The People’s Loyal Opposition has said that Kenya has reached an all-time low in the area of democracy, good governance, transparency, and accountability.
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said that the National Assembly and the Senate, both answer to the whims of the Executive, with only a few proven legislators willing to go against the Executive’s plans
“These representatives of the people, face reprisal, such as exclusion from parliamentary committees and leadership positions, as well as various types of pressure and intimidation. This is not the democracy that Kenyans fought for,” Musyoka said in a statement.
According to the people’s loyal opposition if the people’s representatives are caged, there will be no transparency or accountability. If this tendency continues to be under a one-man rule-by-decree.
The statement as the President is expected to make this year’s State of the Nation Address the joint Houses of the National Assembly and the Senate on Thursday, November 21, 2024, according to the notice issued by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetang’ula.
The People’s Loyal Opposition believe that, Kenyans will once again be subjected to half-truths and outright lies tomorrow.
Musyoka said that the president is expected to outline a new rafts of meaningless promises about new projects that the Kenya Kwanza dictatorship claims will begin shortly.
“They will be informed of billions of shillings “set aside from the empty coffers” for these fictitious initiatives. More lies will be spread concerning agricultural and food production, the so-called affordable housing scheme, and, of course, the non-performing Hustler Fund,” he added.
Kongamano La Mapinduzi wishes to express its position with regard to the prevailing political and economic situation in the country, and by extension – the state of the nation, which, as many of you are aware, is in dire straits.
In June 2024, Kenyans rose up against an anti-people and punitive Finance Bill 2024 that sought to impose taxes on basic commodities such as maize flour, cooking oil, menstrual health products etc. This bill further sought to tax burden the common mwananchi was only defeated through the collective voice and actions of the Kenyan masses who forced the state to withdraw it in its entirety.
Despite the grievances raised in June 2024, the Kenya kwanza government has continued to sneak in sections of that very finance bill into law thereby raising the already high cost of living beyond the reach of most Kenyans. This situation is further compounded by a bleak economic outlook that arises out of government wastage and corruption instead of additional investment in the social sector such as health and school. A clear case in point is the 10 Billion shillings invested by the Kenya-Kwanza government without the approval of the people of Kenya to support Raila Odinga’s campaign for the position of the African Union Chair.
Parliament has been totally captured by the executive and everyday churns out pieces of legislation that are anti-people and anti-life. The land amendment bill 2024, the Seed and Plant act that prohibits farmers from sharing or exchanging seeds, the assembly and demonstration bill and other absurd bills that seek to suppress Kenyans.
The Kenya-Kwanza government also recently introduced the Social Health Insurance Fund(SHIF) to replace the previous public health insurance scheme, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Instead of helping to improve the quality of healthcare across the country, SHIF has instead locked out millions of Kenyans from healthcare services such as dialysis, surgery and etc that they were hitherto able to access under the old public health insurance scheme. SHIF remains a poorly-conceived and poorly-executed idea whose only beneficiaries are the billionaire class that already controls the insurance sector, and which now seeks to control the health sector.
In 2024, Kenyans have witnessed an alarming increase in the number of abductions and enforced disappearances since the wave of protests. Abduction squads driving in unmarked Subaru cars, alleged to be under NIS and answerable only to statehouse are prowling the country implementing the law of the jungle in an attempt to reset the country to the lawlessness we had of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
On 12th July 2024, Kenyans woke up to shocking news of bodies dumped in a quarry few meters from Kware Police Station in Mukuru slums. The recently launched “#KwareTheAftermath Report by the Mukuru Community Justice Center has pointed out the numerous failures from the government to local institutions, including the religious institutions which have failed to support the families of victims of this great tragedy (add femicide – there has been 97 documented cases of femicide in the past three months.)
The political elite, meanwhile, have coalesced under a ‘broad-based’ government that only serves their self-seeking interests. Instead of focussing their efforts towards bettering the material conditions and lived realities of Kenyans, they have focussed their attention on settling political scores that are of no significant value to the Kenyan masses. The politicians are also currently engaged in a process of ethnic balkanization that seeks to reverse the gains made by the June protests that were largely tribeless. The current crop of leaders in Kenya remains a great social cancer and a stumbling block to the process of nation-building.
Kenyans must smell the coffee and know that they are on their own. That this country can only change for the better if they come together to speak truth to power, and especially if they join progressive organizations such as Kongamano la Mapinduzi.
Finally, as it stands today, we have a parliament that does not represent or serve the people who elected them as envisioned in the Constitution. It has been completely captured and become a rubber stamp for the executive. This must not continue unchallenged. Kenyans must as a matter of life and death rethink representation especially when it comes to the current national assembly, which needs to be dissolved for not meeting the ⅔ gender, meaning this parliament is unconstitutionally constituted.
South Sudan said on Monday that it will o leverage on technology in order to boost its tax revenues.
Chol Paul Kur Commissioner of Domestic Tax Department South Sudan Revenue Authority said in Nairobi that digital tools will help to simplify and streamline the tax system for both tax payer and the tax administrators.
“We have the e-tax and e-customs to help use automate tax revenue collection in seamless manner,” Kur said during the 52nd East African Revenue Authorities Commissioners General (EARACG) Meeting.
The two day meeting brought together tax authorities from the East African Community member states.
Kur said that digital tools helps to automate processes such as such as tax registration, filing, and payment thereby reducing the time and resources required.
Digitization of the tax systems leads to enhance revenue collection by minimizing tax evasion.
Digital tools reduce loopholes that enable evasion by ensuring accurate reporting and record-keeping.
Kur observed that ICT will help South Sudan to broaden its tax base by identifying and tracking previously unregistered businesses and individuals, bringing them into the tax net.
South Sudan also has an assurance system that enable its to bring on board telcom subscribers on to its tax base.
On November 16th and 17th, 2024, the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) convenes its 2nd National Congress, a defining moment in the struggle for genuine freedom and independence in Kenya. This historic gathering takes place at a time of profound political repression, escalating class struggles, and concerted efforts to sabotage the revolutionary mission. Amidst these challenges, the Congress underscores the Party’s steadfast commitment to the liberation of the Kenyan people and the dismantling of the neo-colonial order.
The Congress comes as the Party continues to endure state-sponsored surveillance, physical and digital attacks, and betrayal from opportunistic factions that have aligned themselves with the reactionary regime of President William Ruto. This comprador government, serving as a puppet of U.S. imperialism, stands in direct opposition to Kenya’s sovereignty and the aspirations of its working class. Yet, under the leadership of Kinuthia Ndung’u, Interim National Chairperson of the Majority faction, the CPK remains unwavering.
Following the successful conclusion of the Party’s rectification program, the Congress reaffirms the CPK’s role as the vanguard of the Kenyan working class. It stands in sharp contrast to the minority faction, led by Mwandawiro Mganga and Benedict Wachira, which has chosen the path of collusion with imperialist-backed forces. The Majority faction’s commitment to the principles of Marxism-Leninism and the leadership of Kenya’s National Democratic Revolution (NDR) remains resolute.
This Congress brings together 126 accredited delegates from all 47 counties, alongside 54 representatives of international communist and workers’ organizations, uniting 180 participants with a shared vision of liberation and socialist transformation. Over two days, the Congress will reaffirm the Party’s analysis that Kenya remains a capitalist and semi-feudal society under the control of a comprador ruling class serving imperialist interests. Delegates will chart the next phase of the NDR, laying out a clear path toward achieving true independence and socialism.
The Congress will launch a Party ideological school inspired by the revolutionary legacy of Pio Gama Pinto’s Patrice Lumumba Institute. This initiative will fortify ideological unity and revolutionary discipline, ensuring the Party’s intellectual foundations remain strong. Delegates will also focus on revitalizing the Revolutionary Women’s League, Young Communist League, and other mass organizations, reflecting the Party’s commitment to grassroots mobilization and the mass-line strategy.
As a cultural milestone, the Congress will adopt the official Swahili translation of the Internationale and unveil the CPK Songs of Struggle albums. These initiatives celebrate the Party’s enduring revolutionary spirit and its deep-rooted connection to the Kenyan people’s aspirations. By confronting counter-revolutionary elements and decisively breaking with opportunistic factions, the Congress sets the stage for a stronger and more unified Party, built on ideological clarity and revolutionary purpose.
Strategic discussions will address the Party’s readiness to adapt its tactics to the shifting political landscape, including considerations of bourgeois legality, coalition politics, and the potential for a popular front. The ultimate goal remains unwavering: to lead the working masses in seizing power and realizing a socialist Kenya.
This Congress is not merely an event but a pivotal step in consolidating the Party’s role as the vanguard of Kenya’s working class. It serves as a powerful reminder that the revolution is both immediate and enduring, fueled by the sacrifices and unyielding commitment of comrades across the nation. As the Party confronts imperialism and builds alliances with revolutionary forces across Africa, the march toward a free and socialist Kenya continues—undaunted, united, and resolute.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Women Teachers Association CEO Benter Opande has taken a moment to bring us to speed on the important role teachers play. The Role of Teachers in Education Teachers play an essential role in education, most especially in the lives of the students they teach in the classroom. What defines a teacher is his/her ability to teach students and a positive influence on them. Generally, the role of a teacher in education goes beyond teaching. In today’s world, teaching has different faces, and a teacher has to carry out the part of being an external parent, counselor, mentor, role model, and so on. Role of teachers in education • Sharing Knowledge First things first, the primary duty of a teacher is to impart knowledge, and that comes from teaching. Teaching usually entails following a specific curriculum and ensuring that the students understand what is being taught. It is from this role that all other roles of a teacher originates from, because if a teacher fails in carrying out his/her basic responsibility to impart knowledge, then it might be difficult to have any other form of influence on the child. • Role Modeling Although teachers do not see themselves as role models, the truth is they actually are. The amount of time students spend with teachers each day or week makes it possible for them to have a certain level of influence on the students. It is now down to the teacher to make this influence positive or negative. Being a teacher goes beyond just teaching according to the curriculum, it is about grooming in the child. Teachers don’t only impart knowledge, but they also help with character building as well. • An External Parent The role of a teacher transcends following a specific lesson plan and work schedule. Because both students and teachers spend as much time together, the teacher inadvertently becomes an external parent. Teachers can be a mentor to help set the child on the right path. In this role, the teacher can encourage the student to be the best they can be, and also be a source of inspiration and advice to the students. Why Are Teachers Important? Teachers are important because they change lives, inspire dreams, and push the limits of human potential. A teacher’s job is to nurture, teach, and raise children to become useful to society. Teachers’ role in the classroom, society, and the world at large has taken a different turn from what it was back in the day. Over time, teachers were given a specific curriculum to follow and instructions on how to teach the curriculum. Today, the teachers’ role has gone beyond teaching. Their role now involves counselling students, mentoring students, and teaching them how to use and apply knowledge in their lives. Teachers are now looking for ways to impact students on a different level and even inspire them to be more and do more.
Players in the matatu industry have called on the government to exercise caution before enforcing its proposed countrywide crackdown on public service vehicles.
Albert Karakacha, President of the Matatu Owners Association, criticized the government for what he termed as haphazard measures that could potentially harm the crucial public transport sector. According to Mr. Karakacha, any abrupt and poorly planned actions would not only disrupt the operations of matatus but also inconvenience millions of Kenyans who rely on this mode of transport daily.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Karakacha emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the government and stakeholders in the matatu industry. He urged authorities to involve all key players in brainstorming sessions to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
“Abrupt decisions, especially during this critical time as we approach the December festive season, will only create unnecessary chaos. The systems are already in place; we just need to refine and enforce them without creating inconveniences for commuters,” he stated.
The matatu industry leader further urged the government to be considerate of the timing of such enforcement measures. With many Kenyans preparing to travel for the holidays, he warned that a crackdown could disrupt travel plans and negatively impact the economy.
Mr. Karakacha called on the Acting Prime Cabinet Secretary to ensure that any decisions affecting public transport are well-thought-out and inclusive. He stressed that dialogue and mutual understanding are key to finding long-term solutions to challenges in the sector without penalizing either operators or commuters.
The matatu industry, a backbone of Kenya’s transport system, has faced perennial challenges including allegations of non-compliance with traffic regulations. However, stakeholders argue that blanket crackdowns often fail to address root causes and instead exacerbate the situation.
As the government prepares to roll out its measures, the matatu industry hopes for meaningful engagement and a balanced approach that safeguards the interests of operators and the traveling
The Kenyan Tea is an integral part of our Country’s heritage and liberation history. 100 years since tea growing and production was commercialised, remarkable strides have been made and the best of the Kenyan Tea is ahead of us.
The Kenyan Tea is ranked top globally due to its quality, bold flavour and consistency, and generates close to Ksh. 200B in foreign exchange earnings annually, accounting for 2% of our Country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
600M kilograms of tea is produced in our Country every year and this production will be further enhanced through strategic policy and administrative interventions, including provision of subsidised fertiliser, to ensure that all stakeholders, and particularly the farmers, receive value from their hardwork. In the last two years, the Government has made available over 180,000 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser and made it accessible to farmers at a cost of Ksh. 2,500 per 50kg bag. This year, the Government will spend Ksh.2B to support the distribution of 97,000 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser to tea farmers.
The Kenyan Tea is a key anchor of our Country’s sustainability and environmental conservation. It has also supported the education sector and the rural economy as a major source of income and employment. To enhance the performance of the tea sector, legal and institutional reforms are ongoing and the administration of President William Samoei Ruto will ensure their strict enforcement to safeguard the interests of farmers.
Officially opened the Kenyan Tea Centenary Celebrations and Summit in Mombasa County. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja, Principal Secretaries; Dr. Kiprono Paul Rono (Agriculture) and Mary Muthoni (Public Health), John Mutunga (Chairman, Agriculture Committee in the National Assembly), Alexander Mundigi (Vice Chair, Senate Agriculture Committee), Senators Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), David Wakoli (Bungoma), Beth Syengo (Nominated), National Assembly Members; Ruweida Obo (Lamu East), Githinji Gichimu (Gichugu), and Joseph Cherorot (Kiplelion East), Kenya Tea Board Chairman Jacob Kahiu, Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) Chairman Enos Njeru and other tea industry stakeholders in attendance.
As a mentor I’ve been privileged to walk with many young people to their career choices,to work to seeing them start families. It’s been an exciting journey working with young people over the years. I’ve also learned a lot from them as much as I’ve guided them and a Godly privilege I’ve had to be a bridge to many
As the CEO of any organization, fostering a work environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and adaptive is crucial. Today’s workplace is increasingly dominated by the presence of Gen Z (those born roughly between 1997 and 2012), a generation with unique values, expectations, and working styles. Understanding how to work harmoniously with this group is not just a matter of keeping up with trends—it’s about leveraging their strengths to ensure organizational growth and innovation.
Here are some strategies for CEOs to foster a strong, productive relationship with Gen Z employees:
Embrace Technology and Digital Tools Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital world. They are highly proficient with technology and expect seamless digital tools that make work easier and more efficient. As a CEO, embracing new technologies that enable flexibility and ease of communication—such as collaborative platforms (Slack, Microsoft Teams), project management tools (Asana, Trello), and cloud-based software—will help bridge the generational gap. Encouraging the use of these tools in day-to-day operations also allows Gen Z employees to feel that their needs are being met.
Prioritize Purpose-Driven Work Gen Z values purpose-driven work that aligns with their personal values. They want to make an impact and work for companies that take strong stances on social, environmental, and ethical issues. As a leader, showing genuine commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and aligning business goals with societal impact will resonate with Gen Z employees. By demonstrating how your company’s mission reflects a commitment to making the world a better place, you can inspire engagement and loyalty.
Offer Flexibility and Work-Life Balance Flexibility is a key priority for Gen Z employees. They prefer work environments that offer a balance between their professional and personal lives. Remote work, flexible hours, and results-oriented work environments (ROWE) allow them to thrive. As a CEO, you should encourage flexible policies and be open to hybrid work models. Trusting employees to manage their own schedules and performance shows a level of respect that Gen Z highly values.
Focus on Career Development and Growth Unlike previous generations that may have stayed in the same job for years, Gen Z is highly focused on career advancement and continuous learning. They expect regular feedback and opportunities for growth. As a leader, it’s important to create a culture where ongoing development is encouraged. This can include mentorship programs, access to training, and clear pathways for promotion. Regular one-on-one meetings to discuss career goals and skill development can also make a significant impact.
Encourage Open Communication Gen Z employees value transparency, authenticity, and open communication. They want to feel heard and appreciated by leadership, and they are more likely to thrive in environments where they can freely express their ideas. As a CEO, fostering an open-door policy, hosting regular town hall meetings, and creating channels for feedback (surveys, team discussions) can help cultivate this culture. Moreover, embracing a collaborative leadership style, where feedback is bidirectional, will increase trust and engagement.
Support Mental Health and Well-Being Gen Z places a strong emphasis on mental health and emotional well-being. They are more likely to be open about their mental health challenges compared to previous generations and expect companies to offer resources to support their well-being. As a CEO, it’s essential to create a supportive and understanding workplace environment. Providing access to mental health resources, offering wellness programs, and fostering a culture of work-life balance are ways to meet Gen Z’s needs.
Foster Diversity and Inclusion Gen Z is known for its focus on inclusivity and diversity. They expect their workplace to reflect a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and identities. As a CEO, prioritizing diversity in hiring, supporting diverse teams, and promoting inclusive practices will resonate deeply with Gen Z. Moreover, promoting equity within the company—whether through pay, opportunity, or recognition—can help foster loyalty and engagement from Gen Z employees.
Leverage Gen Z’s Strengths One of the key strengths of Gen Z is their ability to think creatively and approach problems from new angles. They are also highly adaptable and can learn quickly. CEOs should tap into these strengths by encouraging innovation, empowering Gen Z employees to take ownership of projects, and creating an environment where creative problem-solving is valued. By allowing them to experiment and lead initiatives, you unlock their full potential.
Provide Instant Feedback and Recognition Unlike previous generations, who may have been accustomed to annual reviews, Gen Z thrives on instant feedback. They expect recognition and constructive criticism to be given regularly, which helps them improve and stay motivated. As a CEO, instituting a system of ongoing feedback, whether through peer reviews, manager check-ins, or performance tracking tools, can keep Gen Z employees engaged and performing at their best.
Be Authentic and Transparent Gen Z has grown up in an era where authenticity is prized. They are quick to detect disingenuous behavior, and they value honesty from leadership. As a CEO, being transparent about company goals, challenges, and decision-making processes can help build trust and credibility. Being open about both successes and setbacks will help you create an authentic leadership presence that resonates with this generation.
Conclusion Working harmoniously with Gen Z requires a CEO to be adaptable, open-minded, and willing to evolve alongside this new generation of talent. By embracing their values—technology, purpose, flexibility, and inclusivity—and providing opportunities for growth, development, and mental well-being, you can create a thriving workplace culture. Ultimately, a CEO who listens to, understands, and empowers Gen Z will not only foster a positive work environment but also drive innovation and success for the organization as a whole.
In a powerful show of regional unity, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan have launched a pioneering peace initiative aimed at bolstering stability and tackling violent extremism in East Africa. Dubbed the Regional Programme on Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism, the three-year program was officially rolled out in Nairobi on Wednesday, backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kenya and a coalition of international partners.
The new initiative emphasizes grassroots collaboration across the three nations, mobilizing local communities and institutions to reinforce peace and security. Speaking at the launch event held at Kwetu, Nairobi, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, highlighted the program’s potential to unify and strengthen regional security frameworks, saying, “This program represents a strategic shift in our collective approach to peace and stability in East Africa. It builds on the significant progress achieved across the region, targeting sustained stability and development for our communities.”
In Kenya, the program will serve as a cornerstone of the nation’s evolving peace and security strategy, aligning with a newly developed policy framework for peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism. This framework, the result of extensive consultations led by 13 prominent peace advisors, maps out key conflict triggers and introduces strategies to address modern security challenges, including youth radicalization and violent extremism.
The establishment of this framework was in response to President William Ruto’s directive for a comprehensive review of Kenya’s peacebuilding architecture, marking a decisive moment in the country’s commitment to security. This regional program aims to extend that commitment across borders, uniting the citizens of Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan in a shared vision for peace.
The UNDP and its partners continue to support East African governments in fostering resilient, secure communities, enhancing stability, and addressing root causes of violence and radicalization.
Kenya’s agricultural sector recently launched a workshop focused on addressing soil acidity and exploring the implementation of a national liming program. This initiative begins with a comprehensive scoping study designed to identify the challenges hindering the commercial rollout of lime, strategize its market introduction, and develop a cohesive, scalable approach to encourage widespread farmer adoption of liming solutions.Mr. Henry Kinyua, Deputy Team Leader of the Kenya Soil Health Development Program, highlighted the urgency of the issue. “Over 65% of our arable land is acidic, preventing crops from absorbing nutrients in the soil and limiting the effectiveness of fertilizers. This leads to reduced yields, worsening our country’s food security situation. However, research has shown that we can reverse soil acidity with lime application.”Christian Witt, Senior Program Officer for Soil Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, added that soil acidity is a common issue across East Africa. “Soil acidification is a natural process, exacerbated by rainfall and aging soils. High acidity limits crop growth and reduces fertilizer efficiency. We’re working to find the best combination of public and private sector interventions to tackle soil acidity in Kenya, especially for small-scale farmers, while driving economic growth through agriculture.”Sheila Keino, Executive Director of Sustain Africa, emphasized the significance of this scoping study. “Our goal is to rehabilitate soils across Kenya, starting with a few counties. Over the next three months, we will investigate ways to adjust soil pH and boost farmers’ yields. The Nairobi Declaration, following the Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in May, emphasized the need to rehabilitate at least 30% of Africa’s soils. Kenya must lead in addressing soil health, and correcting pH through liming is essential.”This workshop, organized by the Government of Kenya, Sustain Africa, and supported by the Gates Foundation, marks the start of a broader initiative to pilot liming on 100,000 acres in two counties severely affected by soil acidity. This ambitious project seeks to restore soil health, improve agricultural productivity, and build a foundation for sustainable farming practices in Kenya.
