Category: Uncategorized

By Jeff Kizzilah.
Many African citizens have lost faith in the ability of their nations’ courts to provide timely or just closure to their grievances but need an alternative dispute mechanisms.

Even when courts are involved while they may address the legal question, since they are not focused on conflict resolution or mitigation they may miss the underlying catalyst. At times, court judgments can escalate disputes. As one Nigerian lawyer noted, “when the judge proclaims a winner that is the beginning of the real conflict.”2 Formal litigation, grounded in an adversarial process, is limited in ensuring fairness and satisfaction for disputes.

According to Mrs. Foluke Akinmoladun, the Manager Solicitor of Trizon Law in Nigeria who spoke during the 7th CIAarb Lenya Branch international conferencehosted in Kenya, she emphasized the importance of African countries handling their disputes through local legal measures rather than relying on foreign entities. Akinmoladun highlighted the existence of well-trained arbitration councils and qualified professionals within Africa who possess the skills necessary to handle African cases and conflict resolution. She argued that it is crucial for Africa to train and provide opportunities to African arbitrators, regardless of whether the continent is ready for international arbitration.

The solicitor manager insisted that African nations should share legal jurisdiction to support African arbitrators in representing them internationally. However, the diverse legal processes across African states, including Islamic law, civil law, and commercial law, pose a significant challenge that requires harmonization. Akinmoladun emphasized the need to develop local international capacity for African arbitrators to be recognized globally, using the example of Singapore, which has successfully built the capacity to handle both international and local cases, including government disputes.

“Lack of confidence in the justice sector has a profound impact on governance in a society,” Akinmoladun added. As an arbitrator, she identified the greatest challenge faced by African states’ professionals as the lack of proper funding from governments and donors to enhance the capacity to handle African disputes.

The call for Africa to resolve its disputes locally comes in response to the loss of faith that many African citizens have experienced regarding their nations’ courts. These citizens seek alternative dispute resolution mechanisms due to concerns about the ability of courts to provide timely and fair closure to their grievances. While courts may address the legal question at hand, they often lack a focus on conflict resolution or mitigation, potentially leading to an escalation of disputes. Formal litigation, based on an adversarial process, may not ensure fairness and satisfaction for the disputants.

Akinmoladun’s remarks highlight the importance of empowering African arbitrators and building local capacity to address the unique challenges faced by African states. By strengthening their local dispute resolution mechanisms, African nations can foster confidence in the justice sector and improve governance within their societies. However, adequate funding and support from governments and donors are crucial for achieving this goal and enabling African arbitrators to effectively handle African disputes both nationally and internationally.

By Jeff Kizzilah

Over 56% of kenyans say the government of kenya Keanza is heading in the wrong direction with only 14% are positivewith the government.

The report, which was released today, shows the performance of the Ruto government, and the main issues affecting Kenyans.

According to the report,shows that 56% of Kenya dont recognise that Ruto government is doing something about the economy only 25% are positive about the government while 14% did not indicate there stand about the current government economic plans ,the report according to TiFa indicates that bad has increased since the last report which was done in March this year.

The research was done between 24 to 30 June last month with a total of 1534 respondents.

The report has also indicated that Kenya Kwanza government has forgotten everything they promised during the election promises they made since the took over from the previous government.

However on the otherside without a doubt, many kenyans are pleased with the work done by Interior Cabinet Secretary Hon Kithure Kindiki at 34% followed by Education CS Exekiel Machogu 7% and Health CS Susan Nakumicha comes closer with 6%.

By Meresia Aloo

Kenya’s prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to embrace alternative measures in dispute resolution.
“We must find different mechanisms for conflict resolution.”
He also stated that the Opposition has not yet released the alternative budget which they had earlier promised Kenyans.
Addressing journalists in Mombasa at the ongoing arbitration conference,the Prime cabinet secretary also noted that the government won’t be intimidated into submission by the ongoing protests from Members of the opposition.
The opposition fraternity have already passed a message to Kenyans noting that they will be having protests everyday from Monday to Wednesday.
As of yesterday Kenyans have decried loss of property with many directing their please to the government .
According to Musalia Mudavadi the ongoing protests are a way of asking for what he termed as Nusi Mkate.
Now he says government is going to take swift actions to ensure no property has been lost.
Otherwise he states that for the current high cost of living to reduce,Kenyans will have to bear the brunt of the economic effects for Upto 2 years.This is as a result of other issues which have also come to play such as the Ukrain war.

by Edna Okoth

TIFA Research has released their second poll, dubbed 2023 Current Issues Survey, whose focus is on Kenya’s Direction and Ruto/ Kenya Kwanza Government Performance.

Speaking during tje presser,TIFA Chief Executive Officer Maggie Ireri, noted that the report specifically included; the direction that Kenya is heading, achievements of Kenya Kwanza’s Government, failures of Kenya Kwanza Government, overall performance rating of the Government in fullfilling its campaign promises and best performing Cabinet Secretaries.

“The poll reports that the percentage of people suggesting that Kenya is heading to the wrong direction is 56% in June,which has increased as compared to that in March which was 48%, those who are neither of the wrong or right direction also increased by 2% from 12% in March to 14% in June and those who were of the opinion that Kenya 8s heading to the right direction decreased by -12% for in March it was 37% compared to June which is 25%,” explained Maggie Ireri.

She also listed that some of President Ruto’s Government top achievement include launching of the hustler fund, reducing fertiliser cost,taxation policies to help in debt payments and improvements in the education sector while their top failures include increased economic hardship that has increased from 37% to 52%, failed campaign promises that gas reduced from 14% to 7%, increased corruption, increased insecurity among others.

The research also indicated that Kenyans believe that the achievements by the Kenya Kwanza Government has reduced between March and June with over half of Kenyans saying that the Government has achieved nothing on the same the research mentioned that the perceived extent Ruto’s Government had fulfilled campaign promises has an overall mean score rating of a Cplus(C+).

“In terms of its perceived failures, there is widespread agreement that continuing if not increasing economic hardship is at the top of most Kenyan’s minds across the political divide,though the failure to fulfil campaign promises as well as various economic issues aside from such promises also received considerable mentions,” added Maggie Ireri.

The CEO also explained that the release covered the best performing Cabinet Secretaries where the most mentioned is Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki at 34% with only two others receiving more than minimal such positive recognition: Education CS Ezekiel Machogu having 7% and Health CS Susan Wafula at 6%.

“Likewise,nearly one third f pro- government respondents are unable to cite any achievements of their government even if more than twice as many pro-opposition respondents refuse to acknowledge any such achievements (31% vs 70%) and in terms of Kenya Kwanza Government failures only a quarter of its supporters considers there are none (24%) with almost as many of them identifying economic hardship as do opposition supporters (47% vs 58%),” concluded Maggie Ireri.

By Benard Mulwa
According to an opinion poll report released today by TIFA, 56 percent of Kenyans feels that the country is heading in the wrong direction with 79 percent blaming on the high cost of living.
This Release reports the second set of results obtained from the national survey TIFA Research conducted between the 24th and 30th of June, 2023 using CATI (Computer-Assisted-Telephonic Interviews) of 1,530 respondents.
“A significant number of Kenyans (56%) believe that the current direction of the country is heading in the wrong direction”, Mrs. Maggie Ireri, CEO TIFA told journalist.
At least one-third of Kenyans mention Kindiki Kithure as the best performing Cabinet Secretary
Kithure Kindiki (Interior and National Administration) March 2023 26 percent June 2023 34percent, Ezekiel Machogu (Education) the second March 2023 10 percent June 2023 7 percent and Susan Nakhumicha Wafula (Health) March 2023 1 percent June 2023 6 percent the report indicates.
Irrespective of their political affiliations, the vast majority of Kenyans who perceive the country’s current direction as incorrect are in unanimous agreement about their reasoning: the ever-increasing cost of living, Ruto’s leadership 5 percent.
Among all Kenyans, the launch of the Hustler Fund receives the most mentions 10 percent, Bottom-Up Economy, Reducing Fertilizer Cost, Other Agricultural Support, Taxation policies, Debt Repayment, General Economic Improvement.
In terms of its perceived failures, there is widespread agreement that continuing if not increasing economic hardship is at the top of most Kenyans’ minds across the political divide, though the failure to fulfill “campaign promises” as well as various economic issues aside from such promises also receive considerable mentions.
Several points can be made with regard to several of the findings included in this2nd Release of TIFA’s June, 2023:
The first is that even those expressing support for President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government are expressing a considerable level of unhappiness with the current state of affairs. For example, almost as many of them consider the country’s current direction as “wrong” as do those who feel it is “right” (38% vs. 43%). Moreover, among all those who hold the former view, there is almost no difference as to the “main reason” why they feel so: the economy, and especially the cost of living (86% among those pro-Government, and 74% among those pro-Opposition).
Likewise, nearly one-third of pro-Government respondents are unable to cite any achievement of ‘their’ government, even if more than twice as many pro-Opposition respondents refuse to acknowledge any such achievements (31% vs. 70%). And in terms of Kenya Kwanza government failures, only one–quarter of its supporters consider there are “none” (24%), with almost as many of them identifying economic hardship as do Opposition supporters (47% vs. 58%).
One of the main questions such findings raise is at what point those who voted for Kenya Kwanza at both the national and local level will switch their political loyalties by throwing their support to the Opposition, which in the short term may be captured in such activities as the current round of protest-demonstrations that have been taking place.
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By Meresia Aloo

The African Institute for Development Policy is the laureate of the 2023 United Nations Population Award in the institutional category, United Nations announced late on Wednesday in New York, US.

Making the announcement, Ms. Rawa Zoghbi, Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations who also is the Chair of the U.N. Selection Committee said: “AFIDEP’s evidence-based approach and collaboration with governments, civil society organizations, and international partners have resulted in impactful programming and positive outcomes in areas such as family planning, maternal health, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and African population dynamics.”

The statement added that the organisation plays a vital role in shaping policies and programmes that promote sustainable population growth in Africa.

The UN Select Committee on Population Award also comprises representatives of nine other UN Member States. The United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs serves as the representative of the Secretary-General, United Nations, and UNFPA serves as its secretariat.

“It is with great honour and immense gratitude that I accept the 2023 U.N. Population Award on behalf of the African Institute for Development Policy, AFIDEP. This accolade validates the significance of our work and serves as a catalyst for further growth and progress in our mission towards a better and more prosperous future for all Africans, said Dr Eliya Zulu, Founder and Executive Director, AFIDEP.

Dr Zulu said AFIDEP’s success is a collective effort of many. “Through the founding Directors’ vision, the Board of Directors’ strategic leadership, hardworking staff, resource partners, partnership with UNFPA, other U.N. agencies and non-governmental organizations, and supportive policymakers, AFIDEP triumphed many start-up challenges,” he said.

According to Dr. Thomas Munthali, Director General, National Planning Commission – Malawi, AFIDEP has remained one of NPC’s leading partners in research and policy analysis and advisory that has informed the formulation and implementation of the Malawi 2063 national vision. “The quality of their input demonstrated their pedigree in offering solutions to various challenges affecting countries around the globe. Congratulations to team AFIDEP on the Award,” he said.

The award has not come as a surprise. AFIDEP has played a significant role in elevating the demographic dividend as an essential development paradigm in Africa, working in collaboration with national governments, regional intergovernmental entities, the African Union, development partners, philanthropies, and civil society to achieve this cross-sectoral collaboration.

The Institute has worked in over 20 African countries on the demographic dividend paradigm and also directly supported 15 African governments in developing Demographic Dividend intelligence to stimulate political traction, leading to ten countries incorporating the D.D. principles in their medium and long-term development strategies, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

AFIDEP’s support to the African Union contributed to the landmark decision to designate
“Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth” was the development
theme for Africa in 2017. Twelve of the 23 governments we supported in East and Southern Africa have integrated the demographic dividend framework into their development
strategies.

Empowering women and girls, importantly harnessing their skills and talents, is central to the continent’s socioeconomic development, consequently realizing the D.D. Women and girls account for half of Africa’s population. To this end, AFIDEP has supported policy enactment and programme implementation that increase the girl child’s prospects in education and employment, including ending teenage pregnancies and child marriages in Africa.

“Even as we celebrate, we acknowledge that progress is uneven, and most countries are likely to fall short of their human development SDGs by 2030. We, therefore, call on U.N. Member states to ensure that boys and girls stay in school at least up to the secondary level. Governments should increase domestic financing to counter the effects of the debt burden, COVID-19, climate change, and local and global conflicts,” said Dr Zulu.

Additionally AFIDEP congratulates the First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, the 2023 individual category laureate of the 2023 U.N. Population Award.

The Parliament Taskforce on Domestic Resource Mobilization for Health inAfrica.

African parliamentarians on Wednesday pledged to advocate for domestic resource mobilization for health.
Maitournam Moustapha Rabi, Co-Chair of the African Parliamentary Taskforce on Domestic Resource Mobilization also pushed to advocate for equitable and resilient health systems focused on people centered approach.
The parliamentarians taskforce on domestic resource mobilization for health in Africa from Cameron , Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Ghana,Kenya ,Niger ,Rwanda Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe gathered in Nairobi at the sidelines of the African Union summit to reflect and discuss health financing in Africa.
Rabi said that many African states are struggling to meet their commitments to mobilize domestic resources yet investing in health is investing in human capital, creating stable jobs, stimulating economic growth and reducing inequalities.

Daniel Molokela-Tsiye Co-Chair of the African Parliamentary Taskforce on Domestic Resource Mobilization

Daniel Molokela-Tsiye Co-Chair of the African Parliamentary Taskforce on Domestic Resource Mobilization urged African governments to work in concert with parliamentarians, civil society and the private sector to implement sustainable strategies for mobilizing domestic resources and for a significant increase in health budgets, given that a healthy nation is indispensable to Africa’s socio-economic transformation, as envisaged in AU Agenda 2063.

Olivia Ngou MPH Executive Director of Impact Sante Afrique (ISA)

Daniel Molokela-Tsiye also called for formalized the integration of community health agents.

Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui, NCCK General Secretary; Most Rev Martin Kivuva, KCCB Chairman; Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, NCCK Chairman.

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Religious leaders drawn from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Council of Churches of Kenya have met here at Ufungamano House to review the socio-political state of the nation. We reflected on the scripture recorded in Proverbs 29: 4  By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

This echoes the preambular statement of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which states that we honour “those who heroically struggled to bring freedom and justice to our land”.We now share the following message with the nation.

1. EXPOSE AND PROSECUTE FACILITATORS OF SHAKAHOLA HOLOCAUST

Like all Kenyans and indeed all the world, we continue to follow with horror the exhumation of bodies in Shakahola forest. We share our heartfelt condolences with all the families who have been bereaved, and are constantly praying for those who have reported missing relatives. We are nonetheless deeply concerned that the persons responsible for facilitating this holocaust are yet to be prosecuted for their crimes against the people of Kenya.

We especially observe that there are government officials who over the years failed to take action when reports of deaths and murders in the Shakahola forest were made. When will they be prosecuted for abdication of duty?
It is therefore saddening that the government is instead focusing on blaming the church and religious institutions for the massacre, yet it is a clearly the result of failure by the criminal justice system.

We call upon the government to accord justice to the people of Kenya by ensuring all who facilitated this crime are prosecuted. On our part, we are putting in place a process to document the processes that led to this dark blot in our national history, and will especially highlight all who are responsible on account of their actions, misactions or non-action.

2. MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO

Your Excellency, we urge you to take to heart and learn from the word of God recorded in 2 Chronicles 9: 8 Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and
righteousness.

We appeal to you to hear the cry of the people of Kenya who are heavily burdened by the prevailing global economic crisis and the drought that is yet to end despite the onset of rains. There are many families that are sleeping hungry, businesses have collapsed, jobs have been lost, and the cost of living is continuing to rise. We strongly recommend that your administration considers adopting policies and strategies that give Kenyans hope while addressing the economic challenge in the short and long terms. Without this approach, Your Excellency, we fear that the growing sense of hopelessness will push the country into instability and possibly violence.As an immediate mitigation measure, Your Excellency, we recommend that the Finance Act 2023 is repealed so as to review the heavy taxation burden imposed on Kenyans. In addition, we urge a cessation of domestic borrowing by government so as to enable banks loan private businesses that drive the local economy.

3. MESSAGE TO RT HON RAILA ODINGA
   We recognize the critical constitutional role that the opposition plays in safeguarding democracy and justice in our nation. We therefore appeal to you, Rt Honorable Raila, to recognize the key position you hold and the contribution you make in shaping the current and future of our nation. Appreciating that justice is the foundation of stability and peace, we urge you to spearhead an issue-based and solution-oriented approach to secure the nation from sliding into chaos and violence.

Therefore,We appeal to you to reconsider the proposed mass action programme which is likely to make the situation worse for Kenyans. We also urge that you do not give the people false hope that the government can be removed from office through collection of signatures.

4.
MESSAGE TO THE CITIZENS OF KENYA
Dear Brothers and Sisters, our nation is going through a very difficult moment. We are all hurting, and there are many pressures that can push us into despair. We however must not go down this path as it is the way of destruction. Instead, let us push for and demand for justice, rule of law and people-focused governance from all the elected and appointed leaders.

We must firmly resist incitement by political and social leaders who are focussed on selfish ambitions. Instead, let each of us deliberately engage all public participation forums and opportunities, taking every chance to influence policy and decision making processes. We should not leave the destiny of our families in the hands of politicians alone, and should instead adopt the mantra of “Nothing for us without us”. Let us remain peaceful and calm despite the challenges and provocations, so that we can live out the prayer we make through our National Anthem: O God of all creation, bless this our land and nation, justice be our shield and defender May we dwell in unity, Peace and Liberty, Plenty be found within our borders.

We conclude by urging all of us to uphold justice so that Kenya can be like nation the Bible describes in 1 Kings 4: 25
During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree.May God bless Kenya now and always.

By Fred Maingi
One of Kenya’s leading eye hospital Westlands Laser Eye Hospital in Nairobi , has bagged the prestigious awards of best quality health care in eye hospital of the year award.
The hospital has also won the Doctor of the year award through their Chief Executive Officer Dr.Vaibhav Pednekar.
A jovial Pednekar said, ‘My journey as an eye surgeon has been full of struggles and sacrifices but it all becomes worth it when I give vision to blind patients and see them happy”.
He further said “I always see each of my patients as family members and treat them as the same way I would want any doctor to treat my family”.
He thanked God and his family for being his biggest support and also extended his vote of thanks to Jubilant stewards of Africa the organizers of the pacesetters awards eastern Africa chapter for working so hard to make the event a success.

Westlands Laser Eye Hospital was recognized in this category because of their efforts in helping people with eye-related problems. It offers Lasik surgery which helps in getting rid of glasses, Cataract phaco laser surgeries, Retina surgeries, Cornea surgeries, all types of lasers, glaucoma services and optical services and crosslinking surgeries for keratoconus.
Doctor Pednekar has an experience of more than a decade and is a well-trained Cornea,Cataract and laser eye surgeon having performed more than 10,000 surgeries.
He was also a medical director and cornea consultant of Mombasa eye hospital and laser center Kenya, an ophthalmologist at
Dr. Shroffs Charity Eye Hospital located in New Delhi, India and M.S ophthalmologist at d.y.patil hospital, Kolhapur. Doctor Vaibhav has also trained in University affiliated to University of Chicago, Illinois, USA and also has operated more than 1300 patients in 30 days in Botswana in a Eye project.
This year’s Jubilant regional awards ceremony was held at the Weston Hotel Nairobi Kenya on 30th June. It brought together firms from 10 countries in the Eastern African region including top SMEs and mid-sized top institutions from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania among other countries in the greater Eastern Africa region.

Jiji, Kenya’s leading online marketplace, announced today that the company was named, 2023 E-commerce Mobile App of the Year Award Winner by E-commerce Awards Body. Judged by prominent industry leaders and experts, the awards program recognizes the most innovative e-commerce companies and individuals who are leading the industry in terms of innovation in software, eCommerce campaigns, and website creativity and technology.
“The e-commerce industry heavily relies on innovation to drive its progress. In order to foster economic growth, companies need to empower more users to start using and transacting online, at the tap of the button,” said Maksym Golubev, Regional Manager, Jiji East Africa. “We are thrilled to be honoured as the mobile app leading this charge and helping trade progress in a seamless way.”

Jiji Kenya’s mobile app stood out due to its user-friendly interface, extensive product range, and going above and beyond to make sure that their customers are satisfied and happy with the platform’s experience, compared to the rest of the e-commerce mobile apps. The app offers a wide array of products and services spanning multiple categories, including and not limited to: cars, properties, electronics, fashion, home appliances, repair services, etc. It offers search and filtering options that allow users to easily find what they need and have a smooth transaction process between the buyer and the seller.

Jiji started its operations in Kenya, in 2019, with the aim of revolutionising the concept of shopping – to provide users with the best online shopping experience. It has been rated as the fastest growing e-commerce company with the highest number of visitors that currently stands at 5m+. The company has become the evidence-based standard of classifieds shopping, being the only classifieds platform among the top 5 e-commerce companies in Kenya.

“From the beginning, Jiji’s purpose has been to improve the lives of sellers and buyers through our platform” said Jiji Kenya’s Head of PR & Marketing, Grace Gikonyo. “Being a 2023 E-commerce Mobile App Award Winner is truly an honour. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who continuously strive to enhance our app’s functionality and user experience. We are grateful to our customers for their trust and support, which has been instrumental in our success.”

As Jiji continues to innovate and evolve, it remains committed to delivering unparalleled convenience, value, and reliability to its users. The recognition as the Best E-commerce Mobile App is a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence and its mission to transform the way Kenyans buy and sell online.

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