LET PEACE REIGN
March 27, 2024

Press Statement
Preamble
The Laikipia County Coordinating Committee met here at PCEA Nanyuki Town Church on March 26, 2024 to transact formal business and reflect on issues of concern to the citizens.
The delegates were inspired by scripture drawn from Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Having considered the state of our county and the nation, we now share the following message.
1. Reinforce security measures
The residents of Laikipia County continue to suffer from insecurity issues. People have lived in fear for far too long and this is unacceptable. Gender-based violence is on the rise, with high rates of adolescent pregnancy, defilement, rape, and incest. Bandits have been reigning terror leaving a trail of destruction characterized by loss of properties and lives. We condemn the recent attacks where armed bandits shot dead one National Police Reservist (NPR) in Graton village, Laikipia North Sub-county, and left five nursing injuries.
In this regard, we call on the National Government and the County government of Laikipia to enforce serious security measures to protect Laikipia residents. In liaison with the national Government, the county should deploy as many police officers as possible to restore sustainable peace for prosperity. The banditry suspects should be apprehended and face the full wrath of the law. We further call on the County government to improve infrastructure to increase accessibility for a swift response to security attacks.
As the Church, we continue praying for our county to remain peaceful. We call on the people of Laikipia to uphold peace and cohesion and collaborate with the government in its efforts to make peace.
2. Embrace Public participation
Laikipia County residents are alarmed by the opaque nature of Laikipia County government. Public participation only remains on paper and is only done to rubber-stamp the process. Residents are not given ample time to contribute to matters under discussion. We urge Laikipia County residents to embrace public participation forums to enhance accountability and transparency in governance. Laikipia County Coordinating Committee affirms our commitment to mobilize our members to participate in public participation engagements to exercise their constitutional rights. These are key forums to voice out issues and ensure the prioritization of projects in the county.
In this regard, we call on the County government to prioritize fulfilling the manifesto and promises they made to the people.
3. Address the Cost of Living
We have taken keen note and are concerned about the slow progress in the implementation of promises and commitments made by the county and national governments. The most troubling is the failure to implement policies and measures that meaningfully cut down the cost of living, contrary to what was promised during the elections. Quite notably, the persistent increase in taxation is hurting our people by creating panic and psychological instability.
In the meantime, we call upon the national and country governments to reassure the citizens by reducing the taxation levels. This will give citizens a chance to recover from the impact of Covid-19 and persistent droughts.
4. Educate People on the NADCO Report
We have reviewed the report by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) that was presented to and passed by Parliament. We are aware that the focus has now shifted to implementation through the formulation of laws and policies. There is however a major concern that most Kenyans are not aware of the proposals made in the NADCO report or the implications when these are implemented.
We call upon the National Assembly to put in place a nationwide civic education programme so that Kenyans are aware of the measures that are being implemented.
5. Call to Support NCCK Scholarship Programme
We in the National Council of Churches of Kenya have been providing scholarships for 63 students in Secondary Schools each year. However, the number of needy students remains very high. We now welcome all Kenyans to support our scholarship programme by contributing one shilling and fifty cents each day by sending an SMS written ELIMU to 29888. Let us pool our resources to support our children to go through secondary school.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we thank God for the peace that continues to prevail in our nation. We call upon all elected leaders at the county and national levels to focus on the welfare of the people, keeping in mind the inspiration of Colossians 3:23
”And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of inheritance.”
May the Lord bless our great county!
May God bless Kenya.
Signed on this 26th Day of March 2024 by:
Rev Susan Mugendi,
NCCK Laikipia County Coordinating Committee Chairperson.