Government Addresses Catholic Bishops’ Concerns, Commits to Key Reforms
In picture,The Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura , addressing journalists at KICC in Nairobi.
By Aoma Keziah,
The government, through its spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, has responded to concerns raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) regarding critical national issues. In a press statement , Mwaura reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of all Kenyans.
On Tackling Corruption, he emphasized that President William Ruto’s government is prioritizing the fight against corruption. Key legislative reforms proposed include amendments to the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code to expedite corruption investigations and ensure cases are resolved within six months. Amendments to the Witness Protection Act are also being considered to enhance protections for whistleblowers, encouraging citizen participation in exposing corruption.
Additionally, he said that the government has proposed a fully digital and transparent procurement platform to combat corruption in public procurement processes. Amendments to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act are also expected to boost local businesses, reserving 40% of government procurement for Kenyan firms.
On Human Rights and Freedoms, Mwaura acknowledged the tragic loss of 42 lives during protests in June and July 2024, as well as injuries sustained by civilians and police officers. He assured that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are addressing issues of police excesses and disappearances.
“The government remains committed to upholding justice and human rights, the Kenya Kwanza government, pledge accountability and justice for all affected individuals.” He stated.
Addressing concerns about the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), he revealed that the government has disbursed Ksh 5.05 billion to healthcare providers, including faith-based hospitals. He also highlighted progress under the Sustainable Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), with over 14 million Kenyans enrolled.
“We are on track to deliver Universal Health Coverage, we urge unregistered citizens to sign up for SHIF.” Added Mwaura
He outlined efforts to boost youth employment, including bilateral agreements creating over 105,000 job opportunities abroad and the Climate WorX Mtaani initiative, which will employ 200,000 Kenyans in climate action projects.
“The government’s Affordable Housing Project has created 160,000 jobs and registered over 547,000 Kenyans under the Boma Yangu platform. In the digital space, 490,000 Kenyans have received training through the Jitume program, with 149,000 securing online jobs.” He said
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with significant investments in classroom construction and teacher recruitment. A new university funding model has also disbursed Ksh 41 billion since 2023 to support students and institutions.
On the economic front, Mwaura highlighted positive trends, including stabilized exchange rates, increased forex reserves, and inflation dropping to a 17-year low of 2.7%. Subsidies for agricultural inputs have contributed to a maize surplus for the first time in a decade and a historic sugar surplus.
Responding to concerns about a proposed extension of elected leaders’ terms, the government Spokesperson clarified that the bill was privately sponsored and has since been dismissed by the Senate’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
“The government upholds constitutional principles, including the regularity of elections.” he affirmed.
Shifting to commitment to tax reforms, he highlighted that the government is pursuing tax reforms to reduce the burden on ordinary Kenyans while expanding the digital tax base and introducing measures such as a Significant Economic Presence Tax on foreign entities in the digital marketplace.
Mwaura concluded by affirming the government’s dedication to addressing fiscal challenges through innovative partnerships and sound policies aimed at sustainable economic growth.
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