NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA /MDC CONGRESS

29.04.2011

Prime Minister Raila Odinga today called on the people of Zimbabwe to push for changes to the constitution to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in future.

Mr Odinga said electoral reforms that ensure respect to the institutions of democracy and a level playing field were critical if the country was to avoid chaotic polls similar to those held in 2008.

Addressing the Third Congress of the Movement for Democratic Change party in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Mr Odinga asked the party to be part of the reform movement taking roots across Africa and help transform Zimbabwe for the better.

Mr Odinga however asked the MDC to embrace the spirit of tolerance and give and take to ensure there is no paralysis in government.

He said that even as the MDC prepares for next elections, it must also remember it is part of the government, with a responsibility to help deliver services to the people.

“You will have to dig deep into your reservoirs of tolerance and compromise to ensure that this happens, for the alternative would serve neither the MDC nor its partner in government. It would only cripple the nation,” the PM said.

He said making compromises is not easy in a coalition, but it has to be done, adding that it has helped Kenya make steps forward.

“I know it is not easy. But we in Kenya, having reaped a harvest of chaos and death after our disputed 2007 elections, have managed to make useful strides forward. Our Grand Coalition government promulgated a new Constitution last year and is in the process of enacting every part of it. It has not always been an easy alliance, but the spirit of give and take has so far allowed us to make it work,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Mr Odinga held talks with Zimbawe's President Mr Robert Mugabe at State House Harare, where they discussed possibilities of Zimbabwe borrowing from the Kenyan experience to overhaul its constitution.

President Mugabe said his country had always learnt from Kenya, listing the late opposition leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki as some of the leaders he met in the earlier days of Kenya’s independence and who influenced Zimbabwe’s own struggle.

President Mugabe showed strong interest in political developments in Kenya, particularly the unveiling of the new constitution and said Zimbawe looked up to Kenya for a model in reforming the constitution.
He said Zimbabwe has always learnt from Kenya, from the liberation struggle to date, adding that he spent years studying the history of the Mau Mau war of independence.
President Mugabe invited Mr odinga to stay in the country for a longer period.
Mr Odinga said Kenya and Zimbabwe have links imposed by history and should together work towards reforms in politics.
Mr Odinga promised that Kenya would donate a book on constitution-making process to Zimbawe to guide the Southern African nation in its own quest for constitutional reforms.
The PM said the Kenyan process was extremely consultative and open and the country would be keen to share its experience with the people of Zimbabwe.

form movement taking roots across Africa and help transform Zimbabwe for the better.

Mr Odinga however asked the MDC to embrace the spirit of tolerance and give and take to ensure there is no paralysis in government.

He said that even as the MDC prepares for next elections, it must also remember it is part of the government, with a responsibility to help deliver services to the people.

“You will have to dig deep into your reservoirs of tolerance and compromise to ensure that this happens, for the alternative would serve neither the MDC nor its partner in government. It would only cripple the nation,” the PM said.

He said making compromises is not easy in a coalition, but it has to be done, adding that it has helped Kenya make steps forward.

“I know it is not easy. But we in Kenya, having reaped a harvest of chaos and death after our disputed 2007 elections, have managed to make useful strides forward. Our Grand Coalition government promulgated a new Constitution last year and is in the process of enacting every part of it. It has not always been an easy alliance, but the spirit of give and take has so far allowed us to make it work,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Mr Odinga held talks with Zimbawe's President Mr Robert Mugabe at State House Harare, where they discussed possibilities of Zimbabwe borrowing from the Kenyan experience to overhaul its constitution.

President Mugabe said his country had always learnt from Kenya, listing the late opposition leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki as some of the leaders he met in the earlier days of Kenya’s independence and who influenced Zimbabwe’s own struggle.

President Mugabe showed strong interest in political developments in Kenya, particularly the unveiling of the new constitution and said Zimbawe looked up to Kenya for a model in reforming the constitution.
He said Zimbabwe has always learnt from Kenya, from the liberation struggle to date, adding that he spent years studying the history of the Mau Mau war of independence.
President Mugabe invited Mr odinga to stay in the country for a longer period.
Mr Odinga said Kenya and Zimbabwe have links imposed by history and should together work towards reforms in politics.
Mr Odinga promised that Kenya would donate a book on constitution-making process to Zimbawe to guide the Southern African nation in its own quest for constitutional reforms.
The PM said the Kenyan process was extremely consultative and open and the country would be keen to share its experience with the people of Zimbabwe.

NAIROBI:Invitation to Exit Report Press Conference on Police Recruitment

Wed, April 27, 2011 5:43:15 PM

Greetings,

The Usalama Reforms Forum sucessfully monitored today's Police recruitment excercise, receiving over 1500 text messages  from more than 140 centers nationwide.

We have prepared an exit report that we intend to make public to inform the last stages of vetting and closure of the recruitment process. We are therefore inviting you to a Press Conference at the KNCHR Offices tomorrow Thursday 28th April 2011 at 11:00am.

Thanking you in advance

Philip Onguje

Coordinator, Usalama Reforms Forum

NAIROBI: THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF KENYA:PRIME MINISTER’S TIME: STANDING ORDER NO. 40 ESCALATING COST OF LIVING: GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION TO ASSIST THE POOR AND VULNERABLE

Mr. Speaker,

Kenyans are experiencing a very sharp rise in the cost of living.  The high cost of petroleum has ignited a spiral effect.  Until recently, the national rate of inflation stood at 3%.  It has increased to 9%.  

The increased food prices are responsible for 60% of the total inflation.  Local prices have risen sharply, largely due to the emerging drought. Globally, surging demand in growing economies like China, India and Brazil, severe drought in China, massive floods in America and Australia, and increased use of maize to produce ethanol, have raised food prices.

The international price of crude oil has been rising due to high economic growth in China, India and Brazil, as well as the current turmoil in North Africa and parts of the Middle-East. It has risen from US$73.0 per barrel in July 2010 to US$ 115.1 per barrel in April 2011.

Mr. Speaker,

Our people are adversely affected by these high prices. The Government will implement a strong package of measures to cushion the poor and vulnerable.  Such measures are both short-term and long-term. The will find solutions that are sustainable.

For immediate relief, the Government has removed all taxes and levies on Kerosene to reduce the cost of light and cooking energy. This will reduce kerosene price by Ksh 5.66 per litre, in addition to the reduction of Ksh2 per litre announced by the Treasury last week. This makes a total reduction of Ksh7.66 per litre. 

Appropriate legislation will be introduced in this House as soon as possible to give effect to this measure. I expect that this House will act with utmost urgency, so that Kenyans receive this much needed relief very soon.   

The rates of current taxes and levies on petroleum products have remained constant since the year 2000, with the exception of the Road Maintenance Levy which was raised by Kshs.3/- per litre in 2007.  In addition, the Government reduced the profit margin on regulated products such as Kerosene, Diesel and Petrol from Kshs.6/- per litre to Kshs.4/-. 

Mr. Speaker,

In addition, the Government, within the framework of the East African Community, will remove import duty on wheat and maize imported by private millers.  We have directed the National Cereals and Produce Board to provide its storage facilities for use by private millers who import wheat or maize.  The Government itself will not import wheat or maize. 

Given the high international prices, duty free import of maize and wheat will not adversely affect local farmers. Rather, together with the available stock of maize, private import will make sure that there will be adequate supply of maize throughout the year. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that 23 million bags of maize currently exist in stock. This includes about 3 million bags held at the NCPB.     

The Government is also expanding the famine relief assistance to cover more people and regions. A total of 4 million people will be covered up from the current 2.4 million people.  We are working on improved coordination and logistics with development partners. We have waived Secondary school fees in areas affected by drought.

Mr. Speaker,

In the longer-term, it is crucial to reduce dependency on imported oil, and to secure self-sufficiency in food. We will achieve these goals by going GREEN.

We will maximize generation of geothermal and other renewable energy and totally replace kerosene with clean energy.

The Government will also mandate blending of gasoline with ethanol, both to reduce costs and to assure cleaner and safer air to Kenyans.

Mr. Speaker,

It should be recalled that the minimum wage was increased by 10% was last year. The Government has agreed to further increase the minimum wage, to be announced on Labour Day. Such increment should have come after two years, but we will do it now to address the sharp rise in the cost of living.  Going forward the Government intends to shift from cost of living wage adjustments to productivity based wage adjustments.  Resources are being provided by the Ministry of Labour to set up a productivity centre.

Creating jobs is equally important. The government will therefore ensure that Kenyan industries will remain competitive. Moreover, to create jobs immediately, particularly for the youth, after due diligence and in consideration of views of Members of Parliament and Kenyans, the Government has decided to re-launch the Kazi Kwa Vijana programme, and continue with most of the Economic Stimulus Programmes.

The KKV II (Kenya Youth Empowerment Programme) will be implemented jointly with the World Bank. Under this program, the World Bank is providing $60 million.

Out of this, US$43 million is funding 1,200 labour intensive projects at district level across the country.  These will employ 190,000 youths in the 18-35 age bracket.  Another US$15.5 million will fund an internship programme for 16,000 urban youth in the 15-29 age bracket.

Mr. Speaker,

To address the adverse implications of high oil prices in the long-term, the Government will fast track the development of Nairobi Urban Commuter Rail.  This will greatly reduce the cost of transportation within and around Nairobi.  It will also take a lot of motor traffic off our roads.  We will also introduce a mass transport system in and around Nairobi.

Furthermore, the government will substantially and immediately strengthen our social protection programmes. The Ministries of Gender, Special Programmes and Agriculture have such programmes in place. A comprehensive targeted food subsidy programme will be introduced to complement these programmes, and buttress the Government social protection initiative.

The joint GOK/Oxfam/World Food Programme pilot programme on urban food subsidy based on cash transfers has been successfully completed.  5,000 families in Korogocho and Mukuru and 2,500 families in Mathare were beneficiaries of this pilot programme over a period of 8 months.  Each family received by MPESA Kshs.1, 500/- per month for food.

A Memorandum on the Implementation of a Comprehensive Targeted Food Subsidy is already before Cabinet to support the food insecure in urban areas. Once this proposal is approved by Cabinet, the Government will expand the pilot programmes to providing Ksh 2000 per month to 100,000 people in 6 informal settlements in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

In order to assure long-term sustainability of this and other social protection programmes, the Treasury has been instructed to propose a package of tax measures that will be sufficient to fund these programmes in the long-run, but also that will not impact the poor negatively.

Mr. Speaker,

As our ordinary citizens suffer from high costs of living, we in the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary  must share the burden. We need to be frugal and prudent in our expenditure.

Thank you.

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

PRIME MINISTER

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER TO PRESENT GOVERNMENT PLANS ON CONTAINING RISING COST OF LIVING

Tue, April 26, 2011

Prime Minister Raila Odinga will tomorrow present to Parliament the Government’s further plans of action to arrest the escalating food, fuel, transportation prices and other aspects of the economy that have led to higher cost of living.
He will make the presentation during the regular Prime Minister’s Time in Parliament.


DENNIS ONYANGO
APRIL 26, 2011.

NAIROBI: MEDIA ALERT

The ODM Candidate for the vacant Ikolomani Seat in the May 23 By-Election Mr. Bernard Masaka Shinali is scheduled to present his nomination papers to the Interim Independent Electoral Commission Offices in the Constituency tomorrow Wednesday 27^th April 2011.

Mr. Shinali who successfully filled a petition seeking the nullification of Dr. Bonny Khalwale’s election in the 2007 General Election is expected at the IIEC Offices in Makhokho area of Ikolomani Constituency at 8.30.am.

He will present his documents and testimonials to the area Returning Officer Mr. Benjamin Tarus seeking to be approved to take part in the By-Election to take in on his main challenger Dr. Khalwale of the New FORD-Kenya Party.

Thereafter, Mr. Shinali who will be accompanied by a host of ODM legislators from Western region and other parts of the country will stage a road show within the Constituency which will later in the afternoon be followed by a major campaign rally which will be used to launch his campaign trail for the seat.

Your media house is kindly requested to provide coverage to the afore-mentioned events.

Thanks and God Bless.

Communication Department - ODM

26/04/11

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA MEDIA BRIEFING

                                             Prime Minister Raila Odinga

As promised, the Prime Minister will hold a media briefing today at 12.00 PM at the Auditorium on the 7th floor of his offices. The PM will address particularly the last leg of his trip, which ended with the signing of the inauguration of the Paris-Nairobi Initiative on Access to Clean Energy for Africa and other nations vulnerable to Climate Change.

The PM feels the Initiative is a significant event, which potential for uplifting the country and he wants to explain the details.
The Ambassador of France to Kenya, H.E. Etienne de Poncins, will join the PM.
Thank You.

DENNIS ONYANGO
26.04.2011

NAIROBI: Government determined to contain inflation, assures President Kibaki

President Mwai Kibaki has assured Kenyans of the government's commitment to implement measures aimed at controlling inflation in the wake of challenges posed by vagaries of weather and fuel price increases.
In a goodwill message to Kenyans marking the Easter holiday, President Kibaki said that food stocks in government stores will be released to the market to stabilize the price of various commodities to ensure that they remain within the reach of ordinary Kenyans.
Saying the government will strive to avail food to the most vulnerable members of society, the Head of State urged able Kenyans to embrace the true Christian spirit by assisting the less fortunate members of our society.
Through hard work and concern for one another, the President noted, Kenyans will succeed in overcoming the challenges facing them.
Said the President, "This year we are celebrating Easter at a time when we are facing various challenges relating to our livelihoods. Some of these challenges are the result of developments in other parts of the world and the vagaries of weather."
He appealed to Christians countrywide to hold out the message of hope, joy and the new life that Jesus offers by showing compassion to those disadvantaged in their midst.
"The spirit of Easter, therefore, is all about hope, love and joyful living that comes from the resurrection of Christ. It signifies restoration of our hope that victory of life over death will also be witnessed in our daily lives, individually and collectively as a nation." The Statement said
"As we celebrate Easter, let us become rays of hope and live Godly lives, so that others may see the risen Christ living in us", the President said.

On the prevailing political situation in the country, President Kibaki called upon Kenyans from all walks of life to shun divisive talk and instead focus on issues that would in the long run build a cohesive Kenyan society.
The Head of State, especially, urged Kenyans to dedicate energies to the successful implementation of the new Constitution which guarantees a better future for the people.

The President, at the same time, urged Christians to continue praying for peace, unity and prosperity for the country as they congregate in various places of worship this Easter weekend.
Easter holiday is an important pillar of the Christian faith and the most important day of the church calendar. It marks a time when Christians reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and celebrate his resurrection as well as the promise of redemption and eternal life, which arise from the power of the resurrection.

NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA RETURNED TO THE COUNTRY

Prime Minister Raila Odinga returned to the country today after a two-week successful mission abroad to woo investments, seek support for the country in various fields and update the international community on changes in Kenya.

On arrival, the PM said constitution implementation takes priority and appealed to Members of Parliament to prepare to work overtime to pass the outstanding laws that need to be passed for the country to meet the set constitution implementation timelines.

The PM will brief the country tomorrow, particularly on the final leg of his trip, which ended in France with the launch of the Paris-Nairobi Initiative on Access to Clean Energy for Africa and other countries vulnerable to Climate Change.

The PM began his engagement abroad by opening the Africa Investment Conference in New York City on April 11, 2011.

The investment conference, organised by the Government of Kenya in partnership with US-based organization, Institutional Investor, was judged as hugely successful. It attracted about 500 reputable firms that are keen to venture into or expand their operations in Africa and, are keen on what Kenya has to offer.

The PM made a strong case for investing in Kenya, calling on US businesses to take advantage of programmes in infrastructure and legal and constitutional reforms and set up base here.

He emphasized that the country is moving towards economic take-off and businesses that move in today would reap huge rewards in the near future.

The PM also met the American Business Council for further discussions on investment opportunities in Kenya.

Out of these talks, some firms, notably Coca Cola and General Electric made strong commitments to increase their operations in Kenya by locating regional offices serving huge sections of the continent in Nairobi.

The PM is optimistic that in the coming months, more American businesses will make follow-up trips to Kenya for an experience of the country’s promises.

Mr Odinga also met US Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on the 12^th of April where we discussed changes taking place in Kenya and in the region. He used the meeting with Mr Biden and other leaders, including Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Florida Governor…to appeal directly to the top US leadership to urge US firms to invest in Kenya in the tradition of the traditional ties between the two countries.

Mr Biden assured the PM and his delegation of continued support for the reform process and urged a faithful implementation of the constitution. The Vice President echoed his country’s appreciation that Kenya has moved towards greater stability. He emphasised the need for the country to stay focused particularly on judicial and electoral reforms.

Mr Odinga assured the VP that Kenya shares the view in Washington that a functional and independent judiciary is a critical consideration for investors who want to set up operations in any foreign location.

Mr Biden pledged that America will give Kenya “tremendous support” in areas that are critical to the country’s growth. He assured us that the US recognises that while the reforms carry promise for Kenya, they also cost more.

Similar assurances and interest in Kenya were expressed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Africa and the Black Congressional Caucus during meetings with the PM and his delegation on Capitol Hill.

Mr Odinga also held productive talks with former US President Bill Clinton in New York, who pledged more support for initiatives meant to protect the environment in Kenya. Mr Clinton particularly expressed interest in supporting programmes that would reduce pressure on forests and protect water towers and water bodies.

In the US, the PM also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The MOU will see the two institutions collaborate in areas of technology, engineering, nursing among other areas.

NAIROBI:CLARIFICATION OF USE OF TERM HER EXCELLENCY AND REVELATION OF IMPOSTORS

The Government is concerned that impostors have been misleading the public that they work or are affiliated to the Government of Kenya.

In particular, the Government is concerned that some people have been using the term Her Excellency and fake names meant to attribute unto them state powers that they are not entitled to.

In reference to the main story published in today's - April 22, 2011, Star Newspaper, the Government wishes to make it clear that the protocol reference to His Excellency and Her Excellency are reserved only for the President and First Lady of the Republic of Kenya or for persons representing their nations as envoys in Kenya.

The person shown in the Star newspaper referring to herself as Her Excellency has no entitlement of the same and the use of that term should be viewed as dubious and dismissed by all.

The Government is going to ensure that impostors and con people who purport to represent different facets of Government are revealed so that Wananchi are not misled.

Dr. Alfred  Mutua,

Public Communications Secretary &

Government Spokesperson

April 24, 2011

Los Angeles County : Prime minister of Kenya visits Malibu, announces presidential candidacy

The prime minister made the announcement at a private event celebrating the launch of a new UCLA-developed medication for sickle cell anemia.

A seaside residence near Trancas became the site Sunday for an unexpected commingling of African politics and Malibu philanthropy.

At a private Malibu party Sunday evening, Raila Amolo Odinga, the prime minister of Kenya, announced that he would run for president of Kenya during that country's next governmental elections.

“I can announce here that I'm going to be a candidate for the presidency of Kenya,” Odinga said.

When asked by The Malibu Times if his speech Sunday was the first time he had declared his candidacy, Odinga said yes.

Odinga ran for the post in 2007, but narrowly lost amid allegations of voting improprieties. Odinga disputed the results and during ensuing riots more than 1,000 people were killed and 600,000 displaced.

“I won elections last time three years ago. I was robbed of victory,” the prime minister said.

Odinga said that reforms enacted since the previous elections would “ensure us that I will not be robbed again. I hope that I can bank on you for support in my campaign next year,” he told Sunday's gathering.

Odinga's surprising announcement came at a private Malibu party hosted by Amir Heshmatpour, where a guest list of 100 researchers, investors and entertainers had gathered to celebrate progress on a new medication for sickle cell anemia. UCLA researcher Dr. Yukata Niihara has been developing the medication since 1992. It is currently in phase three of clinical trials and Niihara said he hopes to begin compassionate use of the drug in Kisumu, Kenya within a year.

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease that destroys red blood cells and damages organs. It is most prevalent in people of African descent and is a major problem in Kenya and other African countries. Young children and adolescents are its main victims, and the disease is incurable.

Niihara explained to the audience that Kisumu was a natural place to begin compassionate use of the drug, since as many as one in 50 people there are born with the often fatal disease.

“[Kisumu is] where sickle cell is ... most prevalent, not just in Kenya but in Africa ... they have the highest number of sickle cell diseases, and what better place to start this project than Kisumu, Kenya,” Niihara said.

Niihara said the drug, an L-glutamine medicine that has not yet been given a commercial name, ameliorates the effects of sickle cell by reducing oxidation in red blood cells so they do not deform. He said it could prove especially effective in patients where the disease is diagnosed early.

Prime Minister Odinga told The Malibu Times the drug was “big news in Kenya ... the best thing to happen this century.” Odinga said that sickle cell anemia can be managed, but often to little purpose.

“You find many ironies; you can invest a lot of resources in these children-treatment, education-but by the time they reach college, they will just die. So it is a hopeless investment, until now. This medicine is going to give them a chance to live a normal life.”

The Malibu event came a day after the launch of the U.S. chapter of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF). Named after Prime Minister Odinga's father, the foundation addresses health and education issues in Kenya. The host of the Sunday event, Heshmatpour, said his company, AFH Holding & Advisory, would be partnering with JOOF to provide medical training in Kenya.
Source: Malibu Times

NAIROBI: USALAMA REFORMS FORUM

Monday, April 18, 2011

Editor,

………………….

………………….

Dear Sir/Madam,

REF: POLICE RECRUITMENT ON THE 27^TH APRIL, 2011

For the first time in the life of this coalition government, a national police recruitment exercise is set to be conducted after a moratorium recommended by the Ransley Task Force was lifted.

This recruitment exercise shall be an extra-ordinary one day, high stakes venture for the police and those involved in police reforms who want to reclaim the image, credibility and integrity of this critical service. It is the first event after the last general elections, the coming into being of a new constitution and the last event before the coming into being of the Police Service Commission which should be responsible for this recruitment exercise.

27^th April 2011 shall be like a general elections day in Kenya. In some 286 centers, tens of thousands of unemployed young Kenyans shall turn up for an event expected to take up only 7,000 people, out which slightly more than 2000 are expected to be women.

Candidates and observers will be keen to know whether numbers of persons to be selected in each centre shall be announced at the beginning of the exercise and the final list promptly declared at the end of this great day. It will also be of interest to know whether there are any mechanisms for addressing complaints immediately they arise and whether those selected shall certainly take up their place at the respective police training colleges. 

Usalama Reforms Forum, through a partnership arrangement with an array of partners at the community level, aims to deploy monitors to at least half of the recruitment centers countrywide.  Usalama has developed an easy to use monitoring tool that will be circulated to these partners across the country and the information will be reviewed through a “Police Recruitment Watch Center” that will be set up at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Offices in Nairobi.

We write to inquire whether your esteemed media house shall be involved in monitoring and reporting this crucial national event.  We shall be more than willing to share with you crucial details coming through our watch centre from the teams of monitors spread across the country. We are also available to share on strategic perspectives of this exercise should you have sessions or talk shows that seek to expound on this subject.

Sincerely Yours, 

Philip Onguje,

Coordinator

Notes:

The Usalama Reforms Forum is a collaborative initiative of national and international organization working in the field of security sector reforms in Kenya.

Key members of the Forum include the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative(New Delhi), Saferworld (UK), PeaceNet-Kenya, World Vision, the Socio Economic Rights Foundation, Research Triangle Africa, The East African Institute of Security Studies and the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum(APCOF, Cape Town).

The Usalama Reforms Forum has had constructive engagements with formal police reform initiatives in Kenya among them the National Task Force on Police Reforms (Ransley Task Force); the Police Reforms Implementation committee (Naikuni committee) and the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC).

RE: KENYAN GOVERNMENT TAKES THE LEAD ON “WELCOMING MIGRANTS INTO NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

Hon Beth Mugo EGH, MP will spearhead a national consultation to address the health care needs of migrants and mobile populations in Kenya on 4^th, 5^th and 6^th May, 2011

− EMBARGOED: 27^th APRIL 2011 −

27 April 2011

The Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation (MoPHS) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) will host a National Consultation on Migration Health to reach a common consensus on securing quality health care for migrants and mobile populations in Kenya.

The Minister for Public Health and Sanitation, Hon Beth Mugo EGH, MP will open the conference held in Mombasa on 4 – 6 May 2011. The occasion will also be graced by the Permanent Secretary, Mark Bor, and the Director of Public Health and Sanitation, Dr S. K. Sharif.

“I want to urge all of you to think of migrants and mobile populations as people who deserve to live healthy lives among us. We must welcome and accommodate them in our laws, policies, and health care systems. We are a country that runs ahead of others, and it is our duty to show strong leadership in the area of migration health” states Hon Beth Mugo EGH, MP.

Migrants and mobile populations are deterred from accessing essential health care services due to a number of social factors, such as irregular immigration status, language barriers and access to services at a certain time of day.  Such disparities are having a profound impact on migrants, mobile populations and Kenya as a whole. The National Consultation on Migration Health will challenge current inequities and build a framework for providing available, affordable and non-discriminatory health care in Kenya, including migrants who are largely marginalized.

Ashraf El Nour, Regional Representative for IOM adds: “With strong commitment, accountability and coordination from the Kenyan Government and partners I trust this consultation will act as a concrete stepping stone for ensuring we make a real impact on securing quality health care for all those who reside within Kenya.”

The conference will delve into four thematic areas: HIV, tuberculosis, maternal and child health and psychosocial health among migrants and the communities that host them. Participants will discuss social factors that impact vulnerability and health inequities and chart a way forward for strengthening programmes and polices.

The Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation

The Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation works towards making Kenya a nation free from preventable diseases and ill health by implementing priority interventions in public health through a specific strategic framework. 

International Organization for Migration

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governments and non-governmental partners.

For more information, images or interviews please contact:

Joseph Kamotho, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation

Chief Communications Officer

072 198 3810

kamothose@yahoo.com

Celeste Hibbert, the International Organization for Migration, Health Division

Communications Officer

073 197 4026

chibbert@iom.int

NAIROBI: PRESIDENT KIBAKI HAS NO PLANS TO SERVE AN ADDITIONAL TERM

President Mwai Kibaki does not intend to run for re-election, contrary to sensational and manufactured media reports. The President has served this country for most of his life and worked hard to ensure passage and adoption of a new constitution, which does not allow a person to serve more than two terms.

The Government wishes Wananchi to know that there are no plans being hatched anywhere to extend the President's term and media reports to that efffect are cheap propaganda and an example of sections of Kenyan media that have become rogue

Dr. Alfred N. Mutua,

Public Communications Secretary &

Government Spokesperson

21.04.2011

NAIROBI: MAY 2nd to be a Public Holiday

Because Labour Day (May 1st), falls on a Sunday, the Government declares Monday, May 2nd, 2011, a public holiday.

We wish all Kenyans a Happy Easter.

Dr. Alfred N. Mutua,

Public Communications Secretary &

Government Spokesperson
21.04.211

NAIROBI: THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND COMMISSION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION (CIC) IN THE PROCESSS OF IMPLEMENTING THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA

All Permanent Secretaries/Accounting Officers
(With sufficient copies for all Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations)

The objective of this communication is to advise all Government Ministries, Parastatals, Regulatory Boards and all Constitutional Commissions and other institutions that have the primary responsibility for generating policies, proposed legislation and administrative procedures required for the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, on the process to be followed in undertaking the exercise.

The procedures outlined in this communication take cognizance of the values enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution and which are deemed necessary for the furtherance of the mandate of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) as spelt out below.

The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) is established under Section 5(1) of the Sixth schedule to the Constitution. The mandate of CIC is stipulated in Section 5(6) of the same schedule and Section 4 of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Act 2010.

The functions of CIC are to:-

(a) monitor, facilitate and oversee the development of legislation and administrative procedures required to implement this Constitution;

(b) co-ordinate with the Attorney-General and the Kenya Law Reform Commission in preparing for tabling in Parliament, the legislation required to implement this Constitution;

(c) report every three (3) months to the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee on:-

(i) progress in the implementation of this Constitution; and

(ii) any impediments to its implementation; and

(d) Work with each Constitutional Commission to ensure that the letter and spirit of this Constitution is respected; and

(e) Exercise such other functions as are provided for by the Constitution or any other written law.

The mandate of CIC is further amplified by Article 249 (1) which sets out the objects of the Constitutional Commissions and the independent offices to include:-

a) protecting the sovereignty of the people;

b) securing the observance by all State organs of democratic values and principles; and

c) promoting constitutionalism.

Further Article 261 extends the mandate of the CIC as follows:

Article 261 (1) Parliament shall enact any legislation required by this Constitution to be enacted to govern a particular matter within the period specified in the Fifth Schedule, commencing on the effective date.

Article 261 (4) For the purposes of Clause (1), the Attorney-General, in consultation with the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution, shall prepare the relevant Bills for tabling before Parliament, as soon as reasonably practicable, to enable Parliament to enact the legislation within the period specified.

Section 15 (d) of the Sixth schedule requires CIC to ensure that the system of devolved government is implemented effectively.

PROCESS

To enable it carry out its constitutional mandate effectively, CIC advises that the following procedure be followed by the Public Service:-

1) Each of the Institutions listed above should familiarize itself with the entire Constitution and its implications and ensure that:-

a) In the course of performing its duties the constitution is not violated;

b) In performing its duties all new and existing policies, laws and administrative procedures that are being applied are consistent with the letter and spirit of the constitution; and

c) Implementation of the Constitution is integrated in performance contracts. In this regard, implementing institutions should provide for implementation in its goals, set targets for measuring performance and provide incentives for achieving these targets. The performance contract should incorporate an evaluation model that shall provide feedback on performance and best practice in the implementation process.

2) The aforementioned familiarization with the Constitution will enable the institutions to undertake a comprehensive audit of all existing Sessional papers; laws, by-laws and regulations; policies; administrative procedures; government guidelines and circulars relating to its functions and to the sector in which the Institution operates.

3) The intention of the audit is to determine the compliance of such sessional papers; laws, by-laws and regulations; policies; government guidelines; circulars and administrative procedures with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

4) Upon audit of all such existing sessional papers; laws, by- laws and regulations; policies; government guidelines; circulars and administrative procedures, any language that is inconsistent with the Constitution be identified and a plan for its review developed and the necessary review subsequently undertaken.

5) Each Institution, in consultation with the Attorney General (AG) should also identify any new laws that are required for the implementation of the Constitution. The legislation in question will include but not be limited to those listed in the Fifth Schedule of the constitution. In undertaking this activity the Institutions are also free to consult CIC.

6) Each Institution should identify any new administrative procedures that may be required to implement the constitution.

7) Each Ministry should, within the shortest time possible after issuance of this circular, submit its comprehensive plan for the development and review of Sessional papers; laws, by-laws and regulations; policies and administrative procedures required to implement the constitution to the following:

a) The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution;

b) The Ministry of Justice, Constitutional Affairs and National Cohesion being the Ministry coordinating the implementation of the constitution within Government;

c) The Attorney General, and

d) The Kenya Law Reform Commission,

i) The plans submitted by Ministries should indicate:

„X The sessional papers; laws, by-laws and regulations to be reviewed;

„X The policies and administrative procedures to be developed or reviewed; and

„X Nature of the reviews to be undertaken.

ii. The steps in reviewing the by-laws, laws, sessional papers, policies and administrative procedures already taken and the expected timeframes for outstanding activities,

8) In reviewing existing policies, administrative procedures and legislation, and determining the necessity of new laws organisational/institutional policies, administrative procedures and legislation, each Ministry or other institutions participating in such processes should in particular take into account the following:-
a) The existence
of any international treaty ratified by Kenya relating to any matter concerning the sector and which has not been domesticated

b)The provisions relating to the Bill of Rights in the Constitution and in particular the need to incorporate the requirement for progressive implementation of the socio-economic rights under Article 43 of the Constitution in appropriate legislation

c) The values and principles articulated in Article 10, Chapter 6 (Leadership and integrity) and Chapter 13 Part I (values and principles of public service) of the Constitution including:-

i. Participation of the people;

ii. Equity, inclusiveness, human rights, social justice, equality , non-discrimination and protection of the marginalized;

iii. The principle of gender equity and regional balance in the consideration of opportunities;
iv.Sharing and devolution of power;
v.Good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability

vi. Sustainable development;

vii. The principles on leadership and integrity in Chapter 6 of the Constitution;

viii. The principles of fairness, prudence, clarity and the need for fiscal responsibility in the management of public resources in Chapter 12 of the constitution; and

ix. Any other principle within the Constitution.

9) In determining new policy and administrative procedures, and generating new legislation, every Ministry and every Institution involved in implementing the Constitution should ensure that the process leading to the determination of policy and generation of legislation and administrative procedures is undertaken in a participatory and transparent manner. In this respect, the public and in particular sectoral stakeholders including members of Civil Society Organisations and Community Based Organisations should be given reasonable opportunity to effectively participate in the process taking into account all relevant factors, including the nature of the policy, administrative procedures and legislation, its implications and the applicable time constraints.
Public participation includes any or all of the following:-

i. Structured process of gathering views of the public during policy formulation or Bill preparation;

ii. Stakeholder input via workshops, seminars or other fora;

iii. Dissemination of draft Bill to the public for discussion through various media outlets;

iv. Focused media debate on policy or draft Bill;

v. Credible process of considering public views; and

vi. Validation workshops.

10) In determining whether any draft legislation forwarded to CIC for review is consistent with the letter and spirit of the constitution, CIC will take the following criteria into account:-

a) The extent to which the public participated effectively in generating the policy or legislation;

b) The consistency of any sessional papers; laws, by-laws and regulations; policies and administrative procedures within the letter and spirit of the constitution;

c) The adequacy and sufficiency of the sessional papers; laws, by-laws and regulations; policies and administrative procedures in enabling implementation of the constitution; and

d) The impact of the sessional papers; laws, by-laws and regulations; policies and administrative procedures on other laws, institutions and the two levels of government i.e. national and county governments.
Change Management
CIC recommends:-

11) That each Institution in consultation with the Government Department coordinating the implementation of the Constitution within government and CIC develops a change management strategy and applies it in all the activities of the Institution.

12) The change management strategy should outline how each Institution plans to effect the change necessary for the realisation of the requirements of the Constitution.

13) That within the next three (3) months each Institution submits to CIC and to the Government Department coordinating the activities relating to the implementation of the Constitution its change management strategy to enable efficient monitoring of the process of the implementation of the Constitution.

14) For the purposes of this Circular change management is a structured and systematic approach to transforming individuals, groups of people or institutions usually after a situational analysis. In the Kenyan case the change anticipated was triggered by the promulgation and coming into effect of a new constitution, The Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The goal of change management shall be to entrench the culture of constitutionalism within the institution and in service delivery.

MODE OF COLLABORATION AND WORKING WITH THE CIC

15) Each implementing institution should establish an implementation unit that shall oversee the implementation of the work plan and report on the progress and impediments to implementation of the Constitution. The implementation unit shall work with CIC in ensuring that progress is on track.

16) The implementation institution shall ensure that it trains its staff to internalize the objectives of implementation of the Constitution. This will ensure that all actors share the same vision and avoid the risk of discordant or conflicting implementation initiatives. Upon request, CIC shall provide advice on the training guidelines to ensure that it reflects the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

17) To enable CIC report on the progress of implementation as required by the Constitution, each ministry should submit its implementation report to CIC three weeks before the end of each quarter. For the purposes of this circular, the first quarter ends on the 30th of June 2011. The report should be provided in a format to be provided by CIC after consultation with the ministries.

18) CIC, in pursuance of its mandate to monitor the implementation of the Constitution, will from time to time undertake an audit of the different sectoral policies, laws, and administrative processes and structures to determine compliance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

 Amb. Francis Muthaura, EGH

Permanent Secretary, Secretary to

the Cabinet and the Head of Public Service

Copy to:

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister,

H.E. the Vice-President and Minister for Home Affairs.

The Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.

The Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government.

All Hon. Ministers

All Hon. Assistant Ministers.