Day: April 19, 2024

The Judiciary has released approximately Sh52.1 billion back to the economy, funds raised from the expeditious resolution of cases through Court-Annexed Mediation.

Data released today by the Judiciary shows that a total of 16,770 matters out of 18,162 referred to Court-Annexed Mediation had been resolved, translating to a 92.3 per cent conclusion rate.

Chief Justice Martha Koome said the settlement rate has been improving yearly, noting that the last financial year 2022/23 saw a settlement rate of 51.2 per cent; while in the current year 2023/24, the settlement rate is at 54.98 per cent with the average case running days at 73 days.

CJ Koome made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu during the start of a two-day 2nd Annual Mediation Summit on Employment Disputes held on Thursday at Strathmore University, Nairobi.

The summit theme, which has now shifted focus to labour relations, is ‘Harmonising Labour Relations: Fostering Social Justice and Economic Growth Th
rough Mediation’.

Since last year’s summit on ‘Mediation and Banking,’ over 400 matters have been referred to mediation in the banking sector alone.

‘Since last year’s summit that focused on banking, 446 matters have been referred to mediation, and this has seen the release of approximately Sh7 billion back to the economy,’ said Koome.

She announced that Court-Annexed Mediation has been rolled out in 40 counties, and efforts are being made to bridge the gap in the remaining seven counties, with 60 mediation registries supporting 118 courts having been established.

The CJ also stated that there has been a gradual increase in the number of accredited mediators, which has grown up to a total of 1,515, with 832 of them having active status.

‘We are actively seized by the challenges relating to the timely settlement of mediator fees, and I want to use this opportunity to assure you that we are working on long-term solutions to this challenge,’ she added.

Koome acknowledged that labour relations are inherentl
y complex, woven with the threads of human dignity, economic necessity, and social equity.

‘In a world where industrial disputes can arise as swiftly as the winds change, mediation stands as a beacon of hope-a tool that can transform conflict into consensus and adversity into opportunity,’ the Chief Justice opined.

She noted that mediation in labour disputes is about finding the middle ground where the rights of workers and the needs of employers coalesce to create a harmonious workplace, and ensuring that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every outcome is just.

The CJ also stressed that the mediation balance is critical not just for the well-being of workers and the success of businesses, but for the overall health of our economy and society.

‘As we navigate through the challenges of globalisation, technological advancements, and shifting economic landscapes, the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms becomes increasingly evident,’ said Koome.

She further noted that the Em
ployment and Labour Relations Court has, over the last decade, leveraged mediation to resolve some of the most complex labour disputes.

‘I am happy to share with you that a total of 1,929 employment and labour relations matters have been referred to mediation. 1,796 of these matters have since been concluded, which translates to a 93.1 per cent conclusion rate.’

The settlement rate for employment and labour matters referred to mediation from January 2024 to April 15, 2024 is at 52.21 per cent, with current average case running time of 36 days for these matters.

The CJ underscored that mediation, with its principles of confidentiality, voluntariness, and neutrality, offers a unique avenue for addressing labour disputes and fosters a collaborative environment where parties can explore mutually beneficial solutions, unlike traditional litigation, which often exacerbates the adversarial nature of disputes.

In his remarks, Employment and Labour Relations Court Principal Judge Byram Ongaya said the court has em
braced and recognised Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as an effective approach to resolving disputes relating to employment and labour relations.

He said alternative dispute resolution mechanisms provide an opportunity to find innovative solutions that are mutually beneficial or not available in ordinary court proceedings.

‘ADR and Alternative Justice Systems are clearly the way of the future for workspace and workplace disputes. Their role in making justice our true shield and defender is apparently more crucial than can be achieved by court proceedings,’ Justice Ongaya told the conference.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore, who graced the opening ceremony, termed mediation as a catalyst for broader societal transformation through fostering social justice within workplaces.

‘Mediation not only offers a means to address traditional labour disputes but also provides a flexible framework to navigate emerging challenges in the world of work,’ she said.

CS Bore said that by embodying pri
nciples of fairness, equity, and respect, mediation transcends differences and fosters sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Government of Ethiopia is committed to implementing the Transitional Justice Policy which is essential to ensure lasting peace in the country, House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Chief Government Whip Tesfaye Beljige said.

The chief government whip gave the assurance at a consultative meeting held for parliamentarians and high government officials to discuss the Transitional Justice Policy approved this week by the Council of Ministers.

Addressing the meeting, Tesfaye Beljige said the experience of various countries show that appropriately implementing transitional justice is crucial to sustainable resolution of complex crises.

The government has, therefore, shown unwavering commitment for the realization of transitional justice starting from taking the initiative in preparing the document, he added.

Tesfaye elaborated that transitional justice is an important tool to solve deep rooted problems and the government has a clear position to bring lasting peace and stability in Ethiopia by
resolving disputes arising from the past through forgiveness.

For him, the role of all stakeholders is essential to realize the historic national dialogue and the Transitional Justice Policy.

House of People’s Representatives Speaker, Tagesse Chaffo said on the occasion that implementing the policy is essential for a better Ethiopia.

Designing and implementing a participatory transitional justice based on the nation’s political and social circumstances with a clear policy framework is vital, he underscored.

The speaker, who noted that the Ministry of Justice has a huge role for monitoring and coordinating the implementation of the policy and law documents, affirmed that the HPR will continue its unwavering support to the implementation of transitional justice.

Recall that Ethiopia has been making various attempts to resolve human rights violations, civil conflicts, unwarranted narratives and abuses that had occurred and continue in different eras with a wide range of victims and perpetrators.

Source: E
thiopian News Agency

Huawei Kenya has held a successful roadshow at Kenyatta University to encourage students from the institution to apply for digital training courses through its ‘Seeds for the Future programme’.

The Seeds for the Future programme, now in its 10th year in Kenya, is designed to nurture young ICT talent by providing selected students with a unique opportunity for digital skills learning and to engage in global competition termed as the ‘Tech4Good Competition, international learning, and cultural exchange.

The programme, whose aim is to promote Huawei Kenya’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility, is intended to equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the ICT industry.

Speaking at the event, Ian Korir, from Huawei Kenya, said the programme’s objective is to empower young Kenyan talent.

‘Seeds for the Future is not just a training programme; it is a life-changing experience for the students. It exposes them to cutting-edge technologies and global best practices, preparing them
for successful careers in the ICT industry,’ he said.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms, Korir said the event held today at the institution is a return of the program to its traditional physical format after three years of virtual implementation.

He said students who are interested should apply for the programme before the deadline on April 30th this year, adding that the company also extends an invitation to other university students to register for the programme before the deadline through the following link: Registration Link.

This year’s programme offers students the chance to undergo a one-week digital training course in South Africa, as well as additional training opportunities.

In addition to the South Africa trip, selected students will have a one-week training on Huawei certification courses and another one-week local training in Nairobi.

Kenyans have also been encouraged to follow @Huaweikenya on Twitter for more updates on the programme.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech Abiebe launched today a 6 months environmental protection campaign that is expected to engage 2.7 million residents of the city.

The campaign organized under the theme ‘Stop Pollution, Beauty Awakes’ will have significant role in the metropolitan city’s thrive towards reducing the adverse impact of climate change.

The projects such as riverside development spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed beautifying the capital, Addis Ababa have immense potential to making the city global tourist destination, she elaborated.

Addis Ababa is endowed with various natural resources including 1,300 hectares of land restricted forest and numerous rivers, Mayor Adanech said, and urged residents to discharge due responsibility in keeping the city clean.

The City Administration has planted about 60 million trees over the last couple of years through the national campaign of Green Legacy initiated by Premier Abiy, it was indicated.

Addis Ababa City Environmental Protection Authori
ty CEO, Dida Diriba said on his part that the campaign through broad community base mobilization will create awareness in environmental protection of the city.

The forest coverage of Addis Ababa has increased from 2.8 percent to 15 percent through Green Legacy Initiative following the massive tree planting carried out over the past years, he said, and added that this campaign will likewise have paramount impact.

Furthermore, Dida said that the personal plastic bottle usage of the country has risen from 0.6 kg in 2007 to 2.6 kg in 2022.

The authority is encouraging the use of electric vehicles towards ensuring the reduction of adverse climate change impacts.

Every month is allotted to specific environmental protection including plastic bottles, weather, water, soil, and sound pollutions.

Addis Ababa City Administration Council Speaker, Buzena Al-Kader and over 2,000 residents of the capital attended the launching ceremony.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Close collaboration and reflection by national and county governments will go a long way in tying up the loose ends to ensure quality service delivery to taxpayers.

The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said Kenyans seldom give room for self-retrospection, but for government officials, this was an opportunity to step back and re-examine themselves.

The PS was speaking during capacity strengthening for the Government’s development agenda on Food and Nutrition Security at a Kisumu hotel on Thursday, where he urged stakeholders to utilise the national government administration structure for greater economic impact across the country.

The forum was attended by several colleagues, PSs, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, FAO Representative in Kenya, Carla Mucavi, Regional Commissioners, and officials from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, among other stakeholders from Nyanza, Western, and parts of the Rift Valley.

Dr. O
mollo said the two-day training sponsored by FAO was aimed at addressing food and nutrition security, a subject that lies at the very heart of our nation’s development agenda.

‘Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President William Ruto, Kenya embarked on a transformative journey through the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),’ he explained.

The PS said this agenda represents a significant pivot in our national policy and development strategy, aiming to forge an equitable economic structure that prioritises the needs and potential of the majority of our citizens, particularly those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

‘The essence of BETA is to promote equitable economic growth and significantly reduce inequality. It is a comprehensive strategic framework that focuses on five key high-impact sectors that are crucial to achieving our national objectives,’ he explained.

The sectors include agriculture, dedicated to enhancing food security and productivity thr
ough robust support for our smallholder farmers and the strengthening of agricultural value chains, he noted.

BETA also prioritised Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with a focus on bolstering the MSME sector to create sustainable jobs and improve livelihoods across the nation, the PS added, pointing out that the third sector is Affordable Housing, where the Government’s aim is to increase access to housing and improve the living conditions for its people.

The other sector is Universal Healthcare, where we are committed to strengthening our healthcare system to ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality medical services, the PS said.

Finally, he noted, BETA focuses on the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, which seek to unlock new avenues for economic growth and job creation by promoting our digital infrastructure and creative industries.

‘These pillars collectively aim to lower the cost of living, eradicate hunger, create employment opportunities, and foster inclusive growth. They a
lign with and are integral to Kenya’s Fourth Medium Term Plan for 2023-2027,’ Dr. Omollo stated.

To ensure the successful implementation of BETA, significant coordination through national development structures has been essential, he said, adding, ‘President Ruto established the National Development and Implementation Committees, including the Governance and Public Administration Sub-Committee to spearhead the agenda.’

The Sub-Committee is composed of diverse ministries and parastatals dedicated to integrating BETA’s principles into government operations and aligning them with both county and national government development plans.

‘Our Sub-committee, which I am privileged to be part of, is composed of dedicated public servants from various sectors, including PSs for Performance and Delivery Management, Devolution, Cabinet Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs, East Africa Community Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Diaspora Affairs, Immigration, Correctional, Defense and Solicitor General,’ he reiterated.

He said they w
ere committed to identifying and managing risks associated with development projects and promoting accountability to build trust among stakeholders, including the public and development partners.

Moreover, he added, they are dedicated to promoting inter-governmental relations in line with the provisions of our Constitution and are tasked with collaborating, cooperating, and consulting with County Governments to ensure a whole-government approach.

‘We are redefining project execution and evaluation, ensuring timely decisions that keep projects moving forward effectively. On the ground, our Regional and County Implementation Coordination and Management Committees are diligently working to enhance the coordination of these projects,’ he told the attentive audience.

Their efforts ensure that all stakeholders are engaged throughout the project cycle, increasing both the visibility and relevance of our interventions.

‘We greatly appreciate the partnership of FAO in supporting our food security initiatives, a c
ornerstone of the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto and a top priority for our administration,’ explained the PS.

‘We look forward to showcasing the impact of projects like the Otati Water project in Migori County, which benefits over 350 households and supports thousands of livestock,’ the PS said.

However, Dr. Omollo said the team’s work was far from complete. BETA advocates for a value chain approach where infrastructure, such as that provided by the Otati Water Dam, must be complemented by investments that support irrigation and water provision, thereby enabling communities to thrive in food production.

This project has the potential to significantly advance small enterprise development within the agri-food sector.

While on the development tour in Nyanza, the team would also get to appreciate the Marine School in Kisumu, recently accredited and offering courses that give critical skills to the youth to take advantage of Lake Victoria; Migori County Headquarters, which has stalled for many years; Homabay Pier/Fis
h Market, which will support the key economic activity of fishing in the region; Homabay Affordable Housing Project; and Tom Mboya University.

He appealed to the participants to renew their commitment to not only continue these efforts but to also resolve any bottlenecks that may impede progress so as to redefine the future of the nation and ensure a prosperous, secure, and healthy Kenya for all.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kwale County government is turning its focus on eco-tourism to drive socio-economic and environmental benefits for sustainable development.

Ecotourism is sustainable tourism that seeks to promote the conservation and protection of the environment while providing opportunities for tourists to appreciate the rich natural and cultural heritage of a destination.

The coastal county seeks to use ecotourism to sustain and improve its biodiversity and also invigorate the local economy.

Deputy Governor (DG) Chirema Kombo says the devolved unit is out to explore the untapped opportunities in the wildlife subsector for development and tourism promotion.

Mr. Kombo says eco-tourism is environmentally responsible travel to undisturbed natural areas to enjoy and appreciate nature that promotes conservation and provides benefits to local communities through active socio-economic involvement.

Kombo says the devolved government is out to harness Kwale’s diverse tourism potential for sustainable development. He says Kwale
, with its diverse cultures and rich natural resources, has great potential for ecotourism development.

Kombo says the county government will seek to promote a better understanding of nature and wildlife conservation while generating income and opportunities for the local communities in an ecologically, culturally, and economically sustainable manner.

He noted that ecotourism also encourages the development of cultural products such as traditional handicrafts and cultural performances, which can provide additional sources of income for local communities.

Kombo spoke when he presided over the launch of eco-bandas, or eco-friendly lodges, butterfly farms, and a water tower in Shimba Hills forests with the aim of upscaling ecotourism in the coastal county.

The eco-friendly lodge projects are being implemented by community forest associations at a cost of Sh. 4.7 million.

The environmental projects are being undertaken through the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) programme unde
r the theme ‘improving livelihoods of coastal communities.’

The KEMFSED project is implemented by the national government through the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, with support from the World Bank.

He says the ecolodges offer a range of activities to help guests connect with nature and the local culture, such as game drives, guided nature walks, bird watching, and cultural tours.

The DG says the eco-bandas that come in all shapes and sizes, from luxury tents, treehouses and traditional huts, are designed to minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment and to maximise benefits to the local communities neighbouring wildlife protected areas.

‘The eco-bandas seek to provide visitors with a unique and authentic way to connect with nature, minimise impact on the environment, and learn about the importance of conservation,’ he said.

He says the Kenya Wildlife Service was involved in the site selection process and that the eco-bandas feature picturesque panoramic views of Shimba
Hills National Reserve, rich in flora and fauna.

The DG says the development of eco-tourism in the Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of the top priorities of the devolved government led by Governor Fatuma Achani.

‘He says more eco-lodges will be set up to contribute to the development of a responsible and sustainable type of ecotourism for the benefit of area residents,’ he said, adding that they will be a viewing point for wildlife enthusiasts.

The DG says the Kwale County government is determined to prioritise environmental conservation by protecting and preserving natural landscapes and tourist sites in a bid to safeguard tourism assets for posterity.

He says ecotourism, as one of the niche tourism areas, will promote conservation for environmental awareness and education and for the enjoyment of nature for both domestic and international visitors.

Shimba Hills National Reserve, which straddles Shimba Hills and Matuga subcounties, is famous for its unique ecosystem and is the paradise of the Sable
antelopes, which are critically endangered and solely found in Kwale County.

The Shimba Hills National Reserve also has a huge population of elephants, leopards, and buffaloes, in addition to being an important site for birds and butterflies.

Source: Kenya News Agency