Category: Government

1. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) joins all Kenyans and indeed the global community to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), held annually on December 3rd. This day calls for reflections by all stakeholders to devise ways to improve the situation of persons with disabilities in line with the year’s theme “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: The role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.”
2. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, over 1 billion people are experiencing disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the world’s population, with up to 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 years and above having significant difficulties in functioning, often requiring health care services. The WHO avers that the number of people experiencing disability is increasing due to a rise in chronic health conditions and population aging.
3. Based on the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census (KPHC) conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), 2.2% (900,000) of Kenyans live with some form of disability.2 The census results indicate that 1.9% of men have a disability compared with 2.5% of women, thereby making women with disabilities even more vulnerable. The census also revealed that there are more persons with disabilities living in rural than urban areas with prevalence rates by residence showing that 2.6% (0.7 million) of people lived in rural areas and 1.4% (0.2 million) of people in urban areas have a disability.
4. The Commission notes that people with disabilities often face multiple violations of their rights, including acts of violence (both physical and psychological), abuse, accessibility challenges, prejudice, abandonment and disrespect because of their disability. This infringement of their rights often intersects with other factors including age and gender. This calls for urgent concerted efforts by the entire criminal justice system, independent Commissions, and other non-state actors in arresting the situation.
5. The Commission seizes this opportunity to laud the enactment into law of the Mental Health (Amendment) Act, 2022. It is imperative that both the national and county governments take up their respective roles in implementation of the Act as amended. The Commission however expresses concern that the review of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2003 remains long overdue.
6. In line with this year’s theme, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the country and hereby:
i. Calls on the thirteenth Parliament to consider and urgently pass into law the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2021 that seeks to repeal the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2003 to bring it in line with the CRPD and the Constitution of Kenya, 2010;
ii. Advocates for the enactment and implementation of laws on disabilities across the forty-seven (47) devolved units mirroring the aspirations of the Constitution, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa, which Kenya has already signed and ratified;
iii. Further Advocates for increased budgetary allocations to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, which runs life-saving programs such as the National Albinism Sunscreen Support Program (NASSP);
iv. Appeals for concerted efforts by all stakeholders and communities to fight stigma and discrimination that continue to hinder social inclusion for persons with disabilities across various spheres including schools, employment, criminal justice and other sectors of the society.
v. Calls on His Excellency the President, Dr. William Ruto and his Administration to actualize the Charter signed in June 2022 with persons with disabilities in the country;
vi. Further Calls on both the public and private sectors to enhance access to employment for persons with disabilities through affirmative programmes and to ensure realisation of the constitutional threshold of 5%;
vii. Supports research, design and advancement in technology and development that promotes accessibility and does not leave any one further behind.
viii. Encourages the KNBS, in conjunction with relevant disability sector players, to conduct a countrywide disability-specific survey that will inform proper planning for this group, thereby realizing the clarion call of leaving no one behind.
7. In conclusion, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights continues to stress the need for innovative interventions that will lead to inclusive development with persons with disabilities playing a role an equal basis with others. The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring the promotion, protection and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities in the country in line with the sub-national, national, regional and international policy and legal frameworks.

Source: Kenya National Commision of Human Rights

The Defence Cabinet Secretary Mr Aden Duale on 2nd December 2022 presided over the closing ceremony of a Command Post Exercise at Gilgil Garrison in Nakuru County.
The exercise is part of KDF programmed training cycle which aims at conceptualizing and preparing a mission ready Joint Force Command as well as training within a multi agency framework to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya.

Source: Ministry of Defence

Supreme Court Wrestles with Biden’s Deportation Policy
The Supreme Court on Tuesday wrestled with a politically tinged dispute over a Biden administration policy that would prioritize deportation of people in the country illegally who pose the greatest public safety risk. The Associated Press reports.
US Supreme Court to Hear Immigration Policy Case
The U.S. Supreme Court waded into the immigration debate Tuesday as it examined the Biden administration’s expulsion policies for undocumented migrants, Agence France-Presse reports.
Afghan Refugee Opens Store in Texas to Keep Culture Alive
Ajmal Zazai, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover, now runs a store in San Antonio, Texas, selling traditional Afghan clothes and carpets. Zabiullah Ghazi has the story for VOA, narrated by Nazrana Yousufzai. Roshan Noorzai contributed.
Beyond Qatar: Migrant Workers Are Exploited in America, Too
The treatment of migrant workers has been highlighted during the World Cup in Qatar, where many temporary foreign workers died while building the event’s infrastructure. Advocates for immigrant workers in the U.S. note that abuses aren’t just happening overseas. The Associated Press reports.
Immigration around the world
Thousands Flee Drought and Hunger in Somalia for Kenya
Raho Ali has just arrived from Somalia with four of her children at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) transit area in Kenya’s northern border town of Dadaab. The 45-year-old mother of seven said the drought in Somalia prompted her to flee and seek relief in Kenya. Three of her children got lost following an attack on them while on the treacherous journey and she has yet to locate them. Ali is among tens of thousands flocking to Kenyan camps in a new wave of drought-driven refugees. Juma Majanga reports for VOA.
UK Says 50 Recently Arrived Migrants Found with Diphtheria
British health authorities have recorded 50 cases of diphtheria this year among recently arrived asylum-seekers, including one man who died after falling sick at a crowded migrant center. The U.K. Health Protection Agency said Monday that the infected people likely caught the disease in their countries of origin or during their journeys to the U.K. It said a similar increase had been seen elsewhere in Europe. The Associated Press reports.
Influx of Refugees in Kenya as Thousands Flee Drought and Hunger in Somalia
Record drought and hunger in Somalia are driving thousands to flee to neighboring Kenya for help. Relief groups say the influx of refugees at Kenya’s Dadaab camp is stretching the already overcrowded camp’s resources. Juma Majanga reports from the refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya.
News Brief
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate launched a competition for graduate and undergraduate students across the United States and territories to participate in the 2023 Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for the Student Workforce to Experience Research internship program.

Source: Voice of America

The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) has expressed concern over the construction of high-rise residential houses near the Laikipia Airbase on the outskirts of Nanyuki town.

Lieutenant Colonel Juvenalis Atanja said that the storeyed apartments put up on land next to the airbase were making air patrolling in the area difficult and risky warning that if the developments were not controlled, they would pose a flight safety risk.

Lt. Col. Atanja told a county multi-agency consultative meeting on land, infrastructure, environment, and natural resources held in Nanyuki town where he represented the airbase commander that uncontrolled development on the 100-acre land adjacent to the military facility had seen landlords put up many six-story apartments yet the local bylaws restrict high-rise buildings to only three floors.

“Most of the buildings being put up near the airbase are a flight safety risk since some of them are built along flight paths used by the military jets in contravention of urban planning regulations,” Atanja said.

He urged the Laikipia county government to immediately stop the ongoing development near the airbase until elaborate measures are put in place to enforce building laws near the military facility.

“These buildings are a threat not only to the military but also to those living inside if a mishap were to happen,” he warned.

On his part, Kenya Air Force flight safety officer Major Ishmael Olwal told the meeting that the high-rise buildings near the military base had affected the approach and takeoff of military jets during training sessions.

He also urged the county government to deal firmly with people encroaching on the airbase land noting that they were a security threat to the facility.

“We have been witnessing situations where people neighbouring the airbase are extending private land boundaries to encroach military land thus posing a security threat to the facility,” Maj. Olwal said.

Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu who was present at the daylong meeting said that his administration would not hesitate to pull down buildings found to have been built against the laid down laws.

Irungu added that officers from the urban planning department would immediately commence inspection of the houses near the airbase with an aim of establishing buildings that have gone more than three stories.

“We will not tolerate a few unscrupulous landlords putting the lives of tenants in jeopardy as well as our military. We will ensure all those buildings that have not met the required specifications are brought down,” Governor Irungu said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has launched their final observation report for the August 2022 general elections in Kenya that aims at providing a sustainable platform for monitoring and observing electoral processes.
ELOG, an organization that is committed to promoting citizen participation in the electoral processes through non-partisan and impartial domestic observation and objective reporting of elections, presented the report dubbed “From the ballots to the portal” to stakeholders at a hotel in Nairobi.
Speaking during the launch, ELOG Secretariat National Coordinator Mule Musau, noted that they have been observing the entire electoral process through a comprehensive long term observation, media monitoring for hate speech and electoral violence monitoring.
“ELOG closely monitored the pre-election environment processes since January 2022 and this entailed deploying one long-term observer in each of the 290 constituencies, 40 media monitors and 46 electoral violence monitors who were observing and reporting on the pre-election environment in different regions across the country,” said Musau.
He also noted that on political parties and electoral campaigns, findings were based on improved party nominations process, integrity on internal party processes, and increased misinformation/disinformation and hate speech during the campaigns especially through social media.
“The recommendations that were given towards these findings include developing firm internal affirmative action policies, review of the internal governance structures to ensure member participation and strong regulation framework on social media,” said Musau.
He highlighted that the key finding in voter education was inadequacy and under-funding of the voter education process and recommended that voter education should target a wider reach especially to special interest groups, introduce voter education in institutions and robust engagement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
In his remarks on electoral legal framework, he stated that the key findings involved last minute amendments to addressing the recurring gaps in low campaign finance and 2/3 gender rule.
Further, Musau added that the recommendations in the direction of these findings point to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Parliament and related stakeholders spearheading legal reforms early in the electoral process and the need for a robust public engagement on issues of changes in the electoral system.
“On electoral security there were three major findings including improved preparations and training by security agencies for the elections, hot-spot mapping, early warning and preparedness and public alterations between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and National Police Service (NPS) over drafting of charge sheets,” he revealed.
Musau, in his presentation, listed down the recommendations towards electoral security which included NPS comprehensive investigation and prosecution on individuals who contravened electoral laws and enhancement of collaborations between CSOs, security agencies and local actors in mitigating conflicts.
“The recurring issues since 2010-2022 are perceived lack of independence and trust of the Electoral Management Body (EMB), non-implementation of critical laws, challenges in the employment of technology and increased cost of election,” he commented.
Musau mentioned that the IEBC, the Judiciary, Parliament and the Police are the main institutions and actors involved in any election process.
He further thanked the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) for their participation in the elections by preparing journalists and media houses well for elections.
Stakeholders present at the launch included IEBC Commissioner Abdi Guliye, Registrar of Political Parties Ms. Anne Nderitu, Representative from the Judiciary Committee on Election (JCE) Edwin Mulochi and ELOG Co-convener and Senior Counsel Joyce Majiwa.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kisumu County Commissioner Josephine Ouko has called on area residents to come out in large numbers to receive foodstuff donations from the national government.
The of Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo will preside over the third phase of emergency relief food distribution in the Nyanza region on December 3 and 4, 2022.
The County Commissioner urged the locals to take advantage of the ongoing state-funded food assistance to receive adequate food for their families.
“This region suffered great setbacks from flooding that negatively impacted the agricultural yields. The food assistance will go a long way in feeding the vulnerable families who are suffering from hunger,” said Ms Ouko.
Residents from Kisumu, Siaya, Homabay and Migori Counties are expected to benefit from the donation.
In Kisumu, the CS will lead the exercise at Korando A Chief’s Office, Kisumu West Sub County on Sunday before heading to Kogola Primary School, Nyakach Sub County and later at Awelo Open Grounds Alego Usonga Sub County in Siaya County on the same day.
Ms Ouko assured the public that the government had dispatched a consignment of about 60 metric tonnes of rice and beans for the Kisumu residents.
The programme is part of the government’s elaborate plan to distribute food aid to communities hit by drought across the country to cushion them from hunger.
Mr Owalo will begin the third phase of food distribution at God Kwer area, Suna West Sub County in Migori County before heading to Rakwaro Chief’s Camp, Karachuonyo Sub County and finally Sena Airstrip in Mfangano Island in Homa Bay County on Saturday.
During the previous visit to the region, he stated that the exercise is a short-term intervention strategy by the government to cushion Kenyans from the widespread effects of drought in the country.
However, Owalo assured that the state had put in place elaborate long-term measures like revamping irrigation farming, establishing of fish processing industry and supporting farmers through farm input subsidies to enhance food security in the region.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kwale based Australian mining firm Base Titanium has scaled up rehabilitation and ecological restoration of areas disturbed by mining activities to a condition that is safe, stable and non-polluting.
The mining firm l ocated in Msambweni sub county of Kwale, simply known as Base produces ilmenite, rutile and zircon which are all considered critical minerals.
Base Titanium General Manager (GM), External Affairs Simon Wall says safe, stable and sustainable mine rehabilitation underpins confidence in the mining sector.
Wall says sustainable conservation, rehabilitation and ecological restoration programs are now focused on the mined-out areas of the South Dunes and Central Dunes.
He says the post mining land use seeks to create long term, sustainable environmental and social outcomes after mine closure.
The External Affairs GM says they are preserving the environment through responsible mining adding that the mining company is committed to operating in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
Base has been recognised for its Social Impact “CSR 100 Awards” as category winners in Environmental Conservation Initiatives 2022.
“This award highlights Base’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact and sustaining environmentally responsible behaviour in our operation, and in our communities,” he said, adding that 190,540 plants have been grown in the indeginous plant and tree nurseries.
“Research-led rehabilitation methods of both south and central mine dunes at our Kwale operations are progressing well,” said Wall adding that more than 600 acres will soon be available for agricultural activities for post mining land use.
Wall said so far Base Titanium has been able to rehabilitate more than 200 hectares of mined land involving filling the mines pits and covering the land with native grass and tree species.
The senior mining official spoke at Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa during the inaugural launch of sustainability report attended by stakeholders led by area Deputy Governor (DG) Chirema Kombo and Msambweni sub county Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kipkech Lotiatia.
The report provides an overview of Base’s successes and challenges and also highlights sustainability activities and performance of the Kwale operations against set goals.
“We have actively been trialing different land preparation techniques, bank stabilization methods, green manures for soil improvement and a variety of pioneer plant species in preparation for rehabilitation works to ensure high quality outcomes,” said Wall.
He stated that agricultural tests with locally available crops have been conducted to demonstrate that the land can support desired post mining land use.
“Good results have been observed in trials of various food, cash crops and fruit trees and that the tests continue to offer valuable insights into the potential of mined soil and inform our post mining land use project,” he said.
“We seek to demonstrate excellence in the full life cycle of mining by leaving the environment richer for our presence and posterity and creating sustainable sources of livelihood for a community that lasts beyond the life of the mine’.
Wall says the Kwale operations has significant infrastructure that can be harnessed for post mining land use such as the 8.6 gigalitres Mukurumudzi dam (a gigalitre is one billion litres) litres, the 8 km paved access road, the 16 km long power transmission line, the training facility workshops, offices and the indegenious plant and tree nurseries.
The DG Kombo said Base has invested heavily in the mining sector creating over 1,000 jobs and positive socio-economic outcomes for the local communities.
He cited Kwale Cotton Project (supported by Base) where in September 2022 farmers under the project have harvested over 11,000 kgs of cotton setting pace for the revival of the cotton industry in the coastal county.
Kwale operations is the country’s largest mine and is recognized as a flagship project under the Kenya n Vision 2030 national development blueprint.
Kwale operations that commenced operation in 2013 features assemblage rich in rutile, ilmenite and zircon and currently accounts for approximately 65 percent of Kenya’s mineral output by value.

Source: Kenya News Agency

His Excellency Zhou Pingjian Ambassador of the people’s Republic of China to Kenya paid a courtesy call to Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Defence Hon. Aden Duale at the Defence Headquarters on 1st December 2022

Source: Ministry of Defence

Courtesy call by Ms Lisa Filipetto, head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to CS Defence Hon Aden duale on 01 December 2022

Source: Ministry of Defence

The Kenya Defence Forces has today Thursday, 1 December 2022, joined Kenyans and the rest of the world in observing the annual World Aids Day in various military barracks in Kenya and beyond.
Among the areas KDF marked the global day include Defence Headquarters and Moi Air Base in Nairobi, Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, Kenyatta Barracks in Gilgil, Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret and Dhobley Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Somalia among others.
The Day whose theme was ‘Equalize’ provided a rare opportunity to create awareness of the disease and enable the soldiers to undergo Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes AIDS.
In his speech read at Defence Headquarters by Deputy Commander, Kenya Army Major General William Shume, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi hailed the efforts made so far in combating the disease.
Gen Kibochi urged the soldiers to raise awareness of the impact of HIV in their lives, end stigma and discrimination towards the victims so they may integrate with the rest of the people.
“We should raise awareness of the impact of HIV on our lives, end stigma and discrimination and eventually improve the quality of life for people living with HIV in our community,” said Gen Kibochi.
The CDF affirmed that this year’s theme, ‘Equalize’ is a call to action that prompts all and sundry to work together to address inequalities and end HIV AIDS through formulation of policies and practices to tackle the stigma and discrimination faced by the infected and affected.
He noted that there’s need to embrace the use of technology to enable equal access to the best health practices and adopt message by highlighting the particular inequalities experienced and addressing them promptly.
The CDF also said that the theme also resonates well with Kenya as a global partner in ending the vice and KDF whose mandate is securing National Territorial Integrity which requires all-time readiness, a mission that cannot be achieved without good health.
He further commended the Ministry of Health for the immense support it has offered to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and KDF in the provision of HIV services to personnel and implored the soldiers to undergo testing occasionally and take other precautionary measures always.
General Kibochi m as the progress reports indicates significant reduction on new infections, increased sustainable access to treatment, fewer HIV-related deaths and reduced stigma and discrimination.
He said KDF’s roadmap towards ending the epidemic by 2030, as well as respond to other Emerging Infectious Diseases saying that KDF has adopted an integrated healthcare service model that is client-centered, impact proven through the multi-disciplinary approach.
He commended the Ministry of Health (MOH) and various government agendas for the immense support to MoD and KDF in the provision of HIV services to soldiers and their dependents.
The CDF lauded those who have tested and known their HIV status and encouraged all to take up the test and further challenged all to embrace positive health seeking behaviours for the promotion of wellness. A healthy Nation is a Wealthy Nation whereas a Healthy Force is a Mission Ready Force, stressed the CDF.
His message was echoed in various locations where KDF troops are operating in.

Source: Ministry of Defence