It is Time to Serve – Nairobi Region
June 4, 2024
It is Time to Serve
Press Statement
Preamble
The County and Regional officials of the NCCK Nairobi Region have held an induction workshop here at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, on 3rd and 4th June 2024. The officials were elected during the County Coordinating Committee meetings and the Regional Conference held earlier this year. They will hold office for the next three years.
During the forum, the officials reflected on the scripture recorded in Ecclesiastes 3: 1
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.
The officials considered the state of Kiambu and Nairobi counties, and now observe the following.
1. Stop Politicking and Focus on Work
We in the NCCK Nairobi Region are deeply concerned that national focus is still being riveted on electoral politics yet elections are three years away. This persistent obsession with elections by political leaders continues to hinder human, economic and infrastructural development in our nation.
We strongly call upon the political leaders, whether in government or outside, to cease the persistent electioneering and focus on delivering on their responsibilities. After elections, focus should be on service delivery and policy development and implementation. Work done should be focused on serving the people of Kenya, not on positioning oneself for the next election.
In this regard, we call upon HE President William Ruto and Deputy President HE Rigathi Gachagua to end the bickering between their supporters as it is threatening to split the country.
2. Participate in Finance Bill 2024 Discussion
We have taken note that the Department Committee on Finance and National Planning has convened a public sitting on Monday June 10, 2024 at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC). In the first instance, we are concerned that the time provided for the sittings is very short.
Nonetheless, we call upon all the residents of Kiambu and Nairobi Counties to attend the public forum on Monday and present their views of the Finance Bill 2024. On our part, we are mobilizing the congregants of our churches to engage in this crucial governance process as it affects the lives of all.
3. Be Humane in Demolitions
Over the last month, the government has undertaken demolition of houses on riparian lands. We are however concerned about the sense of injustice and inequity being manifested in the process.
While appreciating the desire to secure the environment, we have noted the cry of the more than 180,000 people who have been evicted from their homes without being offered alternative accommodation. The ten thousand shillings offered by the government is not adequate for anyone to relocate. We urge the government to reconsider this and allocate other lands for the people to resettle.
Further to this, we call upon the government to exercise equality by reclaiming all riparian lands. There should not be distinction between the rich and the poor when government policies are implemented.
4. Provide for Public Participation in Electoral Reforms
We in Nairobi Region take not that processes to implement the report of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) are continuing. It is however a major concern to us that most Kenyans are neither conversant with nor are they supporting the proposals made in the report. The piece-meal processing of the NADCO related Bills by Parliament means that electoral reforms will be effected but without adequate public participation.
We call upon the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate to publish the NADCO report in a manner accessible to all Kenyans. Further, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament should visit all the counties to receive input from the citizens on the proposed reforms. The maxim “nothing about us without us” should be observed.
In the meantime, we call upon President Ruto and other concerned stakeholders to facilitate speedy reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). We remind all that the country is in a very precarious position, and has already breached the Constitution by failing to undertake the required boundaries review process. There are also Wards and a Constituency that require by-elections and have not been facilitated to get elected representatives.
This injustice should be brought to an end.
Conclusion
We conclude ty remind all the residents of Kiambu and Nairobi counties, and the entire nation, to embrace and progress the prayer we make in the National Anthem:
Let all with one accord, in common bond united, build this our nation together
And the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labour, fill every heart with thanksgiving
May God bless the Nairobi Region now and always.
Signed on this 4th day of June 2024 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.
Rev Dr Alphonse Kanga
Regional Chairman, NCCK Nairobi Region