioning the credibility of Amb Kiplagat and some of his fellow commissioners. Another civil society group, the Centre for Multiparty Democracy has written to former UN Chief Kofi Annan urging his to press for the disbandment of the team.
The Chairman, however, said his team will not be cowed by the criticism adding that they would engage the skeptics to raise what they have against the commissioners “then if there is a sin we will ask for forgiveness.”
“If you have to fear because people are critical about you then we will not be able to make a difference in this world.”
The Commission will have an operation mandate of two years and will explore the historical injustices for the period starting from independence in 1963 to the end of post election violence in February last year. The team’s findings and recommendations are meant to advise the government on measures to be taken to unite the evidently divided country.
The TJRC’s main functions are to investigate gross violations and abuses of human rights, including abductions, disappearances, detentions, torture, sexual violations, murder, extra-judicial killings, ill-treatment and expropriation of property suffered by any person.
The team will be expected to identify and specify the victims of the violations and abuses and make appropriate recommendations for redress. It will also investigate economic crimes and provide redress in respect to crimes of a sexual nature against female victims.
Amb Kiplagat’s team is currently laying ground for its work and is expected to start public engagement in November.
“If you give me a task it is for me to create that political will and this is not from politicians alone. It is the goodwill and constructive criticism from the media, private sector and all in this country that will work,” he said.
Chairman Bethuel Kiplagat said on Thursday that his team was ready to quit should the Cabinet amend the TJRC Act to expand their mandate. Amb Kiplagat said his team had formally communicated their objection to the Cabinet through the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Mutula Kilonzo.
“That was not our job and bringing it in will totally mess the whole concept of TJRC,” he emphatically stated.
“We are happy the Minister has assured that he was not going to make any amendments and our role would remain as it is,” he added.
Cabinet rejected a proposal by Mr Kilonzo to create a local tribunal to try the suspects and instead vouched for the use of the TJRC and the normal courts but the move attracted heavy condemnation.
The civil society, religious leaders, international community and other interested organisations have threatened that they would not support the TJRC process unless the government showed any will to support the creation of the tribunal.
A lobby group claiming to be victims of atrocities of the past has moved to court to halt the commission’s work questioning the credibility of Amb Kiplagat and some of his fellow commissioners. Another civil society group, the Centre for Multiparty Democracy has written to former UN Chief Kofi Annan urging his to press for the disbandment of the team.
The Chairman, however, said his team will not be cowed by the criticism adding that they would engage the skeptics to raise what they have against the commissioners “then if there is a sin we will ask for forgiveness.”
“If you have to fear because people are critical about you then we will not be able to make a difference in this world.”
The Commission will have an operation mandate of two years and will explore the historical injustices for the period starting from independence in 1963 to the end of post election violence in February last year. The team’s findings and recommendations are meant to advise the government on measures to be taken to unite the evidently divided country.
The TJRC’s main functions are to investigate gross violations and abuses of human rights, including abductions, disappearances, detentions, torture, sexual violations, murder, extra-judicial killings, ill-treatment and expropriation of property suffered by any person.
The team will be expected to identify and specify the victims of the violations and abuses and make appropriate recommendations for redress. It will also investigate economic crimes and provide redress in respect to crimes of a sexual nature against female victims.
Amb Kiplagat’s team is currently laying ground for its work and is expected to start public engagement in November.
“If you give me a task it is for me to create that political will and this is not from politicians alone. It is the goodwill and constructive criticism from the media, private sector and all in this country that will work,” he said.
Cabinet Resolves
The Cabinet has Thursday approved the go ahead for implementation of 18 Multi-purpose projects across the country over the next 8 years.
The projects are expected to cost an estimated Kshs. 250 Billion.
Meeting under the Chairmanship of President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, the Cabinet noted that the projects are expected to deal with some of the major challenges facing the country on a medium and long term basis.
The projects will be implemented by the six regional development authorities with mandates in various parts of the country.
The projects cover irrigation of food and cash crops, hydro-electric power generation, supply of clean water, development of fisheries, water catchments conservation, creation of local employment and rural centered development
Following the approval of the projects, the Ministry of Regional Development and other relevant ministries will now commence the process of implementing the 18 projects.
The government will finance feasibility studies while actual financing will be realized through Private-Public partnerships.
President Kibaki underlined the importance of urgently implementing the projects that would greatly enhance the economic growth of all regions in the country and create the much needed employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Once implemented the projects are expected to directly create 213,000 jobs and another 956,000 indirect jobs.
At the meeting Cabinet also approved the Tourism Bill and Tourism Policy.
The Tourism Bill consolidates the various laws currently regulating the sector into one Act of parliament.
The Tourism policy, the first in Kenya's history, will give new direction and impetus in the development, management and promotion of the sector.
The projects are expected to cost an estimated Kshs. 250 Billion.
Meeting under the Chairmanship of President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, the Cabinet noted that the projects are expected to deal with some of the major challenges facing the country on a medium and long term basis.
The projects will be implemented by the six regional development authorities with mandates in various parts of the country.
The projects cover irrigation of food and cash crops, hydro-electric power generation, supply of clean water, development of fisheries, water catchments conservation, creation of local employment and rural centered development
Following the approval of the projects, the Ministry of Regional Development and other relevant ministries will now commence the process of implementing the 18 projects.
The government will finance feasibility studies while actual financing will be realized through Private-Public partnerships.
President Kibaki underlined the importance of urgently implementing the projects that would greatly enhance the economic growth of all regions in the country and create the much needed employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Once implemented the projects are expected to directly create 213,000 jobs and another 956,000 indirect jobs.
At the meeting Cabinet also approved the Tourism Bill and Tourism Policy.
The Tourism Bill consolidates the various laws currently regulating the sector into one Act of parliament.
The Tourism policy, the first in Kenya's history, will give new direction and impetus in the development, management and promotion of the sector.
By-passes
Kibaki will Friday officially inaugurate the Eastern and Northern by-passes at the junction of Kangundo and Ruai roads.
The Kshs 8.5 billion by-passes are expected to greatly help in the reduction of traffic jams in the city.
During the occasion the President is also expected to outline other measures the government is taking to deal with the management of traffic in Nairobi, including the missing link roads.
During his last visit to Beijing, President Kibaki secured funding for the by-passes from the Government of the Peoples' Republic of China.
The by-passes are part of the government's ambitious infrastructure development programme aimed at making Kenya the regional economic hub.
Last week the Head of State inaugurated the Maji-ya-Chumvi-Miritini road, a key section of the critical Northern Corridor.
The President is expected at Embakasi at 11.00 a.m.
On arrival the President will be received by the Minister for Roads Hon Franklin Bett and other senior Government officials.
On Saturday President Kibaki will lead the nation in marking the 31st Anniversary of the death of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
The Kshs 8.5 billion by-passes are expected to greatly help in the reduction of traffic jams in the city.
During the occasion the President is also expected to outline other measures the government is taking to deal with the management of traffic in Nairobi, including the missing link roads.
During his last visit to Beijing, President Kibaki secured funding for the by-passes from the Government of the Peoples' Republic of China.
The by-passes are part of the government's ambitious infrastructure development programme aimed at making Kenya the regional economic hub.
Last week the Head of State inaugurated the Maji-ya-Chumvi-Miritini road, a key section of the critical Northern Corridor.
The President is expected at Embakasi at 11.00 a.m.
On arrival the President will be received by the Minister for Roads Hon Franklin Bett and other senior Government officials.
On Saturday President Kibaki will lead the nation in marking the 31st Anniversary of the death of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
STRATEGIC PLAN
Raila Odinga Wednesday August 19th 2009, made a firm commitment to transform the public service and bring a new focus on getting things done.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Conference centre during the launch of the first strategic plan for his office, the PM emphasized the need for the public service to operate with high standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics.
"This means planning together, sharing information, developing policies together and ensuring that plans get implemented," he said.
Mr. Odinga acknowledged that achieving these priorities and building a Government culture based on getting results for citizens will require the transformation of the public service.
He said," I have therefore put a new emphasis on public service transformation and on improving services to citizens."
To make sure that these things get done, he added, his office will co-ordinate and supervise the new integrated approach to implementing priorities.
‘Accountable for delivery'
Mr. Odinga said co-ordination will involve ensuring that ministries, departments and agencies work together as partners in service delivery to citizens, while supervision will involve making sure that ministries and departments are doing the right things, in the right way, to deliver on priorities in the service of Kenyans.
"This includes being clear about who is accountable for delivery and how progress and performance will be measured," he added.
Noting that this was an ambitious plan, the PM said to achieve success it will take hard work and a great deal of support and collaboration across Government and its partners, including NGOs.
He explained that the plan is about turning well-made plans into action, results, and a better quality of life for all.
"It is about making sure that there is enough food to eat, decent housing for our people, a sustainable environment, enough water to drink, energy, modern roads, railways and ports to grow our economy, " he emphasized.
And added, "The plan is about eliminating corruption and insecurity which threaten to poison our society and to tarnish our reputation around the world."
The PM noted that the plan was different in that it focused on several major priorities and seeks to correct the tendency by government to react to everything at once making it difficult to accomplish tasks.
"One of the responsibilities of Government is to be clear about what is critical to our success and do it well. That is better than trying to do everything at once and do it poorly," he added.
Strategic plan
Mr. Odinga said the plan therefore identifies several major national priorities including building new infrastructure, protecting the environment, ensuring food security, and fighting corruption.
Noting that Kenyans wanted results, Mr. Odinga pointed out that the strategic plan was not one other impressive document that will be left to gather dust on the shelves but it will be implemented in schools, hospitals, and national registries and in the communities.
He said Kenya has a large population of educated people adding with all the education and talent, the country should be able to tackle recurring problems like hunger, preventable diseases, and water shortages.
Saying that he took his constitutional mandate of coordination and supervision of the operations of government very seriously, the PM acknowledged that it was a huge task in view of what people think about government.
In this connection, Mr. Odinga said his office will make sure that ministries, departments and agencies are focused on government priorities, that they are working well together, that they are challenged on the progress they make, and that everyone in public service is professional, ethical and accountable for their actions.
Said he, "The quality and efficiency of Government affects our prosperity. It also influences how we care for each other, and the services we receive as citizens. Citizens need to know that Government is there for them when they need it most."
Mr. Odinga stated that President Kibaki and himself shared the conviction that Kenya can be a more prosperous, unified and secure nation adding they stood together in wanting a government and public service that works well for Kenyans and that steers the country towards the aspirations set out in Vision 2030.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Conference centre during the launch of the first strategic plan for his office, the PM emphasized the need for the public service to operate with high standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics.
"This means planning together, sharing information, developing policies together and ensuring that plans get implemented," he said.
Mr. Odinga acknowledged that achieving these priorities and building a Government culture based on getting results for citizens will require the transformation of the public service.
He said," I have therefore put a new emphasis on public service transformation and on improving services to citizens."
To make sure that these things get done, he added, his office will co-ordinate and supervise the new integrated approach to implementing priorities.
‘Accountable for delivery'
Mr. Odinga said co-ordination will involve ensuring that ministries, departments and agencies work together as partners in service delivery to citizens, while supervision will involve making sure that ministries and departments are doing the right things, in the right way, to deliver on priorities in the service of Kenyans.
"This includes being clear about who is accountable for delivery and how progress and performance will be measured," he added.
Noting that this was an ambitious plan, the PM said to achieve success it will take hard work and a great deal of support and collaboration across Government and its partners, including NGOs.
He explained that the plan is about turning well-made plans into action, results, and a better quality of life for all.
"It is about making sure that there is enough food to eat, decent housing for our people, a sustainable environment, enough water to drink, energy, modern roads, railways and ports to grow our economy, " he emphasized.
And added, "The plan is about eliminating corruption and insecurity which threaten to poison our society and to tarnish our reputation around the world."
The PM noted that the plan was different in that it focused on several major priorities and seeks to correct the tendency by government to react to everything at once making it difficult to accomplish tasks.
"One of the responsibilities of Government is to be clear about what is critical to our success and do it well. That is better than trying to do everything at once and do it poorly," he added.
Strategic plan
Mr. Odinga said the plan therefore identifies several major national priorities including building new infrastructure, protecting the environment, ensuring food security, and fighting corruption.
Noting that Kenyans wanted results, Mr. Odinga pointed out that the strategic plan was not one other impressive document that will be left to gather dust on the shelves but it will be implemented in schools, hospitals, and national registries and in the communities.
He said Kenya has a large population of educated people adding with all the education and talent, the country should be able to tackle recurring problems like hunger, preventable diseases, and water shortages.
Saying that he took his constitutional mandate of coordination and supervision of the operations of government very seriously, the PM acknowledged that it was a huge task in view of what people think about government.
In this connection, Mr. Odinga said his office will make sure that ministries, departments and agencies are focused on government priorities, that they are working well together, that they are challenged on the progress they make, and that everyone in public service is professional, ethical and accountable for their actions.
Said he, "The quality and efficiency of Government affects our prosperity. It also influences how we care for each other, and the services we receive as citizens. Citizens need to know that Government is there for them when they need it most."
Mr. Odinga stated that President Kibaki and himself shared the conviction that Kenya can be a more prosperous, unified and secure nation adding they stood together in wanting a government and public service that works well for Kenyans and that steers the country towards the aspirations set out in Vision 2030.
Raila's Strategic Plan
Kibaki has urged the Office of the Prime Minister and all government agencies to be at the forefront in eliminating human settlements around the country's water towers and reclaim forests illegally allocated to private individuals.
Speaking at the official launch of the Prime Minister's Office Strategic Plan at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre President Kibaki called on Kenyans to understand the gravity of environmental degradation.
He stated, "I call upon Kenyans to understand that this is a matter of life and death for the nation. I therefore call upon them to support this effort in every way they can in order to ensure the country has enough rain, water and food now and in the future."
The Head of State noted that the country's agricultural production had been seriously affected by the low and unreliable rainfall being received and had led to the current severe shortage of water across the country.
Said the President, "The low rainfall is also causing a severe shortage of water across the country and has begun to, impact negatively on our power generation. Moreover, drought is also beginning to affect our premier tourist attractions, such as Maasai Mara while several rivers and lakes are drying up in many parts of the country."
The Head of State assured wananchi that the Government was determined to reverse the situation.
The President said he was happy to note that environmental issues have been given priority in the Strategic Plan and affirmed that all forms of human settlement in water sources must be cleared and the depleted forests replanted with trees.
President Kibaki also commended the Strategic Plan for attaching importance to Public/Private sector partnership and assured that the Government was keen on collaborating with the private sector and the civil society.
Among the sectors in which the Government has been collaborating with the private sector, include infrastructure development particularly roads, ports and the energy sector.
He affirmed, "As a Government, we recognize the importance of maximum utilization of available human resources for the development of our country. We, therefore, place emphasis on partnerships with stakeholders, be they private entities, faith-based organizations or civil society."
The President however cautioned against too much empty and unproductive talk and instead called on Kenyans to embrace the virtues of hard work.
"Let us all make up our minds to do something that will ensure our country moves forward. What we need is progress so that we can make this world that God blessed us with a better place,'' Said the President.
The Head of State noted that many Kenyans were Wednesday working abroad, saying this was a sign that Kenya was endowed with talented manpower.
With regard to ICT, President Kibaki urged Kenyans to position themselves strategically to tap the full benefits of the sector, which he said the Government had invested heavily on with the aim of reducing the cost of doing business.
He reiterated that the Government was determined to make Kenya the ICT hub in the region and join the ranks of internationally competitive leaders in business process outsourcing.
The Head of State confirmed that the Government was closely working with the private sector due to its strategic position in the development of ICT in order to create jobs for the youth.
President Kibaki also underscored the need to enhance the country's security and directed the relevant arms of the Government to step up the war on crime in order safeguard the gains that Kenyans have realized so far.
He said, "I have instructed the concerned agencies to vigorously step up the war against crime so that Kenyans can peacefully go about their business. I expect to see immediate results on this matter."
The Head of State commended the staff in the Office of the Prime Minister for crafting an explicit road map capturing the aspirations of all Kenyans and demonstrating how well they could be achieved.
"As you are all aware, the Prime Minister is mandated to coordinate and supervise the execution of Government affairs including those of ministries. The Strategic Plan we are launching today provides the mechanisms for delivering that mandate. I am confident that the implementation of the Strategic Plan will go a long way in ensuring that services are delivered to the expectations of our people," noted the President.
On his part the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, asserted that the Government had identified crucial sectors that would lay a firm foundation for faster socio-economic development in the country as outlined by the strategic plan.
The Prime Minister affirmed that the current heavy investment in the infrastructure development was meant to cushion the economy from the effects of the current global recession adding that the sector alone was capable of accelerating the country's annual economic growth to the targeted rate of 10 per cent.
He noted that the plan also aimed at transforming the public service into a professional, ethical and accountable outfit that would give the required support to the productive sectors of the economy.
"The performance of the public sector affects the well being and rate of development of a nation. Kenyans must at all times get value for their money," observed the Prime Minister.
Noting that his office had an onerous task ahead of it, the Prime Minister affirmed that there was need to create strong institutions that would eradicate various vices particularly corruption which he said had serious adverse consequences on national development.
The Hon. Odinga said that Kenya was endowed with educated and talented citizens who are capable of tackling the current challenges facing the country among them hunger, diseases and extreme poverty.
Other Speakers during the occasion were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi, Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno and Minister for National Planning and Vision 2030 Wycliffe Oparanya.
In attendance were several ministers and assistant ministers, representatives of diplomatic corps and senior Government officials.
Speaking at the official launch of the Prime Minister's Office Strategic Plan at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre President Kibaki called on Kenyans to understand the gravity of environmental degradation.
He stated, "I call upon Kenyans to understand that this is a matter of life and death for the nation. I therefore call upon them to support this effort in every way they can in order to ensure the country has enough rain, water and food now and in the future."
The Head of State noted that the country's agricultural production had been seriously affected by the low and unreliable rainfall being received and had led to the current severe shortage of water across the country.
Said the President, "The low rainfall is also causing a severe shortage of water across the country and has begun to, impact negatively on our power generation. Moreover, drought is also beginning to affect our premier tourist attractions, such as Maasai Mara while several rivers and lakes are drying up in many parts of the country."
The Head of State assured wananchi that the Government was determined to reverse the situation.
The President said he was happy to note that environmental issues have been given priority in the Strategic Plan and affirmed that all forms of human settlement in water sources must be cleared and the depleted forests replanted with trees.
President Kibaki also commended the Strategic Plan for attaching importance to Public/Private sector partnership and assured that the Government was keen on collaborating with the private sector and the civil society.
Among the sectors in which the Government has been collaborating with the private sector, include infrastructure development particularly roads, ports and the energy sector.
He affirmed, "As a Government, we recognize the importance of maximum utilization of available human resources for the development of our country. We, therefore, place emphasis on partnerships with stakeholders, be they private entities, faith-based organizations or civil society."
The President however cautioned against too much empty and unproductive talk and instead called on Kenyans to embrace the virtues of hard work.
"Let us all make up our minds to do something that will ensure our country moves forward. What we need is progress so that we can make this world that God blessed us with a better place,'' Said the President.
The Head of State noted that many Kenyans were Wednesday working abroad, saying this was a sign that Kenya was endowed with talented manpower.
With regard to ICT, President Kibaki urged Kenyans to position themselves strategically to tap the full benefits of the sector, which he said the Government had invested heavily on with the aim of reducing the cost of doing business.
He reiterated that the Government was determined to make Kenya the ICT hub in the region and join the ranks of internationally competitive leaders in business process outsourcing.
The Head of State confirmed that the Government was closely working with the private sector due to its strategic position in the development of ICT in order to create jobs for the youth.
President Kibaki also underscored the need to enhance the country's security and directed the relevant arms of the Government to step up the war on crime in order safeguard the gains that Kenyans have realized so far.
He said, "I have instructed the concerned agencies to vigorously step up the war against crime so that Kenyans can peacefully go about their business. I expect to see immediate results on this matter."
The Head of State commended the staff in the Office of the Prime Minister for crafting an explicit road map capturing the aspirations of all Kenyans and demonstrating how well they could be achieved.
"As you are all aware, the Prime Minister is mandated to coordinate and supervise the execution of Government affairs including those of ministries. The Strategic Plan we are launching today provides the mechanisms for delivering that mandate. I am confident that the implementation of the Strategic Plan will go a long way in ensuring that services are delivered to the expectations of our people," noted the President.
On his part the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, asserted that the Government had identified crucial sectors that would lay a firm foundation for faster socio-economic development in the country as outlined by the strategic plan.
The Prime Minister affirmed that the current heavy investment in the infrastructure development was meant to cushion the economy from the effects of the current global recession adding that the sector alone was capable of accelerating the country's annual economic growth to the targeted rate of 10 per cent.
He noted that the plan also aimed at transforming the public service into a professional, ethical and accountable outfit that would give the required support to the productive sectors of the economy.
"The performance of the public sector affects the well being and rate of development of a nation. Kenyans must at all times get value for their money," observed the Prime Minister.
Noting that his office had an onerous task ahead of it, the Prime Minister affirmed that there was need to create strong institutions that would eradicate various vices particularly corruption which he said had serious adverse consequences on national development.
The Hon. Odinga said that Kenya was endowed with educated and talented citizens who are capable of tackling the current challenges facing the country among them hunger, diseases and extreme poverty.
Other Speakers during the occasion were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi, Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno and Minister for National Planning and Vision 2030 Wycliffe Oparanya.
In attendance were several ministers and assistant ministers, representatives of diplomatic corps and senior Government officials.
Women Development fund
The government has enlisted an additional 27 financial institutions as intermediaries for the distribution of the Women Development Fund. Gender Affairs Minister Esther Murugi says among them are two Sharia compliant institutions that will make the monies available to the Muslim community especially in Northern Kenya.
Ms Murungi was responding to queries by MPs Sophia Abdi and Ekwe Ethuro who complained that the funds are not accessible to communities in Northern Kenya.
Ms Murungi was responding to queries by MPs Sophia Abdi and Ekwe Ethuro who complained that the funds are not accessible to communities in Northern Kenya.
Useless statement from minister
The re-opening of the Webuye Pan Paper Mills has stalled, three months into a deadline given by the government.
Industrialisation Minister Henry Kosgey told Parliament that creditors had given unrealistic conditions to the government before they could allow for the re-opening to go on. Mr Kosgey reported that the lenders who are owed over Sh8 billion want the government to clear most of the arrears of the company.
The Kenya, Power and Lighting Company and Kenol Limited who are the main energy suppliers have remained adamant that they have to be paid first before they can even consider the move," he said.
Mr Kosgey said the creditors have further demanded that they be allowed to appoint receiver managers whose cost would be met by the government. The Minister said the government was considering invoking its sovereignty rights and re-opening the company through a court order despite the resistance.
Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim ordered that Committee of Implementation to investigate the matter after the government reneged on its commitment to re-open the company in June this year following a request by Webuye MP Alfred Sambu.
"This is the most useless statement I have heard. What the Minister is telling us we already knew," Mr Sambu said.
Industrialisation Minister Henry Kosgey told Parliament that creditors had given unrealistic conditions to the government before they could allow for the re-opening to go on. Mr Kosgey reported that the lenders who are owed over Sh8 billion want the government to clear most of the arrears of the company.
The Kenya, Power and Lighting Company and Kenol Limited who are the main energy suppliers have remained adamant that they have to be paid first before they can even consider the move," he said.
Mr Kosgey said the creditors have further demanded that they be allowed to appoint receiver managers whose cost would be met by the government. The Minister said the government was considering invoking its sovereignty rights and re-opening the company through a court order despite the resistance.
Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim ordered that Committee of Implementation to investigate the matter after the government reneged on its commitment to re-open the company in June this year following a request by Webuye MP Alfred Sambu.
"This is the most useless statement I have heard. What the Minister is telling us we already knew," Mr Sambu said.
Land Grabbing cabinet
A number of Cabinet Ministers, current and ex-Members of Parliament, former administrators and military officers have been named as beneficiaries of close to 60,000 acres of land belonging to the Agricultural Development Corporation in Molo.
The list tabled in Parliament by Agriculture Assistant Minister Kareke Mbiuki on Wednesday listed Ministers William Ruto, William ole Ntimama and George Saitoti as people who were allocated the land originally meant for resettling squatters in the Rift Valley.
Other beneficiaries include current MPs Isaac Ruto, Boaz Kaino and Wilson Litole. Former Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones, who passed died last year was also one of the beneficiaries.
"The Ministry of Agriculture was requested by the former regime to surrender this land to the Ministry of Lands and Settlement as land trustee. It is the Lands Ministry that allocated the land and not my Ministry," Mr Mbiuki said as he defended the Agriculture Ministry from accusations that it was part of the scheme of dishing out the land meant for squatters.
While the squatters were meant to get five acres each, the top government officials benefited from tens of acres in different settlement schemes.
"Yes the list may read as who is who but maybe by then they were squatters," Mr Mbiuki said sarcastically.
MPs were enraged by the revelations and demanded answers from the Assistant Minister.
The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources is currently probing the matter and has already deduced evidence from ADC managing director William Kirwa.
"Could the Minister own up that they gave their friends and powerful people in the government and ignored the squatters?" Naivasha MP John Mututho asked.
"If we continue with this trend of giving the little land we have what will happen to the Internally Displaced Persons and other squatters,? Molo MP Joseph Kiuna posed.
The list tabled in Parliament by Agriculture Assistant Minister Kareke Mbiuki on Wednesday listed Ministers William Ruto, William ole Ntimama and George Saitoti as people who were allocated the land originally meant for resettling squatters in the Rift Valley.
Other beneficiaries include current MPs Isaac Ruto, Boaz Kaino and Wilson Litole. Former Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones, who passed died last year was also one of the beneficiaries.
"The Ministry of Agriculture was requested by the former regime to surrender this land to the Ministry of Lands and Settlement as land trustee. It is the Lands Ministry that allocated the land and not my Ministry," Mr Mbiuki said as he defended the Agriculture Ministry from accusations that it was part of the scheme of dishing out the land meant for squatters.
While the squatters were meant to get five acres each, the top government officials benefited from tens of acres in different settlement schemes.
"Yes the list may read as who is who but maybe by then they were squatters," Mr Mbiuki said sarcastically.
MPs were enraged by the revelations and demanded answers from the Assistant Minister.
The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources is currently probing the matter and has already deduced evidence from ADC managing director William Kirwa.
"Could the Minister own up that they gave their friends and powerful people in the government and ignored the squatters?" Naivasha MP John Mututho asked.
"If we continue with this trend of giving the little land we have what will happen to the Internally Displaced Persons and other squatters,? Molo MP Joseph Kiuna posed.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
ODM VS PNU
The integrity of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) could be called to question even before it is put to test after sharp differences emerged between coalition partners, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Party of National Unity, over the appointment of a senior staffer to the electoral body that replaced the defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK).Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM is demanding an explanation on the merits that led to the appointment of Mr Kennedy Kihara as the Secretary of the new interim elections body without competitive bidding.
Prior to his appointment to head the IIEC secretariat, Mr Kihara served in the Office of the President as a Deputy Secretary and Director of State Functions.And now ODM is incensed that Mr Kihara is now serving in two positions—at OP and the Commission. ODM is further concerned by Kihara’s apparent omnipresence in electoral matters given that he presided over the disbandment of ECK.The Orange party argues that as the Chief Executive Officer of the electoral body, such an officer is tasked with managing the daily administrative operations of the Commission, and given the sensitivity of the task at hand in view of events that led to the disbandment of ECK, the person appointed to the position must be above reproach.
A letter from the Prime Minister’s office seen by Kenya Times and which raises ODM’s concerns over Mr Kihara’s appointment reads in part: “As such, he (Secretary) plays the most central role in the actual management of the Commission.” The letter dated August 14, is written by the PM’s advisor on the management of the affairs of the Coalition Government Mr Miguna Miguna and is addressed to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Constitution Review Chairman Mohammed Abdikadir.A similar letter is also written to the Chairman of IIEC Ahmed Isaak Hassan raising the same issues.
ODM wants to know from both Mr Abdikadir and Mr Hassan what role the PSC and IIEC, the institutions they preside over respectively, played in the hiring of Mr Kihara.A source said that the handpicking of Mr Kihara went against the spirit of consultation as enshrined in the National Accord that legalized the power-sharing agreement between ODM and PNU, and therefore raising concerns that there are fresh attempts by one coalition partner to influence the operations of the new electoral body with a view to tilt the operations of the Commission in favour of its bidding in the forthcoming political contests.
“We are left wondering whether this is another strategy to replicate the KICC drama by bringing in PNU friendly persons to the commission,’ said a source who sought anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.ODM is further asking: “If Mr Kihara was not hired through PSC, the body that oversaw the constitution of the current electoral body, then on what terms did the Hassan-led commission employ his services?”“Can you produce the copy or copies of the terms of service of Mr Kihara with the IIEC?” Mr Miguna’s letter demands.
Mr Kihara was a joint secretary of the Task Force appointed mid-last year to take over the assets of ECK while awaiting the ushering in of the new interim electoral body.The letter notes: “Before staff and commissioners are hired by the IIEC, two vital conditions must be met. Firstly, applicants must not be former employees or Commissioners with the defunct ECK; and secondly, applicants must not, as of date of their application, be holding any position in the public or civil service.”
ODM holds that the disbandment of ECK arose from irregular appointments that resulted into the hotly disputed presidential poll in 2007 general election, and therefore Miguna’s letter poses: “Since Kenya went up in flames in December 2007 because of the manner the defunct ECK mismanaged the tallying and rigged the Presidential elections, do we have confidence that Mr Kihara can do better than Kivuitu?”
Mr Miguna said the appointment of Mr Kihara further violated the laid down laws, regulations and policies “safeguarding against conflict of interest, influence peddling and extraneous political interference.”“Where is the guarantee that IIEC will achieve what ECK failed to do with a more sectarian person in charge of the Commission and the legal, administrative and financial foundations of the IIEC shakier than those of the ECK,” he asked.
The complaints come at a crucial time in the life of IIEC which successfully hosted a National Conference on Electoral Reforms last week promising to be impartial in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.The body succeeded ECK which was disbanded in December last year over mismanagement of the 2007 elections.President Kibaki was accused of unilaterally appointing commissioners to ECK and this was cited as one of the reasons that contributed to the creation of an environment for bugling of the 2007 poll whose results were disputed leading to violent protests that hurtled the country to the brink of civil war.
The present commissioners were competitively picked by PSC. An initial list which had lawyer Cecil Miller at the helm of the commission was rejected by Parliament citing credibility issues.Mr Miguna says IIEC is expected to be independent; arguing that Mr Kihara is inappropriate as he is still substantively employed in the Office of the President.And he has also demanded to know from Mr Hassan whether Mr Kiahara has overseen the employment of other staff, saying this could further polarize an institution whose mandate is very sensitive owing to the manner it was constituted and in view of the circumstances that let to its creation.
As a result, Miguna says, Kihara cannot head the IIEC secretariat while “…serving under a President who happens to be the leader of PNU”. He said IIEC should be independent in the true sense of the word and discharge its functions impartially, fairly, objectively and professionally without inappropriate political party interests or other considerations. Similarly, ODM has raised complaints over other appointments to bodies established to implement Agenda Four under the National Accord. “There have been persistent reports questioning the independence, integrity and impartiality of some of the commissioners, experts, and staff at the IIEC, Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) and the Committee of Experts (CoE),” read the letter.
Mr Miguna in his letter raises about the appointment of Njoki Ndung’u (Committee of Experts on Constitutional review), Margaret Sava (TJRC) and Winnie Guchu (IIEC).He says the three were picked from the same Non-Governmental Organization Women in Law and Development—where they were directors and that they hail from the same geographical region.“Whereas no one is questioning the women’s qualifications, it is odd that with the number of highly qualified Kenyans that applied for the limited positions, three directors of one small NGO would have been chosen over everyone else,” posed Miguna.
He said Kenyans deserve to see independent and professional outfits charged with overseeing constitutional and institutional reforms.
“An appearance that any of the individuals chosen for these instrumental public service duties may not be completely independent and impartial would likely undermine the successful completing of the tasks those bodies and individuals have been mandated to undertake,” said Miguna in the letter. The letter to Abdikadir and IIEC Chairman Mr Hassan was copied to the PM, Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo, Lands minister James Orengo, Attorney General Amos Wako, National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, Permanent Secretary Public Service Ministry Titus Ndambuki and the Chief of Staff of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities Mr Nana Effah-Apenteng.
Prior to his appointment to head the IIEC secretariat, Mr Kihara served in the Office of the President as a Deputy Secretary and Director of State Functions.And now ODM is incensed that Mr Kihara is now serving in two positions—at OP and the Commission. ODM is further concerned by Kihara’s apparent omnipresence in electoral matters given that he presided over the disbandment of ECK.The Orange party argues that as the Chief Executive Officer of the electoral body, such an officer is tasked with managing the daily administrative operations of the Commission, and given the sensitivity of the task at hand in view of events that led to the disbandment of ECK, the person appointed to the position must be above reproach.
A letter from the Prime Minister’s office seen by Kenya Times and which raises ODM’s concerns over Mr Kihara’s appointment reads in part: “As such, he (Secretary) plays the most central role in the actual management of the Commission.” The letter dated August 14, is written by the PM’s advisor on the management of the affairs of the Coalition Government Mr Miguna Miguna and is addressed to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Constitution Review Chairman Mohammed Abdikadir.A similar letter is also written to the Chairman of IIEC Ahmed Isaak Hassan raising the same issues.
ODM wants to know from both Mr Abdikadir and Mr Hassan what role the PSC and IIEC, the institutions they preside over respectively, played in the hiring of Mr Kihara.A source said that the handpicking of Mr Kihara went against the spirit of consultation as enshrined in the National Accord that legalized the power-sharing agreement between ODM and PNU, and therefore raising concerns that there are fresh attempts by one coalition partner to influence the operations of the new electoral body with a view to tilt the operations of the Commission in favour of its bidding in the forthcoming political contests.
“We are left wondering whether this is another strategy to replicate the KICC drama by bringing in PNU friendly persons to the commission,’ said a source who sought anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.ODM is further asking: “If Mr Kihara was not hired through PSC, the body that oversaw the constitution of the current electoral body, then on what terms did the Hassan-led commission employ his services?”“Can you produce the copy or copies of the terms of service of Mr Kihara with the IIEC?” Mr Miguna’s letter demands.
Mr Kihara was a joint secretary of the Task Force appointed mid-last year to take over the assets of ECK while awaiting the ushering in of the new interim electoral body.The letter notes: “Before staff and commissioners are hired by the IIEC, two vital conditions must be met. Firstly, applicants must not be former employees or Commissioners with the defunct ECK; and secondly, applicants must not, as of date of their application, be holding any position in the public or civil service.”
ODM holds that the disbandment of ECK arose from irregular appointments that resulted into the hotly disputed presidential poll in 2007 general election, and therefore Miguna’s letter poses: “Since Kenya went up in flames in December 2007 because of the manner the defunct ECK mismanaged the tallying and rigged the Presidential elections, do we have confidence that Mr Kihara can do better than Kivuitu?”
Mr Miguna said the appointment of Mr Kihara further violated the laid down laws, regulations and policies “safeguarding against conflict of interest, influence peddling and extraneous political interference.”“Where is the guarantee that IIEC will achieve what ECK failed to do with a more sectarian person in charge of the Commission and the legal, administrative and financial foundations of the IIEC shakier than those of the ECK,” he asked.
The complaints come at a crucial time in the life of IIEC which successfully hosted a National Conference on Electoral Reforms last week promising to be impartial in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.The body succeeded ECK which was disbanded in December last year over mismanagement of the 2007 elections.President Kibaki was accused of unilaterally appointing commissioners to ECK and this was cited as one of the reasons that contributed to the creation of an environment for bugling of the 2007 poll whose results were disputed leading to violent protests that hurtled the country to the brink of civil war.
The present commissioners were competitively picked by PSC. An initial list which had lawyer Cecil Miller at the helm of the commission was rejected by Parliament citing credibility issues.Mr Miguna says IIEC is expected to be independent; arguing that Mr Kihara is inappropriate as he is still substantively employed in the Office of the President.And he has also demanded to know from Mr Hassan whether Mr Kiahara has overseen the employment of other staff, saying this could further polarize an institution whose mandate is very sensitive owing to the manner it was constituted and in view of the circumstances that let to its creation.
As a result, Miguna says, Kihara cannot head the IIEC secretariat while “…serving under a President who happens to be the leader of PNU”. He said IIEC should be independent in the true sense of the word and discharge its functions impartially, fairly, objectively and professionally without inappropriate political party interests or other considerations. Similarly, ODM has raised complaints over other appointments to bodies established to implement Agenda Four under the National Accord. “There have been persistent reports questioning the independence, integrity and impartiality of some of the commissioners, experts, and staff at the IIEC, Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) and the Committee of Experts (CoE),” read the letter.
Mr Miguna in his letter raises about the appointment of Njoki Ndung’u (Committee of Experts on Constitutional review), Margaret Sava (TJRC) and Winnie Guchu (IIEC).He says the three were picked from the same Non-Governmental Organization Women in Law and Development—where they were directors and that they hail from the same geographical region.“Whereas no one is questioning the women’s qualifications, it is odd that with the number of highly qualified Kenyans that applied for the limited positions, three directors of one small NGO would have been chosen over everyone else,” posed Miguna.
He said Kenyans deserve to see independent and professional outfits charged with overseeing constitutional and institutional reforms.
“An appearance that any of the individuals chosen for these instrumental public service duties may not be completely independent and impartial would likely undermine the successful completing of the tasks those bodies and individuals have been mandated to undertake,” said Miguna in the letter. The letter to Abdikadir and IIEC Chairman Mr Hassan was copied to the PM, Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo, Lands minister James Orengo, Attorney General Amos Wako, National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, Permanent Secretary Public Service Ministry Titus Ndambuki and the Chief of Staff of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities Mr Nana Effah-Apenteng.
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