NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA WITH UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI MOON

Prime Minister Raila Odinga today held discussions with UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki Moon on a range of issues including the intention of the Government of Kenya to field a candidate for the position of Assistant Secretary General at the UNEP Nairobi office.

The premier informed the UN boss that the country had settled for Dr.　 Alice Kaudia, a renowned conservationist whose colourful career in social and natural resource management saw her head the Eastern Africa International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the UN position.

Mr Odinga also briefed the UN delegation on the status of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and the influx of refugees from war ravaged neighbouring countries.

The delegation which jetted into the country last evening heard that at least 9000 aliens sought refuge into the country every month thereby posing health, environmental and security concerns to the host nations.

The two leaders also revisited the Ivorian crisis to which Mr Odinga was appointed as mediator. Mr Odinga asked the international Community to take a decisive action to resolve the post election impasse.

The West African country has lately been plunged into a state of turmoil following fighting over the leadership after incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo declined to concede defeat and relinquish power to former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara.

At another function in his office, the PM challenged the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution to do everything within its powers to ensure the country does not go through the experiences of 2008 again.
Speaking when he received members of the CIC who presented the Quarterly Report, the PM said a number of the problems the country has experienced since 1992 elections are election related.
"You are on the driving seat. The people of Kenya have given you a mandate to ensure there is a level playing field, that the process to the next election is credible and respected. You have a duty to ensure we don’t experience what we did the last time," the PM said.
CIC officials, led by chairman Mr Charles Nyachae, said the commission is determined to live to the expectations of Kenyans.

NAIROBI: KENYA FILES CASE AGAINST ICC TRIALS

This is to confirm that Counsels, Sir Geoffrey Nice Q.C. and Rodney Dixon, Barrister-at-Law have today, on behalf of the Government of Kenya, filed an application pursuant to Article 19 of the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC), respectfully requesting the Pre-Trial Chamber to determine that the two cases currently before the ICC are inadmissible before the I.C.C.

S. AMOS WAKO) E.G.H, F.C.I.Arb, S.C, M.P
ATTONERNEY-GENERAL

31st March, 2011

NAIROBI:PRIME MINISTER'S ROUND TABLE MEETING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR

The 7th Prime Minister's Round Table meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday, 31st March, 2011 at Intercontinental Hotel starting 8a.m. The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will chair the meeting.
The Director General of the World Trade Organization(WTO), Mr. Pascal Lamy will also attend.
The meeting is open for coverage.

Prime Minister Press Services

PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA CALLS FOR IMPROVED QUALITY EDUCATION



Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing the Education Without Borders Forum in the UAE,the Premier has proposed teachers and students exchange programme between developed and developing countries to ensure quality of education in dveloping countries.

 Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for increased student and teachers exchange programmes between institutions in developed and developing nations as a way of bridging the gaps in access to quality education currently experienced in the world.
Addressing the 2011 Education Without Borders World Forum in Dubai, UAE, Mr Odinga said Kenya, like other developing countries, is truggling to provide universal access to education but quality remains a challenge.
Mr Odinga said while revolutions in communications and information technology have broken down barriers that once kept countries and markets apart, a divide still exists in access to quality education that would make those graduating from colleges have equal chances to compete for jobs globally.
"Today, we live in a world where good jobs are no longer local affairs. Well paying jobs can today be located anywhere there's an Internet connection. The emerging world also means a child learning in Kenya is directly competing with children learning here in the United Arab Emirates , in UK , US and China . This requires that the children should have access to same quality of education," the PM said.

He challenged global corporations that are looking for employes on a global scale to invest in provision of quality education as a way of investing in the future of their businesses.
He said the Government of Kenya is putting emphasis on creating the physical infrastructure for learning and also provide incentives for pupils to remain in school, including food where there is none.
Mr Odinga said the emreging world called for fundamental changes in education to ensure those graduating from schools are trade literate, sensitive to foreign cultures, conversant in different languages, technology savvy, capable of managing complexity and citizens who uphold high ethical and moral ideals.
"Business as usual cannot produce desired results. We need to inculcate in the younger population, their teachers and parents that understanding the true economic, social and political forces at work in the world is essential in solving problems on a local and global level" he said.
The one week Education Without Borders World Conference was opened by former British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair who emphasised that access to education alone was not enough if the learning students was accessing lacked quality and relevance.
One way to bridge the quality gap and ensure cross-culture understanding is by fostering student and teacher exchange programs between nations and institutions, Mr Odinga said.
He said many schools and colleges in Kenya are today experimenting with multi-language curricula or are introducing a number of foreign languages where in the past they were content with English alone.

Kelvin Mwangi,
Nairobi.

AMB. FRANCIS MUTHAURA HAS NOT CONTEMPLATED RESIGNING

Head of Public Service & Secretary to the Cabinet, Amb. Francis Muthaura, wishes to inform Wananchi that a report in the media that he plans to resign is mere speculation.

The reports are news to Amb. Francis Muthaura because no journalists have talked to him about the issue. Quoted unidentified sources, supposedly from the Office of the president, are either liars with political agendas or ghots manufactured by media.

Amb. Francis Muthaura has not comtemplated resigning and has no problem fulfiling the conditions given by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On a related issue, there has been speculation that summoned individuals may be arrested when they respond to their summons at the Hague.

This is not accurate because as per international law and basically all laws, you cannot be arrested or held unless you have been indicted.

The summoned have not been charged and the decision to either charge them or not has to come after they have presented their side of the story and a decision is made, several months later.

Therefore, the issue of their arrests is null and void and is just being perpetuated to put undue pressure to them for no- ICC related objectives.

Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, EBS
PUBLIC COMMUICATIONS SECRETARY &
GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

March 30, 2011,
MOMBASA.

PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI GIVES AMNESTY TO 6,942 PRISONERS

Two days ago, President Mwai Kibaki signed an order releasing 6,942 prisoners from jail. This is in keeping with a reform program by the Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that our jails are not crowded and that prisons are viewed as rehabilitation centers and not just punishment centers.

Those released were 3,050 Petty Offenders, 2, 828 First time offenders of good conduct and 1,064 Ordinary prisoners of good conduct. All those released had less than nine months left to serve.

The Government is currently holding 51,286 people, either as convicted prisoners or suspects on remand. 32,429 prisoners are serving time while 18,839 suspects are awaiting completion of their court cases while on remand.

It is very expensive to hold prisoners in our country. The cost of food alone per year to feed prisoners is over 1.7 billion shillings. When you add the costs of accomodation, medical treatment, clothing, staff etc, the cost is a huge burden to the tax payer. Therefore, the Government is urging the courts to consider giving more non-custodial sentences for minor offences so as to reduce the crowding of our prisons.
With the current Presidential Amnesty, there is automatic decongestion of prisons with the people being held dropping from 51,286 to 44,344.


Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, EBS
PUBLIC COMMUICATIONS SECRETARY &
GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

March 30, 2011,
Mombasa.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO KENYA NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ON THEIR BIASED REPORT CONCERNING PRISON REFORMS

Since July, 2008, from the time the Government received the Madoka Committee’s report, the Government has been implementing real changes in the prisons service.It was therefore shocking to see a Government Agency, the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), launch a report that they know is not accurate and which is misleading to the public.

Major changes have occured in the last few years in the Prisons department. Wardens and prisoners are now all fitted with uniforms and shoes. Housing for wardens has been improved. Prisoners now receive blankets and matresess. Medical facilities in all prisons have been greatly improved and the prisons industry workshops have been revived. There are more changes that have occured in the last three years than occured in the previous 29 years. The job is not done and more reforms will continue to get our prisons tothe state they are supposed to be but a lot has been done.

It is therefore wrong and a waste of tax-payers money for the Commission to issue an outdated report that does not capture the reality. The Government appreciates the role played KNCHR but the Commission should beguided by honesty, objectivity and real desire to improve the welfare of the people.

The Government questions the intentions of the Commissioners. The Commissioners are educated people with great understanding.
Therefere, for them to undertake to mislead the public, they are either naive, ignorant, practicing impunity or with political motivations and hence of questionable integrity.
The Commission should be above board and should be viewed as an organ by the Government and public as one that helps Government and others improve services andshould not be a rogue activism group.

The Commissions’s report claims that reforms faltered in the Prisons department when they were staffing changes – which to the people of Kenya means when running of the Ministry was given to a new Minister (the current Vice President), Permanent Secretary,Prisons Commissioner and other key officials.
This report can only be viewed as a political statement with a certain partisan agenda, bearing in mind that the Prisons Department will be celebrating its 100 year annivesary next week.

If the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights’ Commissioners find it extremely difficult to undertake their duties with fairness, objectivity and good intentions, they should resign and let Kenyans who are able to discharge a better service, using tax-payers money take over. KNHCR Commissioners should realize that the days of impunity are drawing to an end and that Kenyans are aware of what is going on. The new Constitution is applicable to all – Commissioners or Otherwise.



Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, EBS
PUBLIC COMMUICATIONS SECRETARY &
GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

March 30, 2011,
MOMBASA .

NAIROBI: MEDIA INVITE

Dear Colleague, Lancet Kenya Chapter, a Branch of Lancet International, a private organization providing medical laboratory services to patients, is this Thursday (March 31) evening hosting a dinner party to celebrate one year of its presence and service delivery in Kenya. Started in South Africa 50 years ago, Lancet entered into Kenya in early 2010 and has so far opened branches in most parts of the City (Nairobi) and even outside Nairobi, in Kisumu, Mombasa, Thika, Nakuru etc.They provide laboratory services to patients who cannot afford high medical fees charged in recognized hospitals. However, the Company is in the 2nd year of its presence in Kenya seeking to establish a working rapport with Kenyan hospitals with the aim of suplementing some of their laboratory services which they can't effeciently provide due to the lack of enough equipment for the same.
Now, Lancet Kenya Managing Director Dr. Ahmed Kalebi, a Kenyan born in Kibera Slums and one of the leading Pathologists in the country has the pleasure of inviting you to the dinner at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Nairobi's Upper Hill area starting at 5.00.pm. The Chief Guest will be Medical Services Minister Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o who will give a keynote address.
The full list of invited guests is listed below.
Kindly send your news crew to cover this important event

Philip Etale

NAIROBI: PARLIAMENTARY COMMITEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS TO DISCUSS NAMWAMBA'S CHAIRMANSHIP DESTINY

The parliamentary Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs is meeting with the Clerk of the National Assembly Today  as seven members attempt to remove chairman Ababu Namwamba.It is alleged that ODM Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo is attending the meeting with MPs Dr Joyce Laboso, Rachel Shebesh and Charles Onyancha.
The four are not members of the committee but Parliament’s Standing Orders allow MPs to attend the meetings of any committee, but one cannot vote if he is not a member.

It is understood Mr Midiwo has gone to object Mr Namwamba’s removal and wants the three to join the committee to replace two rebels and reclaim a slot ODM reportedly “donated” to their PNU rivals.The MPs led by vice chairman Njoroge Baiya had asked House clerk Mr Patrick Gichohi to convene the meeting, which he is required to do as provided by the Standing Orders, to enable them pass a vote of no-confidence in the Budalnag’i MP.

The MPs, drawn mainly from PNU and allies in the ODM, accuse Mr Namwamba of mismanaging the committee’s affairs and have drawn up eight charges.
They also accuse him of disrespecting MPs on the team and of being rude and condescending during their sessions.

On the other hand, ODM has begun a process intended to remove three of its rebel MPs in the team and have them replaced with loyalists.Those marked on the list for removal by party whip Jakoyo Midiwo are Isaac Ruto and Sophia Abdi.Mr Namwamba is supported by his ODM colleagues Olago Aluoch and Millie Odhiambo.

Interestingly, Mr Ruto has been proposed as the new chairman of the committee if the group succeeds in ousting Mr Namwamba.The letter asking the clerk to convene the meeting was signed by Mr Baiya, Ms Amina Abdalla, Mr Eugene Wamalwa, Mr George Nyamweya, Mr Ruto, Rev Mutava Musyimi, Prof Philip Kaloki and Ms Abdi.
The fate of the Budalang'i Member of Parliament as the chair of the commitee is therefore a subject of debate this afternoon.

Kelvin Mwangi,
Nairobi.

DUBAI: PRIME MINISTER ON ICC

Somebody will have to take responsibility for the deaths of more than 1,300 people in the post election violence of 2008, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said today.
Mr Odinga said punishment for the masterminds of post-election violence would not only end impunity but also the culture of regimes forming commissions to investigate injustices only to refuse to implement recommendations of those commissions.

Addressing Kenyans living in the city of Dubai today, Mr Odinga said that even if the six suspects so far named by the ICC are found to be innocent, the country would still need to find out who killed people.
"If it is not the six, then it must be some other people and Kenyans deserve to know," Mr Odinga said.
The PM said the murders in Kenya appeared to have been coordinated and well-planned, otherwise they would not have claimed so many lives.

"Killing 1,300 people is not an easy or simple task. In Egypt, they had protests that went on for about two months. So far, only 300 people have been found to have been killed and minister has been charged in court over their death. In Libya, where President Gadaffi is bombing his own citizens, the death toll stands at around 500. Something very serious must have been committed in Kenya to lead to the death of 1,300 people," Odinga said.

The PM said he is prepared to face charges, if he is found to have been behind the murders, saying the blood of the victims cried for justice.

"We cannot stand up as a civilized country and say that nobody killed the 1,300 people. These murders must have been systematic and organized, otherwise they would not have claimed so many lives. If Raila is found to have organized them, I am prepared to face trial," he said.

He said the changed times have caught up with those who use violence to settle political scores, recalling that election violence has taken place in Kenya since the re-introduction of multiparty politics in 1990s.
"In 2008, a commission was established to investigate this violence, just like we did in 1997 when we formed the Akiwumi Commission. The only difference this time round is that while the recommendations of the Akiwumi Commission were never implemented, this time, the country has no option but to implement the findings of the Waki Commission."

Mr Odinga said he has been the victim of attacks in the search for justice and the truth over post election chaos.
He recalled that when he championed the formation of a local tribunal to try the suspects, he was accused of abandoning the youth particularly in the Rift Valley who had voted for him.

"They rejected the local tribunal and accused me of turning my backs on youths. That time, they said a local tribunal would only net the small fish

DUBAI:PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA INTRODUCES NEW SCHOOL TO KENYA

Prime Minister Raila Odinga today introduced a new player into Kenya’s private schools sector after signing an agreement with GEMS Education to begin operations in the country.
GEMS Education is an international education company that owns and operates high performing schools in Europe, Asia, US and the Middle East.

At a ceremony in United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, Mr Odinga welcomed GEMS Education to Kenya saying its entry will complement the government’s efforts to provide high-caliber, international standard education to millions of Kenyans.
 the future belongs to the nations that give the best education to their children, Mr Odinga said Kenya is keen to join the league of nations that will claim their position in the world by investing in sound education.
Saying
He said Kenya Vision 2030 has invested heavily in education both as a way to provide jobs now and to lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.
He said Vision 2030 ideals on education envisage a strong partnership between the government and the private sector in providing learning services and facilities.

Mr Odinga said there is a huge opportunity in Kenya for investment in education by the private sector players operating either individually or in partnership with the government.
GEMS is the largest private kindergarten to form four education operator in the world, with a network of international schools in different parts of the world.

Started in 1959, GEMS operates offices in London, New York, Singapore, Delhi, Riyadh and Dubai.
Mr Odinga said the Government is keen in a partnership that would help with putting up the infrastructure for learning and training institutions and which would also create exposure for Kenyan students and teachers through regular exchange programmes.
"As a government, we believe that one of the most critical interventions in our education system; the one intervention that has the highest impact on the performance of our children and our schools is investment in our teachers," Mr Odinga said, while calling for an exchange programme between Kenyan teachers and GEMS Schools.
He said all recent studies into the education sector have returned the verdict that by investing in teachers; countries can have an impact on the situation in schools.
"I want to call for a partnership between this institution and similar ones and our schools back at home that involve exchange programs for our teachers and students for a much desired exposure.
"You are welcome to set up base in Kenya. But I also appeal to you to create a program through which our teachers and students can spend some time in your institutions across the world for them to gain the necessary experience," he said.

He said the Government is particularly keen on a collaboration that will strengthen the teaching of and performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses.

"For various reasons, performance in these subjects has been erratic; sometimes up, most times down. Last year, performance in Maths and Sciences was up in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, after a drop in 2009. An erratic or average performance in these areas in our schools is unacceptable to us because it poses a threat to our development targets. We are aware as a country that nations that invest in these areas today will reap huge dividends tomorrow," he said.

The signing ceremony at the GEMS World Academy was witnessed by UAE Minister for Education H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan.

NAIROBI: LAUNCH OF A NEW PARTY

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, suspended Education Minister William Ruto, Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and twelve other MP’s drawn from Eastern, Central, Western and Rift-Valley have stated that they will ditch their current parties to form a new one ahead of the 20123 general elections.The leaders told residents in Meru and Maua towns that they will choose the flag bearers of their new party from between Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, George Saitoti, William Ruto, Najib Balala and Eugene Wamalwa.
Speaking at the Meru bus park, the legislators disclosed that they would launch the new party before the end of the year and hold primaries immediately so as to give the winning candidate among them enough time to campaign for the presidential seat.
Said Uhuru, "Tumekabali ya kwamba tutaenda kule Hague na tutarudi, na baada ya kurudi tutaanza chama kipya, tutaungana sisi wote, kasha tushindane na yule wakenya watakubaliana tutamshika mkono sisi wote na tutaanza mapema,"( We have agreed to go to the Hague and when we return we will launch a new party. We will all unite and whoever Kenyans agree should drive the new vehicle we will back him and we will start early)
The Meru declaration sets the stage for a flurry of activities that will see Uhuru leave Kanu, Ruto ditch ODM and Eugene join a new political outfit.
Uhuru and Ruto also took issue with Raila for claiming that they should face the hague because he was also detained, arguing that he deserved his fate for his role in the attempted coup of 1982.
"Raila mwenyewe ameandika kwa kitabu chake ati yeye ndiye alijaribu kupindua serikali, kwa hivyo kushikwa kwake kulikuwa kwa haki, lakini sisi hakuna kitu tymefanya," Uhuru told the crowds.
　

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA TRAVELS TO UAE SUNDAY

Prime Minister Raila Odinga leaves the country early tomorrow, Sunday, 27th March, 2011 for a three day visit of the United Arab Emirates where he is to participate in Education Without Borders World Forum 2011.
This Forum is organized for the academic, business and government leaders who will attend the EWB as mentors for students and speak in different panels and workshops.
The overarching theme of the EWB World Forum 2011 is "Education in Times of Globalization". Mr Odinga is scheduled to address a panel discussion on the subtopic of challenges of providing relevant education in the era of globalisation, using the Kenyan experience.
"Going global" under the main theme.
The PM will join the panel discussion Odinga alongside leaders Sheikh Nahayan, Mr. Tony Blair and experts such as Dame Marjorie Scardino (Chief Executive, Pearson Education,USA), Professor Malcolm Grant (President - University College London), and Dr. Albert Fert (Nobel Laureate from France).
Mr Odinga will return to the country mid-next week

DENNIS ONYANGO
26.03.2011

JOSHUA SANG DENIES BEING AN ODM MEMBER BUT ASKS FOR CONSULTATIONS ON TRIAL FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT

PRESS STATEMENT

JOSHUA K. ARAP SANG

As is already in public knowledge the ICC Prosecutor has made allegations against me to the effect that I was in the year 2007 a member of ODM party, and I continue to be a member. Further that I incited people on post election violence for and on behalf of ODM.

I deny these allegations.

I have now learned that ODM has said they will hire and pay for my legal representation at ICC, presumably because I am a member of the Party.

I have never said I am a member of ODM. The question of my party membership is personal. As a journalist, I keep issues of my party loyalties personal and separate from my calling and vocation in media.

On advise of my advocates Katwa Kigen, Joel Bosek and Philemon Koech I wish to respond as hereunder:-

        I.            I maintain my innocence against the allegations made by ICC Prosecutor.

     II.            As a journalist and in my carrier, I have never acted as an agent or instrument of any political party including ODM. I insist on remaining neutral so as to discharge my duties as a journalist.

   III.            As is known I have already stated that I have limited resources. I welcome any assistance directed at me. I gratefully accept any help that is given to me in good faith and within reason, provided it does not seek to own me, or tilt my objectivity as a journalist or give me a political coloring.

  IV.            If ODM is acting in good faith then I expect that they will discuss with myself and my advocates possible options of help without prejudice. This far I do not know how they propose to intervene on my behalf. So far ODM has not contacted me personally on the matters they refer to in Press. I am surprised to meet all these issues for the first time through public press statements.

     V.            I want to trust that ODM is acting in good faith. I will await their communication away from public press, on unconditional basis, and without prejudice to my innocence of the allegations of ICC prosecutor.

Yours Faithfully,

Joshua K. Arap Sang.

25/03/2011

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA MAKES HIS STATEMENT IN TENTH PARLIAMENT

                                             Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga

PRIME MINISTER’S TIME: STANDING ORDER NO. 40

THE STATE OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to make a Statement on the state of the economy of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, last year, our economy grew by more than 5%. The growth was robust and broad-based, with agriculture, industry and the service sector expanding at a healthy pace. Inflation declined from over 15% in early 2009 to close to 3% by the end of last year. The Nairobi Stock Market boomed, with the NSE index nearly doubled from the low of 2500 in early 2009 to nearly 5000 at the end of last year.

This strong recovery was due to a degree to the rolling out of our Economic Stimulus Programmes, the aggressive execution of our infrastructure projects, and the skillful monetary management of the Central Bank. We were also blessed with good rains. But even more important, it was the optimism about the future of our country that the promulgation of the New Constitution engendered among all of us, Kenyans, that boosted confidence and hence investment. 

We were poised to further accelerate our economic growth to close to 6% this year, with inflation remaining well within the single digit. This economic outlook is now subject to some downside risks.

Mr. Speaker,

Indeed, I want to repeat that our economy is now faced with some downside risks. But I am confident that as we – those of us in the Executive Branch of the Government, the Members of Parliament, and our citizens -- remain united to focus on the implementation of the Constitution and to address any risks ahead of us, the economy of our Nation will continue its strong recovery and achieve the Goals of our Vision 2030.

Mr. Speaker Sir,

There are some disturbing developments which will impact negatively on our growth in the following ways:

a)   The price of crude oil in the international market has risen substantially, to a level well above $100 per barrel. While much of the recent rise in the oil price originated from the disturbances in North Africa and Middle East, for a policy maker, it would be imprudent to assume that the higher oil prices would be short-lived.

If the price remains at $100 per barrel for the rest of the year, Kenya’s oil import bill would be higher by about $700 million or 2% of GDP.

b)   We are not expecting severe drought in this long-rains season but rainfalls may well be uneven and somewhat lower than normal. The international commodity price index has surpassed the peak recorded in June 2008.  Our national food bill will therefore rise.  On the other hand, the international prices of some of our major export commodities are projected to fall considerably this year. The higher oil price, together with lower international prices of coffee and tea, is estimated to lead to a deterioration of our terms of trade of 12% in 2011, compared with 2009. This means that Kenya needs to spend $12 more of our export earnings to buy $100 dollar of imported goods.

Mr. Speaker, these “external shocks” will certainly give rise to downward pressures to our economic growth and upward pressures to inflation. But the Government will take appropriate measures to cushion Kenyan households and Kenyan industries from these shocks. I assure you that the Government will ensure that there will be enough food and oil in the country.

We will protect the lives of the poor and the vulnerable people. We will not allow Kenya to go back to the period of double digit inflation. We will not allow free fall of our currency, the shilling. We have adequate foreign exchange reserves, and, if necessary, can quickly augment them. The Government is prepared to act, and act decisively.

I have instructed all relevant line Ministries and the Central Bank to formulate measures that will sustain our economic growth, to maintain economic stability, and to protect the poor and vulnerable. The Office of the Prime Minister will coordinate the implementation of these measures, and formulate a comprehensive program of action for adoption by Cabinet. We will then present this program to the Members of Parliament for their input. 

Mr. Speaker Sir, in my view, even more important for keeping our economy on track is to assure all Kenyans  and the world at large that the political situation in our country will remain stable. Whatever the wrangles there are at present, the political leaders -- you and us – should not allow it to divide the Nation. All of us must remain focused on enhancing the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.

We must pledge ourselves to the Kenyans that we serve, that we are committed to fully implementing the Constitution. It is our Constitution that has given us the hope and the optimism for our country. Fundamentally, it is the confidence that drive the economy.   It is the confidence in our stability that invites local and foreign investments.  It is new investments that will create jobs for our people.

Let us remain united as Kenyans.

Thank you.

Rt. Hon. Raila A. Odinga, EGH, MP

PRIME MINISTER

Wednesday, March 23^rd, 2011

NAIROBI: GERMANY TO HELP KENYA ESTABLISH DEVOLVED GOVERNMENT

Germany has offered two of its experts on devolution who will assist Kenya to establish county governments.The offer came as two German ministers Werner Gatzer (Finance) and Ms Gudrun Kopp (Economic Cooperation and Development ) warned that the heated debate on deferrals of the cases facing the Ocampo Six at The Hague were delaying the implementation of the new Constitution.
In a meeting with deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi in Berlin, Mr Gatzer said the experts will help to draft and implement policies and laws on financial relations between the Central Government and County Governments.Mr Gatzer said his ministry was ready to offer the expertise of Mr.Andreas Kienemund, the head of public finance; and Dr Jurgen Michalk head of equalisation funds, Value Added Tax (VAT), grants and tax distribution to help Kenya formulate effective policy and legislation.
He said Kenya could learn a lot from the success and failures of the German federal system especially the weaknesses of financial sustainability of devolved units.
Mr Mudavadi had outlined constitutional provisions on fiscal matters stating that laws were required to ensure harmony in coordination of financial issues between the two levels of government.
At the centre of the financial relationship between the two levels of government are disbursements to counties; accountability at county level and access the Equalisation Fund by counties. "We have a Constitution that is by and large very liberal in its principles, but reveals very little on operational aspects that might become adversarial. This gap has to be filled by enabling legislation, yet the Constitution is very unforgiving on timelines," the Local Government minister said.
Mr Mudavadi had expressed his concern that corruption might be exported to Counties should there be lack of stringent integrity legislation on governance. "We have to find a way around the insurmountable culture freebees that feeds corruption through strengthening integrity in institutions. We have an opportunity to begin with a clean slate at the County level by ensuring that no plunder of public resources will be allowed or go unnoticed", he said.
Mr Mudavadi is leading a Kenyan delegation to study how devolved government works in Germany.In another meeting, Ms Kenya said Germany experience with three levels of Government will come in hardy for County Government capacity building in Kenya after legislations are in place. She said German will support civic education programmes on the working of the new Constitution and build capacity in new constitutional commissions.
However, she said Germany was disturbed by Kenya’s continuing argument on the ICC issue she described as a 'nuisance’ and called for a quick solution. "Kenya is sending the wrong signals that it is preparing to subvert justice and advance impunity in the interest of the few. This situation is unsustainable and is of nuisance value where Kenya had started off of so well in adopting a new Constitution’, she said.
She said German development partnership with Kenya was premised on the reform agenda under a new Constitution and its implementation. "In the middle of this focus, government attention is being diverted to ICC undermining public confidence in the reform agenda", she asserted. The delegation includes Permanent Secretary Karega Mutahi, Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Implementation of the Constitution Abdikadir Mohamed, Interim Independent Electoral Commission chairman Ahmed Isaack and Economic advisor at the Treasury Kamau Thuge among others.

Kelvin Mwangi,
Nairobi.

NYERI: MINISTRIES PARTNER TO OFFER INFORMATION SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC

The Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 has partnered with the Ministry of State for Public Service to offer information services aimed at empowering the citizenry on issues of governance.The two ministries under the Office of the Prime Minister want to strengthen the District Information and Documentation Centres (DIDCs) to meet the high demand for information.
In this partnership, the Ministry of State for Public Service will be providing policy documents concerning human resource management and development to enable civil servants access information they need at the DIDCs manned by the Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030.Planning Permanent Secretary Dr. Edward Sambili described DIDCs as critical sources of information for development and channels for collecting and disseminating data on development projects required for realisation of the Vision 2030.
In a speech read on his behalf in Nyeri by the Economic Planning Secretary Mr. Stephen Wainaina during the launch of capacity building initiative for DIDCs, Dr. Sambili noted that the provision of information will enhance and empower communities while making decisions on resource mobilisation, utilisation and conservation.
"More significantly, the documentation centres act as focal points of critical/vital information required for policy formulation, analysis, implementation, decision making, research and building knowledge to public servants among others," he said.The DIDCs, he added will continue to contribute to promotion of public service reforms particularly those geared towards better information service provision such as the new constitution and the Vision 2030.
The PS said there are 68 operational DIDCs in the country and that currently his ministry in collaboration with the African Development Bank was constructing 83 new centres and rehabilitating 24 others.He regretted that the facilities are still not adequate considering that the number of districts has increased to 284 as at December 2010 and that some of the centres are manned by clerical officers who lack knowledge, skills and attitude for managing such important sources of information and data.
"Staffs deployed to documentation centres need to consistently and constantly acquire new skills, upgrade and update their existing skills and knowledge in modern management of documentation centres and electronic information sources," he added.On his part Public Service PS Mr. Titus Ndambuki said the partnership between the two ministries would make it possible for interested parties to access official documents.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ms. Njoki Kahiga, Secretary Human Resource Development, Ndambuki said two years ago his ministry carried out a study and found out that the policies made at the ministry headquarters do not reach the targeted audience at districts."Staff attributed their inability to get promotions after interviews to lack of accessibility to circulars and other government documents and this is when we got advice from a ministerial committee to partner with the Ministry of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 to offer the service," he said.
The Public Service PS said the DIDCs will also act as induction centres for newly employed and transferred public servants in their respective provinces.Some of the policy documents to be stocked by the DIDCs include; Government financial regulations and procedures, Public Service Recruitment and Training Policy, various circulars, Code of regulations, Scheme of Service and Handbook for Induction among others.
"As stipulated in the Kenya Vision 2030, the primary goal of the government is to improve the quality of life for all Kenyans. This position can only be realised if information is made readily available to all citizens for evidence based and participative decision making," said Ndambuki.Central Provincial Commissioner Mr. Japhter Rugut who was represented by his Deputy Francis Sila expressed delight saying it was important to revitalize and restock the DIDCs with all relevant government policy documents.The capacity building initiative which is being piloted in Nyeri Central, Kakamega Central and Nakuru DIDCs will be extended to other centres in the 47 counties.


Kelvin Mwangi,
Nyeri.

NAIROBI: CHINA THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND KENYA'S DEFERRAL QUEST

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Liu Guangyuan.China has thrown its weight behind Kenya's quest for defferal saying that the ICC must consider peace and stability in Kenya and the entire region. 

China has reiterated its opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) case on suspected masterminds of the 2007/08 post election violence.This comes on the eve of a meeting between the Vice Premier Wang Qishan and President Kibaki in Nairobi today.The Chinese embassy in Nairobi on Wednesday claimed ICC’s involvement in the Kenyan case amounts to interference with internal affairs and a threat to peace.
Beijing, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency, has secured an informal meeting of UN Security members in New York where Kenya has presented her case.The US, France and the United Kingdom which also have the veto powers, have rejected the request to defer cases at the ICC arguing that the cases threatened no peace and that violence would only erupt in the opinions of those who do not support the ICC process and that Kenya had a case to answer at the hague based court.Permanent members of the UN Security Council are China, US, United Kingdom, France and Russia.Three of these have openly voiced their opposition for deferral as proposed by Kenya.They also claim that this was not at the interest of majority of Kenyans and that it was also only an opinion by only one party of the coalition government (PNU).
Decisions on substantive matters require nine votes, including the concurring votes of the five permanent members – China, France, Russia, Britain and the US. The other 10 non-permanent members are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Portugal, Brazil, India, South Africa, Colombia, Lebanon, Gabon and Nigeria.China’s ambassador to Kenya to Liu Guangyuan said the ICC investigation must consider overall peace and stability in Africa. The Chinese Vice Premier is also expected to meet Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.Though not confirmed the ICC debate is expected to arise during the meetings.


Kelvin Mwangi,
Nairobi,
17th March,2011

NAIROBI: POSTING GAZETTED OFFICERS (.) COMPOL HAS APPROVED THE TRANSFERS AND THE APPOINTEMENTS OF THE UNDERLISTED OFFICERS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

1. No.216603 Mr. Gerald Mbaabu, ACP - From ACP (P) Central Province to ACP (P) NEP
2. No.215758 Mr. Kalicha Roba, ACP - From SO (P) 2 Police Hqrs to ACP (P) Central Province.
3. No.213962 Mr. Pius Macharia, ACP - From Deputy PCIO N/Area to Deputy OC IB. CID Hqrs.
4. No.217053 Mr. Julius Rutere, ACP - From Deputy OC IB CID Hqrs to Deputy PCIO N/Area.
5. No.217299 Mr. Hamisi Mwaruwa, ACP - From SO (B) CID Rift Valley to Deputy SO (Inspections)
CID Hqrs.
6. No.217760 Mr. David Cheruiyot, ACP - From ACP(P) N/Area to Deputy PCIO Nyanza
7. No.217791 Mr. Michael O. Okumu, ACP - From OC KRA Revenue Protection Unit to SO (OPS) CID
N/Area
8. No. 214462 Mr. Charles S. Wasike, SSP - From KPC, JTW to SSP (P) Coast.
9. No.215736 Mr. Augustine Kimantiria, SSP - From OCPD Langata to ACP (P) Nairobi Area.
10. No.212392 Mr. Charles O. Musewe, SSP - From Traffic Headquarters to OCPD Railways Nairobi.
11. No.214776 Mr. Humphrey Wanzala, SSP - From OCPD Marsabit to SO (P) 2 Police Headquarters.
12. No.215938 Mr. Peter O. Olalo, SSP - From Deputy PCIO KAPU SSP (P) CID Rift Valley.
13. No.216284 Mr. Seif Mbaruk, SSP - From Deputy SO (Training) CID Hqrs to SSP (P) CID
Central.
14. No.217780 Mr. Julius K. Sunkuli, SSP - From Investigations Branch, CID Hqrs. to Deputy
SO (OPS) CID Nairobi Area.
15. No.218735 Ms Rose Muchuma, SSP - From OC Driving Test Unit to SSP (P) Dog unit.
16. No.218029 Mr. Isaac M. Thuranira, SSP - From SSP (P) Dog Unit to SO (OPS) Dog Unit.
17. No.219758 Mr. Charles Kortok, SSP - From SO (P) 4 Police Hqrs to OC Driving Test Unit.
18. No.216353 Mr. Maurice Kiplagat, SSP - From OCPD Siaya to SO (P) 4 Police Hqrs.
19. No.230216 Mr. Stephen Chiteka, SSP - From OPS Police Hqrs to OCPD Siaya.
20. No.216768 Mr. Bernard Kibe, SSP - From OCPD Lugari to OPS Police Hqrs.
21. No.217339 Mr. Christopher A. Odhiambo,SSP - From Deputy SO (OPS) Central to OCPD Embakasi.
22. No.218262 Mr. David R. Bunei, SSP - From OCPD Embakasi to OCPD Langata.
23. No.215489 Mr. John Katumo, SSP - From OCPD Eldoret to Deputy SO (OPS) Central.
24. No.219250 Mr. Paul K. M’Ndegwa, SSP - From Complaint Police Hqrs to OCPD Eldoret.
25. No.218945 Mr. James M. Kithuka, SSP - From OCPD Laikipia East to OCPD Iment North.
26. No.215947 Mr. Joshua Lutukai, SSP - From OCPD Imenti North to OCPD Laikipia East.
27. No.214300 Mr. Jezrel J. Mnene, SSP - From Deputy SO (OPS) Nyanza to Complaints Police Hqrs.
28. No.219167 Mr. Wilson W. Abduba, SSP - From OCPD Railways Nairobi to Deputy SO (OPS) Nyanza
Province.
29. No. 230378 Mr. Peter Njenga, SSP - From OCPD Kisii to Deputy SO (OPS) Eastern Province.
30. No.215881 Mr. Tom M. Muteti, SSP - From OCPD Meru South to OCPD Kisii.
31. No.219731 Mr. Stanley Atavachi, SSP - From OCPD Lagdera to SSP (P) ASTU.
32. No.215335 Mr. Dido Galgalo, SSP - From OCPD Bureti to Deputy SO (B) Training.
33. No.217739 Mr. Smollets Munyianzi, SSP - From SSP (P) Coast to OCPD Bureti. 34. No.219871 Mr. Isaiah O. Wambia, SSP - From OCPD Kangundo to OPS Police Hqrs.
35. No.217998 Mr. Francis C. Kumut, SSP - From Headquarters SSP Central to OCPD Homabay.
36. No.219844 Ms. Henrietta Wanyama, SP - From Deputy OC Diplomatic Police Unit to OCPD
Kangundo.
37. No.216265 Mr. Stephen Ngetich, SP - From Deputy OCPD Kisumu to OCPD Kajiado.
38. No.217548 Mr. Gregory Mutiso, SP - From Deputy OCPD Kisii to Deputy OCPD Lugari.
39. No.216263 Mr. Muthuri Mwongera, SP - From SO (Q) Central to Deputy OCPD Kisumu.
40. No.230766 Mr. Asher M. Mwenda, SP - From Deputy OCPD Lugari to SO (Q) Central.
41. No.217732 Mr. George K. Bamba, SP - FROM Deputy OCPD Embu to OCPD Lagdera.
42. No.230256 Mr. John Leshimpiro, SP - From Deputy OCPD Mount Elgon to OCPD Lugari.
43. No.230598 Mr. Ezekiel K. Onyango, SP - From Deputy SO (B) Mount Elgon to Deputy OCPD
Mount Elgon.
44. No. 218717 Mr. Mark Wanjala, SP - From Deputy OCPD Kajiado to OCPD Marsabit
45. No.219396 Mr. Ambrose M. Mwachia, SP - From SO (Training) Police Hqs to Deputy OC DPU
46. No.219183 Mr. David Mburukua, SP - From SO(B) Kuria to Deputy OCPD Kajiado
47. No.216306 Mr. Amos Tebeny, SP - From DCIO Teso to SSP(P) CID Eastern
48. No.217796 Mr. Shem N. Monayo, SP - From DCIO Kangundo to SSP(P) CID Western
49. No.217813 Mr. Joseph G. Nganga, SP - from DCIO Gigiri to Deputy PCIO KAPU.
50. No.215497 Mr. Henry K. Chebii, SP - From DCIO Malindi to DCIO Dagoretti
51. No.230031 Mr. Andrew Changwony, SP - From OC T- Company GSU to Adjutant GSU TRG. SCHOOL
52. No.231232 Mr. Barnabas Silwa, SP - From OC I – Company GSU to Hqs Sub-Unit, Garrison
Section.
53. No.217300 Mr. Justus M. Mithamo, SP - From SO(P) CID Western to Legal and Crime Affairs CID
HQS.
54. No.230667 Mr. Paul Muriithi Wachira, SP - From IB CID Headquarters to DCIO Kitale
55. No.230091 Mr. David Wambua Ag. SP - From J – Company GSU to Headquarters Sub-Unit SO (P).
56. No.215582 Mr. James Manuni, SP - From OC Prosecution Eldoret to DCIO Langata
57. No.219140 Mr. Nicholas O. Etyang, SP - From DCIO Langata to DCIO Makueni
58. No.216260 Mr. Abdi Salat Ali, SP - From DCIO Nakuru to Deputy PCIO Railways.
59. No.218999 Mr. Kassim M. Mshenga, SP - From Deputy OC Prosecution CID Hqs to DCIO Nakuru
60. No.218028 Mr. Japheth Maingi, SP - From DCIO Muranga South to DCIO Gigiri
61. No.230824 Ms Lydia Ligami, SP - From BFIU to DCIO Muranga South
62. No.216136 Mr. Washington N. Njeru, SP - From OC Prosecution Kakamega to DCIO Teso
63. No.218505 Mr. David Kalabai, SP - From DCIO Marakwet to DCIO Thika
64. No.218071 Mr. Francis Okwach, SP - From DCIO Athi-River to DCIO Marakwet
65. No.215485 Mr. Edwin Kamau, SP - From DCIO Kitui to DCIO Kayole
66. No.219596 Mr. Jonah Kirui, SP - From DCIO Kayole to DCIO Marsabit
67. No.218667 Mr. Carey Nyawinda, SP - From DCIO Kwale to ECCU CID Headquarters
68. No.215480 Mr. Peter K. Ngatia, SP - From OC Prosecution Machakos to DCIO Kitui
69. No.219525 Ms Esther Seroney, SP - From OC Prosecution Meru Central to Deputy OC
Prosecution CID Headquarters
70. No. 215306 Mr. Joseph Mumira, SP - From DCIO Makueni to CID Training School
71. No.215219 Mr. Harrison Meme, SP - From DCIO Vihiga to DCIO Kilimani
72. No.218172 Mr. Mwenda Ethiaba, SP - From DCIO Kilimani to DCIO Kwale
73. No.215494 Mr. Abdul Muyika, SP - From DCIO Taita Taveta to Complaints CID HQS
74. No.218109 Ms Jane Mukuria, SP - From Complaints CID Hqs to DCIO Taita Taveta
75. No.230254 Mr. Benson Kasyoki, SP - From Interpol CID Hqs to DCIO JKIA
76. No.217325 Mr. Aggrey Okoth Obura, SP - From DCIO Kitale to DCIO Athi River
77. No.230382 Mr. Bernard K. Korir, SP - From Deputy OCPD Migori to Deputy SO
(Training) CID Headquarters
78. No.219079 Mr. Kavete Kulova, SP - From SO(P) CID Nyanza to DCIO Malindi
79. No.217110 Mr. Silas K. Sato, SP - From Provincial CID Central to SO(P) Eastern
Province (GD)
80. No.219730 Mr. Abdikadir Ahmed, SP - From Provincial CID Central to SO(P) Nyanza
Province (GD)
81. No.218485 Mr. Zaccarius M. Bayah, SP - From DCIO JKIA to DCIO Kangundo.
82. No.230819 Ms. Dolly Anyango Badia, SP - From Police Hqrs Personnel to SO (Research, Planning and
Operations), Traffic Headquarters.
83. No.230563 Ms Mildred Achieng Odima, SP - From Nairobi Area SO (B) Complaint to Police
Headquarters as SO (P) 9.
84. No.230100 Mr. Richard M. Mukwate, SP - From SO (B) Kiambu to Deputy OCPD Nandi North.
85. No.230510 Mr. Francis W. Muthui, SP - From SO (B) Eastern Province to Deputy OCPD Samburu
East.
86. No.218804 Mr. Simon G. Gikunju, SP - From Provincial Hqrs Eastern to Deputy OCPD Pokot
North.
87. No. 217875 Mr. James M. Kiara, SP - From SO (B) Busia to Deputy OCPD Migori.
88. No.219933 Mr. Cornelius K. Singoei, SP - From SO (B) Nairobi Area to Deputy OCPD Makindu.
89. No.230926 Mr. Edward K. Changach, SP - From SO (B) Meru South to Deputy OCPD Turkana East.
90. No.231078 Mr. Juma M. Ali, SP - From SO (B) Kasarani to Deputy OCPD Pokot Central.
91. No.219032 Mr. Abagaro B. Guyo, SP - From SO (B) Laikipia East to Deputy OCPD Makueni.
92. No.230673 Mr. David N. Ogeti, SP - From SO (B) KAPU to Deputy OCPD Kakuma.
93. No.219804 Mr. Philip N. Wambugu, SP - From SO (B) North Eastern Province Hqrs. To Deputy
OCDP Machakos.
94. No.230392 Mr. Joseph Tenai, SP - From Deputy OCPD Machakos to Deputy OCPD Kangundo.
95. No.230334 Mr. Stephen Obara, SP - From SO (B) Meru Central to Deputy OCPD Garbatulla.
96. No.230112 Ms Gladys V. Ogonda, SP - From SO (B) Narok to Deputy OCPD Buuri.
97. No.230920 Mr. Moss N. Mrefu, SP - From SO (B) Kajiado to Deputy OCPD Marsabit South.
98. No.230443 Mr. Benson M. Makori, SP - From SO (B) Makueni to Deputy OCPD Samburu North.
99. No.230648 Mr. James K. Ngetich, SP - From SO (B) Rachuonyo to Deputy OCPD Imenti Central.
100. No.230547 Mr. Leonard K. Kiplimo - From SO (B) Gigiri to Deputy OCPD Kirinyaga.
101. No.230599 Mr. Benjamin Mwaliko, SP - From SO (B) Homabay to Deputy OCPD Nyeri South.
102. No.218488 Mr. James K. Kazombo, SP - From SO (B) Eldoret to Deputy OCPD Mathira East.
103. No.217364 Mr. Perminus M. Nyaga, SP - From SO (B) Ngong to Deputy OCPD Gatundu.
104. No.230874 Mr. Shadrack J. Londo, SP - From SO (B) Moyale to Deputy OCPD Kigumo.
105. No.218326 Mr. Jonathan M. Kisaka, SP - From SO (B) Nyandarua to Deputy OCPD Lari.
106. No.217923 Mr. Ancent M. Kaloki, SP - From SO (B) Langata to Deputy OCPD Bungoma East.
107. No.230234 Mr. Christopher M. Maweu, SP - From SO (B) Migori to Deputy OCPD Kakamega South.
108. No.230132 Mr. Musa M. Kongoli, SP - From SO (B) Embakasi Division to Deputy OCPD
Embakasi.
109. No.230205 Mr. Habel Ogul, SP - From Deputy OCPD Embakasi to Deputy OCPD Makadara
Division.
110. No.218928 Mr. Peter K. Gitau, SP - From SO (B) Garissa to Deputy OCPD Butere.
111. No.214537 Mr. Elias G. Itirithia, SP - From SO (B) Kayole to Deputy OCPD Mumias.
112. No.219144 Mr. Duncan K. Nguthu, SP - From SO (B) Central Division NBI to Deputy OCPD
Dagoretti.
113. No.217306 Mr. Joseph K. Gichangi, SP - From SO (B) Machakos to Deputy OCPD Starehe.
114. No.230654 Mr. Nelson S. Daliti, SP - From SO (B) Bondo to Deputy OCPD Lagdera.
115. No.230644 Mr. Wambua Musyoki Mutiso, SP - From SO (P) Kitale to Deputy OCPD Mandara North.
116. No.219560 Mr. Eshiphan N. Gichohi, SP - From SO (B) Meru North to Deputy OCPD Taveta Division
117. No.230061 Ms. Hellen C. Rotich, SP - From SO (B) Nyamira Division to Deputy OCPD Manga
Division.
118. No.216023 Mr. Daniel Mutie, SP - From SO (B) Turkana South to Deputy OCPD Ndhiwa.
119. No.230082 Mr. Nzole J. Mwero, SP - From SOB (B) Tourist Police Unit to Deputy OCPD Wajir
North.
120. No.230087 Mr. Joseph Kiprono Tonui, SP - From SO (B) Ijara Division to Deputy OCPD Bura Division
121. No.217783 Mr. Wilson L. Nanga, SP - From SO (P) 4 Rift Valley Provincial Hqrs to Deputy OCPD
Marakwet East Division.
122. No.219489 Mr. Edward Wafula, SP - From SO (P) Nyanza Province to Deputy OCPD North Horr.
123. No.230413 Mr. Isaac Mwenda, SP - From SO (B) Kisii to Deputy OCPD Kisii.
124. No.230021 Mr. Thomas C. Sangut, SP - From SO (P) Marine Police Unit to Deputy OCPD Kisauni.

OFFICERS SHOULD BE IN THEIR NEW STATIONS BY 28<sup>TH MARCH, 2011(.) PROPER HANDING/TAKING OVER TO BE DONE ACCORDINGLY (.)

(MATHEW K. ITEERE) MGH, CBS
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE</sup>

NAIROBI: PREMIER DISMISSES ALLEGED ROLE IN ICC SUMMONSES

Allegations by a section of MPs to the effect that Prime Minister Raila Odinga may have had a hand in the timing of the summonses against six public figures suspected to bear the greatest responsibility for the post-election violence are shallow and hollow,this is according to the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister mr.dennis Onyango.
Onyango said in a statement that opponents of the Prime Minister have never been interested in an honest and truthful handling of the ICC issue claiming that the latest outburst is just part of the pattern of lies that have characterized this debate.Onyango alleges that these politicians knew from the start that Justice Philip Waki, who investigated the violence, had handed over names of suspects to Dr Kofi Annan, in a sealed envelop, more than a year ago yet when the names were finally disclosed, the same politicians, caring nothing about integrity that should come with leadership, conveniently forgot that there was a Waki envelop and turned around to claim that it was Mr Odinga who had authored the names that Mr Ocampo released.
Mr.Onyango added that politicians know that they had the option of either setting up a local tribunal to try suspects of post election violence or letting the ICC take over the process. They also know that they voted in Parliament for the cases to be sent to the ICC. "The MP who made claims today, are among those who voted against the establishment of a local tribunal."said Onyango referring to a Rift Valley MP saying that when ICC took over, the same politicians turned around to claim it was the Prime Minister who sent the cases to ICC.
"These claims, particularly the latest, confirm that these are politicians who pushed for ICC to take over out of a vain hope that that ICC date would never come. They also ignore that when Mr Ocampo made public the names of suspects last December, he promised to announce the next move in March 2011, a time line he kept. The allegations made today are therefore claims by leaders who seem to believe that politics is about what works at the moment and who care nothing about the next day." Onyango said in the statement.Praising the ICC process in the country Onyango said that the politicians short-sightedness, made them think that the ICC process would never kick off and that Mr Ocampo would never stick to his time lines.
Onyango added that the Premier sees all these claims as part of the culture of lies and dishonesty that have gripped our politics and public life in recent years and which have put the country where it is today. He sees them as a desperate effort to defend impunity and defeat justice. Mr Onyango said that the odinga is however disappointed that leaders can live by telling lies to citizens and still hope to lead the country into commanding respect among the community of civilized nations and into better days ahead.


 Kelvin Mwangi,
Nairobi.
15TH March,2011

NAIROBI: CIVIL GROUP SAYS KIBAKI BLOCKING ICC PROCESS

Civil societies have accused President Kibaki of sabotaging the trial of the 'Ocampo Six' by the International Criminal Court.Led by Rev (Rtd) Timothy Njoya and Mr Ndung’u Wainaina of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict, the group claimed the President knew if the cases progressed, he, too, would be summoned over post-election violence.

"The President is waking up to a reality that if the six went to The Hague, particularly those said to be on the PNU side, they would spill the beans," said Njoya.Njoya added that Kibaki owes Kenyans an explanation over his prediction, through a letter to the UN Security Council, that chances were high another round of chaos would erupt if the trials continued."When a president predicts chaos, that alone is actionable. How does he know Kenyans will again fight," posed Njoya.

Wainaina said Kibaki would, at some point, be required to explain his side of the story over the poll chaos."The Waki Commission was told the National Security Intelligence Service alerted him of the possibility of chaos erupting, but he did nothing. He will be held accountable for what took place," claimed Wainaina.He said Kibaki never shields anyone facing prosecution and that his keen interest on the ‘Ocampo Six’ was telling.

The two, who spoke at a Press conference in Nairobi, said the country would be safer if the hearings continued.They exuded confidence the UN Security Council would not defer the Kenyan cases."Our collective national resources, energies, efforts and goodwill ought to be harnessed and directed towards implementation of the Constitution," said Njoya.They called for civic education to prepare the public to participate in the Constitution implementation that will ensure their total contribution to change in the country.

Kelvin Mwangi,

Nairobi.

NAIROBI:PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA ON MAU RESETTLEMENT

Treasury is sitting on money meant to resettle those who were removed from the Mau Forests Complex, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said today.

Speaking during a funds drive in aid of Tengecha Boys High School in Kapkatet, Buret Constituency, Mr Odinga said the Ministry of Lands had identified parcels of land for resettlement of those who left the Mau and put the amount needed to purchase the land at about Sh3 billion.

The PM said the government then instructed Treasury to get the money and buy the land for a quick resettlement of the residents, but it has not been done.

He said neither the Ministry of Lands nor the Office of the Prime Minister provides funds for government programmes adding that all state projects are funded by Treasury.

He said he feared Treasury was withholding the money for political reasons.
"The Ministry of Lands does not keep money. All that the ministry did was to find the land. Paying for that land so that people can be settled on it is the work of Treasury," the PM said.

Once again, the PM explained that he got involved in the Mau to ensure that the relocation was not as brutal and ruthless as was the case in 2005 when the residents were first removed.
The PM said the removals were going to take place even if he did not get involved but he was concerned about the manner it was done in the past.

The PM had earlier visited the Tengecha Boys School which was partiallay razed down by fire about two weeks ago, to assess the damage.

He donated Sh1 million and another 500 iron sheets for the rehabilitation of the school and to support traders who also lost their goods and shops at Kapkatet Trading Centre in the same tragedy.
The PM called on learning institutions and business premises to take insurance to ensure losses are paid for when accidents occur.

He was accompanied at the functions by Roads Minister Franklin Bett, assistant Minsiters Magerer Langat and Beatrice Kones and MP Joyce Laboso.

ENDS

NAIROBI:ODM STATEMENT ON THE FUTILITY AND DAMAGE BEING DONE BY THE MISGUIDED ANTI-ICC CAMPAIGN

The disjointed, contradictory and legally unsound initiatives that that the PNU part of the government has taken with regard to the International Criminal Court have made our country the laughing stock of the world. These efforts have also trivialized one of the greatest challenges we as Kenyans face today, which is to create genuine reconciliation by providing justice for the unspeakable crimes that were committed in the violence that followed the rigged election outcome.

Instead of much-needed reconciliation, the efforts to subvert the process of justice and the politicization and open ethnicization of the anti-ICC campaign are opening deep fissures among sections of the Kenyan public. This does not bode well for the peace and cooperation that is urgently needed to implement our new Constitution and complete the reforms that alone will bring us all together in a prospering nation.

The epitome of the feeble and misguided campaign to avoid doing justice for the crimes related to post-election violence came on Wednesday, right after Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka's plea for deferral was rebuffed in meetings with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and also United States Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice. At almost the same moment, the ICC judges issued summons against the Ocampo 6. 

In response to all this, the PNU wing of the government immediately launched yet another ploy to subvert the trials, by challenging  the ICC on the grounds of the "inadmissibility" of the case!

So after months of high-profile shuttle "diplomacy" to convince the international community to defer the cases against the Ocampo 6 for a year - a plea which recognized that the ICC was legitimately involved in the matter - we are now claiming that the ICC has no jurisdiction! How can we ask the Security Council one day that we want to defer the ICC cases for one year, and the very next day claim that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the cases?

In any event, the ICC statutes require that any admissibility "challenge be based on actual national judicial proceedings and prosecutions of the same persons in the same cases." Since this is patently not the case, why even begin on another hazardous and expensive journey that has no chance of succeeding?  This is sheer legal idiocy. The world knows that we have undertaken no investigations whatsoever to determine the culpability of those who organised the deaths of so many Kenyans.

The inadmissibility argument also sharply contradicts what Kenyans have been told are the reasons for the deferral campaign. How can the government seek to have the proceedings deferred under the pretext that it is willing and capable of trying the suspects, when at the same time the government argues that the suspects have no case to answer? The Ocampo 6 are Kenyans, deemed innocent at this moment, and we wish for them a completely free and independent determination of the charges.

In the meantime, undeterred by his failed bid in the high-level United Nations meetings,  Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka went to Washington to see the US Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. James Steinberg, pleading - unsuccessfully again - for a deferral of the ICC cases. In a clear expression of not just disagreement but deep exasperation, a senior State Department official right after that meeting issued a stinging rebuke of the anti-deferral campaign. In effect, the official agreed that the Six should not be presumed guilty until the ICC judicial process is complete. He said the judicial process is itself more important for peace and stability in Kenya than the procrastination of PNU.

We have clearly alienated our international partners with our constantly shifting positions on how we can provide justice to the victims of post election violence. We have repeatedly given solemn commitment to the ICC – and therefore the international community that the ICC represents – to cooperate fully with the Court. But at every turn, we have tried to undercut the court’s work. This campaign is clearly being seen internationally as an attempt to avoid doing justice for the crimes and continue our long history of impunity.

There are other major issues with the approach to the ICC. There is a Cabinet Committee which was formed for this purpose but only its PNU members met to decide on the admissibility argument. This pattern of exclusion of the ODM wing of government has meant that any formal approach to the UN Security Council was doomed from the outset. In addition, full government engagement would have meant that the issue of prosecutions would have been handled to the satisfaction of both Kenyans and the international community.

We have had many ups and downs in our history, but Kenya has somehow managed to always recover and maintain the respect of the world. The one exception was the deeply flawed December 2007 election and subsequent mass killings that took place. These left an indelible stain on our good name and that stain will only be removed once we show to the world that we will find justice for the victims of crimes against humanity and can conduct free and fair elections next year.

Kenya needs to begin to redeem itself from accusations that we are trying to cover up massive crimes against humanity. We must recommit ourselves to the ICC process since we don’t have any semblance of our own criminal justice mechanisms to deal with those major crimes.

The ODM is committed to ensure that justice is done to the victims of post-election violence.

Prof. Peter Anyang Nyongo,

Secretary General.

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA TOUR

                                                    Prime Minister Raila Odinga



The Orange Democratic Movement – ODM invites your media house to cover the Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s tour of Makueni County tomorrow Friday 11 March 2011.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to address a major Public Rally in Wote town of Makueni before proceeding for another rally in Kibwezi town.

Earlier on, the Prime Minister will make several stop overs to acknowledge people’s greetings. The stops will be at Salama, Sultan Hamud, Emali and Matiliku trading centres.

During the tour, the Prime Minister will address issues affecting the region especially government’s plans for the region during this drought season. He will also address the problem of water shortage and what the government is doing to provide clean water for her people.

Ends……

Philip Etale
Director of Communication – ODM.

NAIROBI: ACCUSSING THE PRESS: A VALGAR MEDIA OR A ROTTEN SOCIETY?

Nairobi –based journalist and blogger    Mr. Boniface Manyala

Photos of some men and women allegedly caught "in the act" at Muliro Gardens in Kakamega have been circulating on the internet for some time now. The first set of photos appeared on the social media, namely facebook and blogs last month, and recently another set-that has been described as "Muliro Gardens season two"- have been posted, as expected, on the net and sparked controversy.

During the period, the mainstream media has been cautious not to publish stories or the said pictures, of course to avoid abacklash from the public. What we have read in the papers have simply been single paragraph- sometime single line- comments appearing in the gossip sections of the mainstream newspapers until The Star decided to go "public" about the matter in its Tuesday 8th March.

The move by The Star has drawn condemnation from sections of the public including The Media Council of Kenya which is said to have been "appalled by a story appearing on page 3 of The Star newspaper" stating that "carrying this story in the newspaper offends common decency and family values that we want to believe in as a society."
The MCK accuses The Star "of blatant contravention of a number of articles in the Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya as entrenched in the Second Schedule of the Media Act 2007."
Kenyans are however of divided opinion regarding the photos and story in the newspaper attributed to "various websites including Walalahoi.ning.com"

Some Kenyans I spoke to thought the media is sometimes wrongly accused "even whenever they expose the rot in our society," says Peninah Nyawira, a communications student at Daystar University. "We can’t sit back and watch-as if nothing is happening- when our society is going to the dogs. We can’t afford to do that. I see nothing wrong in the publication of the said pictures or story after all they have been widely circulated on the internet," says Peninah.

On a google group online discussion forum, Robert Alai set the debate when he asked "The star has published our pictures. It is not bad, but people are asking if it is alright for a family paper to publish such pictures?"
Then the responses began to stream in. Matilda Atieno concurs with Peninah’s argument, "today sex is everywhere. No matter how much you hide it from the kids you will not succeed because the more you keep it from them the more curious they become. They end up looking for it in wrong places and once they learn about it you can never control them. So I say let it out."

While Rose Kagwira says, "I would advice whoever is affected to sue the one who took the photos and explain why they did it at that place. Let these guys come out in public. There is nothing they did that does not happen behind the curtains or on Koinange Street. Whoever feels he or she is holier than them should tell us. If you are sure sex is out of question in your life, then condemn them. Bure kabisa!" she concludes.
But Maurice Oduor shares an opposing view, hear him: "Those photos do not belong in a family newspaper. Whoever made that decision is misguided. I wouldn't want my 13 -year-old daughter or my 16 year-old son to see them."

Another discussant, Papa Likondi makes his contribution in a single line, "that is why I never read newspapers."
But there are those who blame it all the "level of journalism and media reporting in the country," Maryann Wanjiru notes "the standards [of journalism] has dropped to an all time low, can you imagine the real issues that affect Kenyans are not reported adequately for instance the high fuel prices and how it’s affecting a kawaida (common) Kenyan, real, serious and factual issues affecting us are hardly reported. But we get to see pictures of mature adults having sex,"

When the pictures first appeared on the net, Deputy Prime minister and Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi called upon Western Kenya residents to ignore the pornographic photos of individuals allegedly having sex.

Mudavadi is quoted to have told West Fm that Western Kenya residents are "very religious who uphold the moral teachings of Christianity and Islam that abhors such activities in the public." The minister however read mischief in the intention of the photos posted just a few days before Prime Minister Raila Odinga held a rally at the said grounds.

So the question goes, is the press being accused for the rot in society –even when they [press] expose it?

In the Wr!te Direction...

Boniface Manyala

P.O.Box 45617-00100Tel 2223521,240488

NAIROBI.
Mob:+254-721 304941
b_manyala@yahoo.comhttp://watchingkenya.blogspot.com/