President Uhuru Kenyatta called on the board to support the Studio Mashinani Initiative, a national government project aimed at ensuring availability of high quality multimedia studio production facilities and equipment to young talented Kenyans across the country.
The President asked the board to ensure that the Studio Mashinani Initiative, which is growing very fast as a platform for talent development and source of livelihood for thousands of young Kenyans, is adequately resourced and expanded to cover the entire country within the shortest time possible.
President Kenyatta further pointed out that the board should do all in its power to attract many more youths to utilize their talents in sports and the arts by renovating existing national facilities and by constructing new modern sports infrastructure including stadia.
He observed that many young people get disillusioned when individuals who are mandated to facilitate them achieve their goals fail and frustrate their efforts, a vice that the Head of State said should end.
“You should refurbish existing sports infrastructure and develop new ones throughout the country. This will be one of the ways of attracting and enabling young Kenyans to explore and utilize their talents to earn a living,” President Kenyatta said.
The President asked the board to partner with the private sector in resourcing and in the running of the National Drama and Music Festival activities which is one of the major platforms used by most children in Kenya to discover their talents and gifts in the arts.
“We appreciate the role played by the private sector in supporting the growth of sports and the arts in the country. Although we appreciate their support, as government, we need to take up our responsibility by participating fully in these noble activities,” he said.
The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Oversight Board was gazetted in December last year and its members include former Vice President Moody Awori and Athletics Kenya President Lieutenant General (RTD) Jackson Tuwei. Other members of the board include National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, Principal Secretaries for Sports Amb. Kirimi Kaberia, and his Education and National Treasury counterparts Belio Kipsang and Kamau Thugge respectively.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses a media conference at the end of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on July 27, 2018, as the heads of the BRICS group -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- met in Johannesburg for an annual summit dominated by the risk of a US-led trade war.
Five of the biggest emerging economies on July 26, stood by the multilateral system and vowed to strengthen economic cooperation in the face of US tariff threats and unilateralism. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Themba Hadebe
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa putting final touches to his state of the nation address in which he took a hard stance on corruption.
GCIS
South Africans have been shocked by the tidal wave of corruption testimony emerging from the commission tasked with probing allegations of state capture by private business interests.
Claims of systematic and widespread corruption involving patronage networks built around former President Jacob Zuma are testing the public’s faith in the country’s Constitution, democratic system and public representatives. Government ministers, senior civil servants and politicians from the governing African National Congress’s (ANC) have also been implicated.
It is clear from the 2019 state of the nation address delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the penny has dropped and that the government will finally take a hard stance against corruption. Speaking at length about state capture, Ramaphosa described the commission’s revelations as “deeply disturbing”.
He called for swift action to be taken, saying prosecutions against those accused must proceed and state funds must be recovered. He then announced that an investigating directorate would be established in the office of the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The investigator would report directly to the head of prosecutions, taking action without fear, favour or prejudice.
The new directorate resembles the old Scorpions, which was disbanded under President Zuma. It has the potential to make a real difference in fighting corruption.
Taking into consideration expert and public opinion – and based on our own analysis of 15 years of data about corruption – it’s our view that Ramaphosa’s apparently decisive actions should be welcomed. Corruption has, over the past decade and a half, become one of South Africans’ biggest concerns.
A growing problem
Recently, Transparency International ranked South Africa 73 out of the 180 countries surveyed in its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2018, based on a score of 43 out of 100 provided by local experts. An index score below 50 reflects a tendency towards the “highly corrupt” end of the scale; it classifies the country as a “flawed democracy”. These critical evaluations are increasingly being mirrored in mass opinion.
Our analysis of trend data from the Human Sciences Research Council’s South African Social Attitudes Survey, shows that public concern with corruption has grown appreciably over the last 15 years.
Table 1: Percentage mentioning corruption as a national priority for the country, by party identification (2003-2017, cell %)
In late 2003, only 9% of the adult population cited corruption as a pressing challenge facing the country. This figure rose to 18% in 2009, 24% in 2014 and 30% by the end of 2017. This means that over the period between 2003 and 2017, corruption moved from being the eighth ranked societal concern among South Africans to the third highest ranked concern (after unemployment, crime and safety).
Concerns with corruption cut across political parties (Fig 1). In late 2017, 27% of those supporting the ANC cited corruption as a national priority. This compared with 38% of supporters of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party. The figure among supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the country’s third largest political party, was 35%. Concern with corruption among supporters of other parties was 23%. The share of ANC supporters mentioning corruption as a priority rose from 6% in 2003 to 15% in 2009 and 27% in 2017.
Given this groundswell of concern with corruption, it is unsurprising that only a modest share of citizens are satisfied with the government’s efforts to fight corruption.
Percentage satisfied with government efforts to address corruption, by party identification (2017,%)
Source: HSRC SASAS 2017.
In 2017, only 10% of South Africans were content with measures to curb corruption. There is, again, a broad consensus in this regard across party support lines. Only 9% of ANC supporters, 12% of DA supporters and 13% of EFF supporters believed the government was performing commendably in fighting graft.
Calling for ethical government
Alongside their general unhappiness with government efforts to address corruption, South Africans are strongly opposed to corruption. About 90% of adults want politicians found guilty of bribery or other corrupt practices to immediately step down – voluntarily.
This is a resounding message that South Africans want accountability to characterise the country’s politics and governance. ANC supporters were shown to hold some of the strongest anti-corruption opinions. It remains to be seen whether trust in government will improve over the next few years if Ramaphosa’s promises are kept.
It is clear from this data that South Africans across the board strongly favour urgent measures being taken to combat the scourge of corruption. This points to high expectations that the evidence before the state capture commission – and its final recommendations – should result in decisive action being taken against those implicated.
Action at last?
Ramaphosa committed in his state of the nation speech to strengthening the capacity of institutions and government to deal with corruption. While not making a direct link, his focus in the speech on investment, coupled with measures against corruption seem to be an long overdue acknowledgement that perceptions of corruption are bad for investment and economic growth.
Finally, the nation has been assured of action. A failure to swiftly and effectively address corruption will not only have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable. It is also likely to strain democratic legitimacy in the country and scare off investors who could make a real difference.
Advocate Gary Pienaar, research manager at the HSRC, contributed to this article.
President Uhuru Kenyatta today at State House, Nairobi, challenged the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Oversight Board, to utilize resources at its disposal to restore the country’s sporting glory, promote the arts, and preserve Kenya’s rich national heritage.
Speaking after being briefed on the progress made by the board in achieving its broad mandate, President Kenyatta said sports and the arts has the potential of being a major source of jobs for Kenya’s youth if well resourced and managed.
“We need to revive sports and the arts in the country. One way of doing that is to motivate our young people through adequate resourcing,” the President said.
He said that as part of fulfilling its mandate, the board should be able to facilitate all national teams participating in international games not only by funding them but also by branding them with national colours through provision of uniforms and other supplies necessary for the teams to succeed.
“You need to be in the forefront of building strong national sporting teams through provision of adequate funding as well as through branding and provision of the necessary supplies they need to excel,” said the President.
President Kenyatta asked the sports oversight board to ensure that activities under its mandate which include national heritage, culture and the arts are fully catered for, saying preservation of the country’s heritage and culture will help in building a strong reference point for future generations.
He tasked the board to ensure that Kenya’s heritage sites and resources including museums, monuments and artefacts are properly mapped, secured, resourced and managed.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has called on stakeholders in the education sector to broaden their scope in training so as to open up the minds of their students in tandem with the modern world. She said the current generation of young people need to be helped to accomplish their dreams in the highly competitive world by equipping them with appropriate knowledge, skills and confidence.
“It is widely acknowledged that today’s education systems should be preparing our children for an entirely different world from which we, as parents, experienced,” said the First Lady.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was speaking today at Brookhouse School-Runda campus during a ceremony to officially open the school’s library and commissioning of a scholarship programme. During the ceremony, top candidates in the 2017 and 2018 Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations Goldalyn Tanga and Olive Wachira were awarded the Margaret Kenyatta Scholarship for their secondary education in the school. The First Lady said Kenyan youth require teachers who can help them explore their entrepreneurial imagination and creativity so as to chart their future successfully.
“Our youth need to perform in a diverse and highly competitive world, which is typified by fast advancing technology and innovation,” said the First Lady.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta therefore, called on learning institutions to increase investments in schools so as to equip children with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them compete with their global peers. Noting that instilling a reading culture in students is an integral part of the learning process, the First Lady said the newly inaugurated library at the school, named after her, would help to inspire that culture, as well as cultivate minds of wonder and curiosity among the students.
“I hope it will also motivate our children to be willing to take chances and calculated risks that eventually enable them to chart their own paths to the future,” said the First Lady.
She commended Brookhouse for taking a global approach in developing and moulding its students to become global citizens, while at the same time honouring the culture of the host country Kenya.
“Your multi-cultural environment embraces diversity and tolerance for one another. I congratulate you for your membership into the international networks namely the G20 and Round Square,” the First Lady said.
She pointed out that the multi-cultural environments and broadmindedness are key in instilling global ideals such as humility, courage, tolerance and compassion needed for success. “You have been taught to live with diverse people. I believe you have been prepared to do just that, these will be the attributes that will impact you later on in life, long after you have left the school,” said the First Lady. Speaking during the function, Education Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohammed commended the First Lady for being an encouragement and inspiration to Kenyans through her selfless service.
“Your leadership has changed the lives of millions of Kenyans and will continue to positively impact on many generations to come,” said the Education CS.
Brookhouse School Director, John O’Connor described the First Lady as a resolute person who has captured the hearts of Kenyans through her steadfast commitment through philanthropic activities such as the Beyond Zero Initiative.
BY PAULYNE KATETHYA – The number of Mysterious killings in the Country has left many people tongue tied. Missing persons have been found dead at Morgues days after their disappearance while others going about their normal businesses murdered never to be seen by their friends and loved ones again.
Mildred Odira
The latest shocking incident is that of Mildred Odira. Mildred worked as a switchboard operator at the Nation Media Group seconded by Foresight company. Her body was found at the City Mortuary after family and friends made frantic efforts to look for her after she went missing. Mildred was last seen on 29th January at 4am by security guards in Kariobangi South where she lived.
The Guards had called a taxi driver to take her to Ruaraka Uhai Neema hospital since she wasn’t feeling well and that was the last time she was seen alive. The taxi driver, Mr Davis Ochieng’, who had picked up Ms Odira on the fateful morning, told police in his statement that he took her to the hospital, waited for her for slightly over an hour before he decided to leave.
Detectives demanded to obtain CCTV footage from the hospital when the administration said they had not received a patient by that name. Results from the post mortem indicate that the injuries she sustained on her forehead, cheeks and neck were inflicted while she was seated upright. The family also wants another post mortem done to determine whether she was sexually assaulted.
Mary Wambui Kamangara, 39
Just a week ago, the mutilated body of Mary Wambui Kamangara was found dumped in a dam near Mugutha estate in Juja constituency on January 26th . Police arrested Joseph Kori, the deceased’s husband and his alleged girlfriend, Judy Wangui following the murder. It is believed that Mary and Wangui visited homeland inn, Thika Road in company of two men before Wambui was murdered inside the mistress’ apartment and her body dumped in a dam off Toll Station on Thika Road, next to Courtesy Beach Hotel. Investigations are still ongoing.
Monica Kimani. 28
Last year on 20th September, Monica Kimani, 28, a businesswoman, was found dead in a bathtub with her neck slit ear to ear at her Lamuria Gardens Apartment in Kilimani, Off Dennis Pritt Road
Joseph Kuria Irungu, Jacque Maribe’s fiancée was the first one to be arrested after witnesses at a police parade positively identified him as the last man seen walking out of Ms Kimani’s apartment on September 19. Citizen TV host, Maribe was also arrested as a suspect to the still ongoing case, but was later released on bond.
Sharon Otieno, 26
Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old student at Rongo University in Migori County was gruesomely murdered and her body dumped in Kodera Forest. The incident attracted a lot of attention from people since she was Okoth Obado’s girlfriend, the current Migori Governor. It is believed that she was kidnapped, raped and stabbed three times in the neck, four times in the back and once in the left side of the abdomen, killing her seven-month unborn baby. Obado who held a Press Conference in Nairobi, with family by his side, distanced himself from the murder saying he had ‘nothing and absolutely nothing’ to do with it. After spending 33 days in detention, he was released on bail, as other suspects remained in police custody. The case will be heard on May 6th
Questions still linger on people’s minds as to what happened to them, who was behind the killings and whether it should cause an alarm to other Citizens.
By Pauline Katethya Additional information from the internet.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured Zimbabwe of Kenya’s support to ensure that the sanctions imposed on the southern Africa nation are lifted.
President Kenyatta noted that the sanctions were holding Zimbabwe back, undermining its efforts to effectively serve its citizens.
“Imposing sanction is like tying somebody’s hands and feet, they cannot move. We will give our support to bring back Zimbabwe to the global platform,” President Kenyatta said.
The President was speaking today at State House, Nairobi, when he received a special message from President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.
The special message was delivered by President Mnangagwa’s special envoy, Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perence Shiri.
The Zimbabwean special envoy briefed President Kenyatta on the situation in Zimbabwe and called for Kenya’s support to get the sanctions lifted.
Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said the Zimbabwe government was doing everything it could to address the challenges facing the country.
The special envoy said that plans are underway to ensure that those who lost property during the “land reform programme”, will be compensated.
The “land reform programme” led to Zimbabwe’s international isolation and sanctions from the US and EU.
The envoy commended President Kenyatta’s leadership, saying it has enhanced bilateral relations between Kenya and Zimbabwe as well as many other nations across the continent.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will receive a status update
tomorrow at 10:00 am, on the Joint National and Resource Mapping (JNAM) project
at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).
JNAM is multi agency project that was launched last year to
develop and facilitate the provision of secure up-to-date geospatial data at
minimum cost that would be shared across a wide range of functions within
Government for purposes of planning and development.
It is expected that on completion, the project
will ensure availability of updated topographical maps for use by all
Government ministries and county governments, and the implementation of the
National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).
JNAM is multi agency project that was launched last year to develop and facilitate the provision of secure up-to-date geospatial data at minimum cost that would be shared across a wide range of functions within Government for purposes of planning and development. It is expected that on completion, the project will ensure availability of updated topographical maps for use by all Government ministries and county governments, and the implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).
President Uhuru Kenyatta has today cautioned against foreign interference in the internal affairs of African countries.
The President said external players should not use the challenges facing the continent to curtail its progress.
President Kenyatta was speaking today at State House, Nairobi, when he received a special message from President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan.
The special message, delivered by Vice President Osman Mohammed Yousif, assured that the situation in Sudan was under control and the country was calm contrary to the picture painted by some foreign actors.
President Kenyatta said Kenya will continue to support Sudan as it manages its internal affairs and called for the lifting of the sanctions imposed on the country.
“Kenya will stand with Sudan and I am optimistic that Sudan will overcome the challenges it is facing,” the President said.
“We will continue our solidarity with Sudan because the sovereignty of all IGAD member states is something of great importance to us,” he added.
The Head of State pointed out that, as a member of IGAD, Sudan was a pillar of stability in the region.
He informed the Sudanese Vice President that the recent Summit of the East African Community had endorsed Kenya’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2021-2022 period, saying he looked forward to Sudan’s support when the time comes.
The Sudanese Vice President stressed Kenya’s importance in the region, saying that was why President Kenyatta had to be briefed on the situation in Sudan.
He praised the level of cooperation between the two countries, noting that Kenya is one of Sudan’s key development partners.
President Uhuru Kenyatta this afternoon hosted a goodwill delegation of elected leaders from Kajiado County and urged them to work together in order to realize faster development of the county.
The President cautioned the leaders against divisive politics and urged them to embrace one another irrespective of their political leanings for the common good of all citizens.
“Competitive politics is not the end of everything. We have to continue working together for the betterment of our people,” the President said.
The delegation which was led by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku included MP’s Katoo Ole Metito (Kajiado South), George Sunkuiya (Kajiado West), Joseph Manje (Kajiado North), Senator Philip Mpayie and Kajiado Women Rep, Mary Seneta.
Responding to issues raised by the leaders, President Kenyatta said his government is committed to delivering its development promises to the people of Kajiado.
He said development projects which the government is implementing in the county will be achieved in an environment of peace and unity.
“The work we want to do can only be achieved when leaders work together as a team. I am very committed to delivering the promises I made to the people of Kajiado,” said President Kenyatta.
While cautioning the visiting leaders against divisive politics, the President said there are several on-going projects, among them the construction of Ngong-Kiserian-Isinya-Mashuru Road which the Head of State visited over the weekend.
“What makes things difficult is cheap politics, but when people agree on what needs to be done, then it becomes easier to deliver services. We must ensure political calmness in order to develop our country,” said the President.
The President urged the leaders to come together and develop a genuine list of Kajiado County residents who need title deeds for their pieces of land in support of the government’s ongoing titling programme which is being slowed down by confusion and competing interests.
President Uhuru Kenyatta this afternoon hosted a goodwill delegation of elected leaders from Kajiado County and urged them to work together in order to realize faster development of the county.
The President cautioned the leaders against divisive politics and urged them to embrace one another irrespective of their political leanings for the common good of all citizens.
“Competitive politics is not the end of everything. We have to continue working together for the betterment of our people,” the President said.
The delegation which was led by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku included MP’s Katoo Ole Metito (Kajiado South), George Sunkuiya (Kajiado West), Joseph Manje (Kajiado North), Senator Philip Mpayie and Kajiado Women Rep, Mary Seneta.
Responding to issues raised by the leaders, President Kenyatta said his government is committed to delivering its development promises to the people of Kajiado.
He said development projects which the government is implementing in the county will be achieved in an environment of peace and unity.
“The work we want to do can only be achieved when leaders work together as a team. I am very committed to delivering the promises I made to the people of Kajiado,” said President Kenyatta.
While cautioning the visiting leaders against divisive politics, the President said there are several on-going projects, among them the construction of Ngong-Kiserian-Isinya-Mashuru Road which the Head of State visited over the weekend.
“What makes things difficult is cheap politics, but when people agree on what needs to be done, then it becomes easier to deliver services. We must ensure political calmness in order to develop our country,” said the President.
The President urged the leaders to come together and develop a genuine list of Kajiado County residents who need title deeds for their pieces of land in support of the government’s ongoing titling programme which is being slowed down by confusion and competing interests.
