Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Zachariah Njeru
The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning has commenced a nationwide initiative to roll out the Cashless Revenue Collection policy, a significant step towards eradicating cash transactions within Land offices, ultimately reducing embezzlement.
Speaking Monday morning during the flagging off of the program, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Zachariah Njeru said the Ardhipay system is not only going to make work efficient but also easier and faster.
“We are doing this because we want to improve service delivery to our Citizens. The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning has really worked to see that Kenyans are served fast and efficiently,” said CS Njeru.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning Generali Nixon Korir said the program will ensure that no cash is involved in land transactions.
“We want to go cashless in all our registries Nationwide in 14 days starting today. For the last three weeks we have rolled out cashless at Ardhi House and it is working well,”said PS Korir.
PS Korir added that the State Department has developed Ardhipay system that is linked to the E-citizen which shall help in the implementation of the policy.
He noted that the policy mandates the use of digital payment methods (MPESA or banks) for all services, fostering accountability, precision, and timely reporting in revenue collection. Implementation in the 18 offices has demonstrated remarkable improvements in revenue collection.
The 18 stations where the Cashless policy is already in effect include Wundanyi, Kiambu, Muranga, Ruiru, Thika, Ngong, Kajiado, Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, Machakos, Gatundu, Naivasha, Survey of Kenya, Ardhi House, Yatta, and Kisamis.
To expedite this nationwide transition, PS Korir noted that the State Department will embark on an extensive 14 days exercise to implement the policy in the remaining 76 Land offices. This initiative includes the provision of computers and essential ICT equipment, ensuring that all Land offices are well-prepared to implement the policy and embrace the future digitization of Lands services.
Dedicated field office staff will receive specialized training in cashless revenue collection, ensuring a smooth transition.
Public awareness campaigns will also be conducted, educating citizens on the straightforward steps to make payments. Additionally, demonstration of how the public can conveniently utilize the Ardhisasa platform for seamless Land Rent payments will be done as well.
In a high-profile gathering that kicked off today in Mombasa,Africa’s top legal minds convened for a three-day conference aimed at addressing the pressing issues of transnational crimes and illicit financial flows on the continent. Organized under the guidance of Principle Judge Kennedy Okelo, the conference seeks to tackle these pervasive vices that have been plaguing Africa’s business, people, and wildlife.
Justice Okelo, while moderating his panel,emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges, which transcend national borders and have proven notoriously difficult to control. “These vices move from border to border, affecting multiple countries and regions,” he stated, underlining the complex nature of these transnational issues.
This gathering brings together judges from 21 African nations, all committed to engaging in fruitful discussions about strategies to combat transnational crime and the illegal flow of finances across borders.
“I have just moderated a session where judicial officers shared their experiences in combating these vices through rulings and judgments arising from trials. What is emerging is that many African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia, have implemented various measures to combat these vices,” Justice Okelo informed the press.
While legislation plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, it is not a silver bullet. Justice Okelo emphasized that these crimes continually evolve with advancements in technology. Therefore, a multi-faceted approach is necessary.
“The quality of evidence often falls short due to the elusive nature of these vices,” he noted, highlighting the challenges faced by legal authorities in collecting solid evidence against perpetrators involved in transnational crimes and illicit financial activities.
The panel discussions at the conference stressed the importance of African countries collaborating to combat these crimes effectively. These criminal activities encompass a wide range of offenses, including narcotics trafficking, child trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and various other forms of illegal financial flows.
The outcome of this gathering is expected to serve as a foundation for future cooperative efforts among African nations to strengthen their legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in the fight against transnational crimes and illicit financial flows.
Apostolic bishop of Kenya Assemblies of God Nyahururu District Bishop Simon Kieru has taken a moment to commend the church for it’s role in promoting good governance and hard stance against corruption.
Kenya being a predominantly Christian Nation, Bishop Kieru noted that since time immemorial, the Church has always been keen to oversight Government whilst entrenching virtues and respect for the rule of law.
Notably, if we go down the history line, we can pinpoint the footsteps of forthright men of God who stood firm to call out oppressive regimes and urged them to respect the Constitution.
Men of God like Archbishop Gitari, Timothy Njoya, Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki are just but a few
And today more than ever before, the Government has involved the church in matters Governance and citing a case of Bishop David Oginde who is the current Chairperson of Kenya anti corruption authority
“This is a step in the right direction and is a good indication of the Governments commitment to uphold rule of law in respect to service to wananchi.
The Government has affirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of the Creative Economy to ensure that the sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s national development through job opportunities for the youths as well as wealth creation.
While speaking on Friday 29th September 2023, during the inaugural first-ever State-of-the Film Industry Summit, organized by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) in partnership with the Kenya Film and Television Professionals Association (KFTPA) and other industry stakeholders, which was held at the Nairobi Film Centre (NFC), the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, CS Hon. Ababu Namwamba EGH, said the Creative Economy is among key priorities of the Government as established in the Kenya Kwanza PLAN.
“The film sector has been treated badly. To correct that history of mistreatment, and neglect, we have ensured that this sector is anchored in the manifesto of the PLAN on what the Government desires for this key sector of the economy”, the CS said, adding that among the five pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the fifth pillar is all about transforming the film sector into an industry that sustains decent livelihoods.
Hon. Namwamba stated that the Government through his Ministry is championing key reforms and initiatives aimed at transforming the Creative Economy with the key focus of putting money in the pockets of creatives, and sportsmen and women who have continued to fly the Kenyan flag high on the local and international stage.
The CS lauded the first-ever film summit, noting that it resonated well with his Ministry’s agenda, specifically the TalantaHela Initiative. “Our focus is to ensure that we have an industry that is profitable. To do so, we need to invest in original quality production outlets and exhibition spaces,” the CS said.
He further said that monetizing talent under the #Talenta Hela’ which basically means ‘putting money in the pockets of creatives and sports persons, is the top-most priority of the Government, emphasizing that the 5th Administration is banking on the Creative Economy as one of the quick-win sectors in fostering economic recovery and opening new opportunities for the youth under the economic blueprint of BETA.
The CS revealed that his Ministry has embarked on the process of reviewing and where necessary, developing new policies and legislative documents, noting that one of the key aims of these reforms is to provide mechanisms for the establishment of a Film Fund to facilitate access to rebates for both local and foreign filmmakers. The Fund will also provide access to finance for the acquisition of modern equipment and film production infrastructure by local filmmakers, and promotion of the country as a filming destination.
On royalties and revenue streams for creatives, the CS said that the Government is keen on restructuring the investment and financing space in a manner that attracts investors. “We must invest in infrastructure equipment, quality production, and training facilities that can support the industry,” he stated.
As part of recognizing and appreciating creatives, the CS further revealed that his Ministry is putting together an award scheme that is unique, prestigious, and accompanied by a serious financial award.
The CS lauded KFCB, KFTPA, and all industry stakeholders for spearheading the Summit, stating that there is a need to collectively champion programs and initiatives that will spur the growth of the Kenyan Creative Economy.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the CS chaired a meeting with Netflix officials, led by Ms. Shola Sanni, Director of Public Policy, Sub-Saharan Africa, and discussed collaboration between Kenya and Netflix in content monitoring, moderation, regulation, and monetization, among other issues.
On his part, Mr. Ismail Maalim Madey, PS, State Department for Youth Affairs and The Arts, reiterated the Government’s commitment to revamp and spur the Creative Economy.
“The Government is keen on revamping the Orange Economy by creating enablers that will facilitate investments in the film industry,” the PS said.
Maalim urged stakeholders in the Creative industry to support initiatives that the Government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports is fronting to spur the Creative Economy in line with BETA.
The KFCB Ag. CEO, Joel Wamalwa, affirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives geared towards identifying and nurturing talents among the youths in the Creative sector for job opportunities and wealth creation, through a facilitative regulatory environment that will spur the growth of the Creative Economy.
In a move geared towards creating a facilitative regulatory environment for the Creative Economy to thrive, Wamalwa said that the Board, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, has proposed a review of the Films and Stage Plays Act Regulations and Guidelines. Through the regulations and guidelines, the Government has proposed a 15% reduction in licensing fees for local filmmakers.
“As KFCB evolves into a 21st-century film regulator, we want to reassure our stakeholders in the entire value chain that we will live up to our brand promise; of Safeguarding Your Reel World’. We shall ensure that we remain progressive in our policy propositions while safeguarding our Kenyan culture, values, and national aspirations,” Wamalwa said.
Themed: Breaking barriers and shaping the future, the Summit sought to provide a platform for industry professionals to gain insights into the latest trends, policy matters, challenges, and advancements within the film sector as well as advocate for the industry’s interests.
Other speakers at the Summit were KFCB’s Board Chairperson Hon. Njogu Wa Njoroge HSC, the Kenya Film Commission CEO, Mr. Timothy Owase, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO, Mr. David Omwoyo, Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, KFTPA, Chairperson, Dr. Ezekiel Onyango, Kenya Cultural Centre incorporating Kenya National Theatre, KNT, CEO, Mr. Michael Pundo, and representatives from local Creative space.
Stanley Kamanguya, OGW, Chief Executive Officer, ICT. PHOTO: File
By Benard Mulwa. The government through the ministry of Information Communication and technology, ICT is seeking to formulate policies and guidelines that will help in the disposal and management of e-waste in the country, setting in motion a dialogue between the Ministry of ICT, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, PPRA and the private sector. According to the Chief Executive Officer, ministry of Information Communication and Technology, while addressing a high profile symposium in Nairobi today, Stanley Kamanguya, said last year alone the ministry of ICT have collected 63 million of mobile devices, “we have more electronic devices which ranges from mobile smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers than the people population”, he said, adding that there is also economic opportunities by having a lot of e-waste which are lying idle in the households and government offices. The government has taken a number of steps including engaging manufactures to look at ways to manufacture devices which can be easily repaired and recycled, he said in the last nine months, the ministry have received 11 thousand devices. The Chief Executive Officer also added that space on where to keep the e-waste devices was another challenge and that the government has developed a center with ICT experts to look at how to repair some of these devices adding that this move will support schools by providing computers to the learners. Also in his speech to heads of Directors at the symposium today, the CEO said the ministry is looking on how to manufacture devices with negative effects and the life cycle of the devices, “we want to light fire for companies who provide us with eye spectacle, they should be recycled to reduce to reduce individual foot print and create economy both directly and indirectly” he said. At the same time, the head of Public Procurement Regulation Authority, PPRA, Dr. Maximus Siwa, also voiced is concerns, saying that the government is seeking alternative solutions at the time of purchasing these devices, “ all this starts at the procurement level, so there is need to factor in sustainable Public Procurement and to ensure procurement and sustainable partners” he said, Kenya does not have a comprehensive e-waste management policy that outlines the principles, objectives and strategies. The potential catastrophic these e-waste devices produce is very huge, the Deputy Director at the National Environmental Management Authority, NEMA, Dr. Charles Lange, also said at the symposium, “there is a lot of toxic materials in these e-waste devices and the population is exposed to cancer risk” he said. The Ministry of Information Communication and Technology is currently conducting training to 500,000 youths on e-waste management, repair and maintenance of ICT devices at Konza city where skills like the old recycled batteries are being used in the boda boda sector and to produce solar panels are applied. The National Environmental Management Authority, NEMA will be converging in Mombasa next week to discuss in details on e-waste one of the best minds in the world. -End.
International landscape architects congress opened in Kenya amid calls for built environment to combat climate change
Lawrence Mochama, representative of the Cabinet Secretary in the State Department for Public Works emphasized on the government’s commitment in making the cities sustainable in line with the African Climate Summit discussions.
“The theme recognizes the undeniable truth that collaboration is required in order to work together to save our biodiversity.The government is committed not just to make urban cities a center of economic development but also a place where people can live in dignity.
Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, Caroline Vicini lauded the efforts made by the built environment professionals of both countries to learn from each other and discuss climate change.
“It is important to build smart, healthy and efficient cities where people can integrate, communicate and move freely. Landscape architecture plays an important role in shaping sustainable development,” Vicini added.
Florence Nyole, President of AAK, noted that today, the world stands at a critical point, where rapid urbanization continues to put pressure on the finite resources available and increase impact of climate change. Africa and Kenya is no exception is rapidly urbanizing with a projection that by 2050 more than half the population will be living in urban areas. Therefore, it is imperative that we embrace sustainable development at this point.
She said that AAK has been at the forefront of working towards reducing the impact of urbanization and the resultant Climate Change in Kenya. We have a homegrown Green Building Rating
Tool that is focused on rating buildings based on our local context called the Safari Green Building Index (SGBI). With this tool we are advocating for its use in projects within Kenya to ensure that our work as built environment professionals meets the international standards using local criteria.
In a recent address, Dr. Anne Beatrice Kihara, a renowned consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, and the President-elect of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO), shed light on the pressing issue of obstetric violence through the lens of the #HeshimuUzazi campaign. Obstetric violence encompasses the mistreatment and neglect that women can face during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
Dr. Kihara’s remarks emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, which have left many women traumatized, emotionally scarred, and, in some tragic cases, resulted in the loss of both mother and child. She emphasized the need to transform these shared experiences into concrete legislative and policy changes that prioritize the dignity and rights of women during maternity care.
One key highlight of the discussion was the diverse panel of experts who participated in the dialogue. Doctors, lawyers, gender specialists, members of the parliamentary group, and Kewhopa, among others, gathered to discuss the multifaceted dimensions of obstetric violence. Representatives from the Council of Governors and the Senate were also present, demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach.
The need for a multi-sectoral approach to legislation and policy was a recurring theme throughout the discussions. Dr. Kihara stressed the importance of harmonizing existing legislation related to gender equality, human rights, and maternal health to create a unified framework that guarantees the highest standard of care, including reproductive health, as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution.
Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the significance of empowering clinicians involved in maternity care with the necessary soft skills and ethical considerations. This approach ensures that patients receive dignified care and have the opportunity to provide informed, voluntary consent for medical procedures, eliminating coercion and discrimination.
Collaboration emerged as a critical point of action. Dr. Kihara urged stakeholders to break free from working in isolation and encouraged collective efforts to address the root causes of obstetric violence. This collaborative approach, encompassing professionals from diverse backgrounds, will pave the way for substantial improvements in Kenyan healthcare.
In conclusion, Dr. Anne Kihara’s leadership and advocacy for women’s rights and dignity in maternity care are driving positive change. The #HeshimuUzazi campaign and the recent discussions represent a promising beginning for a comprehensive, rights-based, and patient-centered approach to maternity care in Kenya. This forum marks a crucial step toward providing Kenyan citizens with the high-quality healthcare they deserve.
At the just concluded conference on obstretic violence aimed at sensitizing different stakeholdees to advocate against obstretic violence among women ,Gathoni Wamuchomba reiterated the significance of every woman noting that all women regardless of race deserves a dignified and respectful child birth experience. called on
She called on everyone to undo the injustices suffered by women under OBV in Kenya.
Her statement was strongly backed by co Dr. Anne Beatrice Kihara, a renowned consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, and the President-elect of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO), who shed light on the pressing issue of obstetric violence through the lens of the #HeshimuUzazi campaign. Obstetric violence encompasses the mistreatment and neglect that women can face during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
Both their remarks emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, which have left many women traumatized, emotionally scarred, and, in some tragic cases, resulted in the loss of both mother and child. She emphasized the need to transform these shared experiences into concrete legislative and policy changes that prioritize the dignity and rights of women during maternity care.
One key highlight of the discussion at the KEWOPA meeting was the diverse panel of experts who participated in the dialogue. Doctors, lawyers, gender specialists, members of the parliamentary group, and Kewhopa, among others, gathered to discuss the multifaceted dimensions of obstetric violence. Representatives from the Council of Governors and the Senate were also present, demonstrating a commitment to a holistic approach.
The need for a multi-sectoral approach to legislation and policy was a recurring theme throughout the discussions. Dr. Kihara further stressed the importance of harmonizing existing legislation related to gender equality, human rights, and maternal health to create a unified framework that guarantees the highest standard of care, including reproductive health, as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution.
Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the significance of empowering clinicians involved in maternity care with the necessary soft skills and ethical considerations. This approach ensures that patients receive dignified care and have the opportunity to provide informed, voluntary consent for medical procedures, eliminating coercion and discrimination.
Collaboration emerged as a critical point of action. the attendees urged stakeholders to break free from working in isolation and encouraged collective efforts to address the root causes of obstetric violence. This collaborative approach, encompassing professionals from diverse backgrounds, will pave the way for substantial improvements in Kenyan healthcare.
In conclusion, honourable Wamuchomba’s leadership and advocacy for women’s rights and dignity in maternity care are driving positive change. The #HeshimuUzazi campaign and the recent discussions represent a promising beginning for a comprehensive, rights-based, and patient-centered approach to maternity care in Kenya. This forum marks a crucial step toward providing Kenyan citizens with the high-quality healthcare they deserve.
Briefly tell us about yourself and your innovation: We are Ngatia Muhoya and Mugambi Kinoti, the co-founders of Millennials Speak Ltd, the organization behind the innovative Badilico game. Badilico is more than just a game; it’s a transformative platform that harnesses the power of gamification and technology to address critical societal challenges. Badilico is a groundbreaking meta-verse town hall experience designed to empower Kenyan youth and connect them with decision-makers. In this immersive digital platform, users create avatars to engage in gamified political role-play, fostering a deeper understanding of governance processes. It uniquely combines gaming, data collection, and direct interaction with leaders. Users can voice their opinions on development and security issues, contributing to data-driven civic discussions. Badilico bridges the gap between the youth and influential decision-makers, including governors, facilitating informed conversations. It’s a safe space for youth to express their views, address societal challenges, and advocate for positive change. With its innovative approach, Badilico aims to combat youth apathy and radicalization while empowering the next generation of Kenyan leaders.
What motivated you to come up with this innovation and which problem is it coming to solve? Our motivation stems from witnessing the issues that have plagued Kenyan youth for far too long. Youth apathy, radicalization, and limited economic opportunities were pressing concerns. Badilico was born from the desire to empower the youth, providing them with a voice and a platform to engage in constructive civic discussions. The game serves as a solution to bridge the gap between Kenyan youth and decision-makers, ultimately fostering informed and data-driven conversations.
How does it work and how different is it from other products in the market? Badilico operates as a metaverse town hall, allowing users to create avatars and engage in political discussions. What sets it apart is the unique combination of gamification, data collection, and direct engagement with decision-makers. Users not only learn about political processes through gamified role-play but also contribute valuable data that informs discussions. Our partnership with The Council of Governors enables direct interaction with political leaders, making it a one-of-a-kind platform for civic engagement.
Have you commercialized it, and if yes, what is your target market and what are your charges? Yes, we have commercialized Badilico. Our primary target market is Kenyan youth aged 18 to 35, a demographic that represents the future of the country. We’ve adopted a freemium model, offering free access to ensure inclusivity. Users can enhance their experience through in-app purchases, such as avatar customization and premium features. Our pricing is competitive, ensuring accessibility while sustaining the platform’s growth.
What are some of the challenges you faced trying to come up with this innovation? Developing Badilico was not without its challenges. Technical complexities in creating a dynamic metaverse demanded substantial resources and expertise. Ensuring data privacy and compliance with data protection regulations required meticulous attention to detail. Onboarding decision-makers, including governors, necessitated extensive partnerships and negotiations. Overcoming these challenges required a robust technical infrastructure, a commitment to data security, and a dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships.
Your future plans for your business? Our future plans for Millennials Speak and Badilico are ambitious yet purpose-driven. We aim to expand Badilico’s reach to engage even more Kenyan youth and potentially extend our impact beyond borders. We’re continually enhancing our data analytics capabilities to derive deeper insights from user-generated content, enabling more impactful discussions. Additionally, we seek strategic partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to youth empowerment and civic engagement, aiming to amplify our collective impact on society.
What do I need to do to start using your innovation? Starting to use Badilico is a straightforward process. Interested users can visit the google play store to download the app, where they can create a personalized avatar. Registration is user-friendly and typically requires basic information. We provide comprehensive user guides and tutorials to help newcomers get acquainted with the platform’s features and functionalities. Once registered, users can dive into vibrant discussions, interact with fellow users, and become an integral part of the positive change Badilico aims to foster in Kenya.
By Benard Mulwa The African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption – Kenya Chapter (APNAC-Kenya) is deeply concerned about the proposed amendments to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003. After two decades of existence, the Act has played a crucial role in the fight against corruption in Kenya. These proposed amendments, if passed, risk retrogressing our efforts in combating corruption and violating Kenya’s constitutional principles and international commitments. Parliament has received a proposed amendment to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act to delete Section 64 of the Act providing for the disqualification of persons convicted of corruption or economic crimes from being elected or appointed as public officers. We MPs, who are members of APNAC-Kenya, strongly oppose this proposed amendment which is inconsistent with the Constitution of Kenya and offends several constitutional provisions including our National Values and Principles of Governance under Article 10 and Principles of Leadership and Integrity under Chapter Six of the Constitution among many other provisions in law that would be inconsistent with the proposed amendment. We are also aware that there is another proposed amendment to ACECA under section 45(2) (b) and (c). The proposed amendment seeks to remove accountability by public officials offences related to noncompliance with procurement laws, procedures and guidelines and the pler,entation of unplanned projects. APNAC-Kenya recognizes the need for continuous improvement in our legal framework to combat corruption effectively. However, these amendments, as currently proposed, raise serious concerns that could hinder our progress in the fight against corruption. We urge the government and all stakeholders to consider the potential consequences of these amendments carefully. Such amendments could undermine the effectiveness of the Act in deterring corruption and prosecuting offenders. Hon. Shakeel Shabibir Ahmed, the Chairman of the lobby group said, “Kenya has made international commitments to combat corruption, including signing the United Nation;, Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) requiring states to implement measures for disqualification or removal of individuals convicted of corruption from public office,” adding that the African Union Convention on Prevention and Combating Corruption (AUCPCCl also requires state parties to adopt measures to hold individuals accountable including individuals who hold public office. The proposed amendments should be evaluated in light of these commitments to ensure Kenya’s compliance with international standards including The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003 has been a cornerstone in Kenya’s efforts to combat corruption, a menace that has undermined our national development and eroded the public’s trust in the government. Over the years, this Act has provided a legal framework that empowers law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute corrupt Individuals and entities. It has also promoted transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service, helping to safeguard Kenya’s resources for the benefit of all citizens. We therefore call for a transparent and inclusive process that involves consultation with oversight agencies including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Auditor General, other oversight institutions, civil society, legal experts, and the public to ensure that any amendments to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003 are In line with best practices, uphold the principles of our Constitution, and meet Kenya’s international commitments in the fight against corruption. APNAC-Kenya remains committed to working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen our anti-corruption efforts and ensure that Kenya remains on the path towards a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-free society. -End.
