Archive for January 2013

KCPE Results to be Released on Monday 28th January 2013

Posted on 27 January, 2013

The Minister for Education, Mutula Kilonza will release the KCPE results on Monday 28th January 2013 at Mitihani House, off Caledonia Road, Nairobi at 9.00AM.

811,930 candidates sat the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination last year.

Parents and candidates will also be able to get the results through the mobile phone by sending their index numbers to 5052 and on the website www.knec.ac.ke. This service will, however, be available only after the completion of the minister’s official event.

Upon receipt of the results, candidates will have 30 days to scrutinise them and lodge complaints with Knec, including all forms of discrepancies in the details of the result slips.

A big scramble is expected for places in the 78 national schools most of which were only recently upgraded. As of 2002, Kenya had just 18 such schools.

Traditionally, KCPE results are released towards the end of December. The delay was caused by the teachers’ strike last year.

Government statistics indicate that the transition from primary to secondary education currently stands at 73 per cent, from 43 per cent in 2003.

Of those who make it to high school, though, only 74 per cent complete their education which is, however, an improvement from 46 per cent in 2008.
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The Profiles of Presidential Candidates Running Mates in the 2013 General Elections

Kalonzo Musyoka

The Vice-President has been in politics for close to three decades.

He is the Wiper Democratic Party leader which has partnered with Mr Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Party to form Cord, which made him the running mate.

Mr Musyoka, 60, first became MP when he won the Kitui North by-election in 1985 and was appointed an assistant minister for Works, Housing and Physical Planning.

He was re-elected MP in 1988 and elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. In 1992, he was re-elected MP and appointed Foreign Affairs minister.

He was won the sear again in 1997 and headed the ministries of Education and Human Resources Development and Tourism and Information.

William Ruto

Born on December 21, 1966, the URP leader holds a Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in botany from the University of Nairobi.

Mr Ruto was first a political operative in Kanu, then ODM, and now the URP. He is the party leader of URP, which partnered with Mr Uhuru Kenyatta’s TNA to form the Jubilee Coalition. Mr Ruto served the coalition government as the Agriculture minister before he was moved to Higher Education. He has been the MP for Eldoret North for the past 15 years.

He has considerable business interests in the agriculture and service industries. He is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for his alleged role in the 2008 post-election violence.

Jeremiah Kioni

Mr Kioni is the outgoing MP for Ndaragwa and was elected to Parliament in the 2007 General election.

He is Amani Coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi’s running mate.

Before his entry into politics, Mr Kioni ran Ngayu and Associates, a property valuation firm based in Nairobi.

He is one of the MPs who came up with the idea of the United Democratic Forum.

He holds a degree in Lands Economics and a Master of Arts in Housing Administration from the University of Nairobi.

He also has a law degree from the University of Nairobi.

Mr Kioni has also been a member of the Land Arbitration Board.

Winnie Kaburu

Ms Winnie Kaburu, 53, is the presidential running mate of Prof James ole Kiyiapi.

The former English teacher is a businesswoman and has been active in Kenya’s private sector for the past 10 years.

The last time she taught English was 25 years ago at Uasin Gishu High School.

She also worked in the defunct Kenya Posts and Telecommunication Corporation for six years before moving into the private sector.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a master’s in Gender and Development from the University of Nairobi.

She’s the chairperson of the Private Sector Forum and the chief executive officer of Envirowaste Management Limited

Ronald Osumba

Mr Osumba is the running mate of Mr Peter Kenneth in the March 4 General Election.

The 33-year-old is a former senior manager at mobile phone company Safaricom.

He holds a degree in Business Management (Marketing) from Moi University, Eldoret.

He is also a chartered accountant. He chairs the board of Youth Employment Systems - a nonprofit organisation.

Born in Kibera in a family of six, Mr Osumba won a scholarship to study at Starehe Boys Centre. He once worked at Co-operative Bank as the sales team leader.

He is the chairman of the Old Stareheian Society, a club of the alumni from Starehe Boys Centre. His goal, he says, is to ensure continuity of the Starehe heritage.

Augustine Lotodo

Mr Augustine Loile Chemonges Lotodo, 42, is the running mate of Ms Martha Karua.

The son of former Kanu MP Francis Lotodo, the younger Lotodo has served in the East Africa Legislative Assembly, having been picked to the regional assembly by Ms Karua’s Narc Kenya.

He brings to Mr Karua’s campaign the regional experience that will be key for any President keen on the East Africa Community.

His stint in EALA gave him huge experience in negotiating with lawmakers from different backgrounds and cultures.

He is a former board member of the Lake Victoria North Water Services Board.
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The Strategy for Public Finance Management Reforms in Kenya (2013 - 2018)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ON ‘THE STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT REFORMS IN KENYA (2013 – 2018)’

The Ministry of Finance through the Public Financial Management Reform (PFMR) Programme invites members of the public to submit written comments on ‘The Strategy for Public Finance Management Reforms in Kenya (2013 – 2018)’. 

The contribution from members of the public will be taken into account towards enriching the Strategy which is in its final stages of formulation.

Key Aspects of the Strategy
 
1. The new Strategy not only emphasizes consolidation of gains made under the 2006-2011 PFMR Strategy but also provides a framework for implementing reforms envisaged in the Constitution, the Public Finance Management Act 2012 and other relevant legislation. Most importantly, the Strategy addresses areas of concern highlighted by the report of the Public Expenditure Finance and Accounting Assessment (PEFA), 2012 which is posted on the Ministry of Finance website.
 
2. Implementation – covering a period of five years - is via seven priority themes important for realizing effective public financial management reforms. Four themes relate to the annual budget cycle (resource mobilization; resource allocation; budget execution, accounting and reporting; audit and oversight) while three themes are cross-cutting (fiscal decentralization; the PFM legal framework and automation and integration).
 
3. The existing Government systems will be used in implementing the programme and the PFM Reform Secretariat to be domiciled in the MoF will play a strategic coordination role and oversee the implementation of reforms. Political championship will be provided by the Steering Committee. Within each thematic area, there are champions and actors identified that will be responsible for reform implementation and will ensure that reforms are mainstreamed within the Government planning and work processes.
 
4. The Strategy also incorporates a protocol for engagement with Development Partners. The purpose of the protocol is;
  • To ensure a commitment from relevant parties to harmonization and coordination of all initiatives and activities in support of Public Finance work in the Republic of Kenya.
  • To ensure that development partners’ contributions are coordinated and in compliance with policies of the Government of Kenya.
5. Priority areas identified for immediate implementation include: Deepening Intergrated Financial  Management Information System Reform; Fiscal Decentralization – put in place a framework for identification, assigning and costing of functions that are to be decentralized from national to county governments as well as to provide a framework for intergovernmental fiscal relations; Independent Oversight – fostering relationship between the Office of the Auditor General and the Money Committees in Parliament; Rollout of the national and county level Programme Based Budgeting; Enhancing comprehensiveness of the budget - accounting for unutilized funds from budget provisions to Ministries Departments and Agencies and factoring into the budget, as a form of expenditure, tax expenses incurred by the Government; Enhancing revenue collection by broadening the tax base, improving tax compliance etc.; Revision of the Procurement law.
 
6. A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to track progress of implementation is a key element of the Strategy.
 
7. The Strategy further stipulates that funding of the reforms should follow a facilitative framework established within the Government. Resource allocation will be assigned to thematic areas and implementation tied to specific activities that contribute to agreed indicators. Government financing will be allocated through the normal budget process. The Government will enter into specific financing agreements with development partners willing to support the strategy. Flow of funds will be defined within the operational plan for the strategy.
 
A copy of the Strategy can be downloaded from www.pfmr.go.ke. or www.treasury.go.ke
 
Kindly submit any comments to the PFMR Programme Manager by close of business, Monday, January 28, 2013.
 
The Programme Manager,
Public Finance Management Reform Programme,
Bima House, Harambee Avenue, 8th Floor,
P.O. Box 30007, G.P.O Code 00100 Nairobi.
Tel: +254 - 20 - 2252299,
Email: pfmsecretariat@treasury.go.ke
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NCIC Advisory on Actions to Reinforce Peaceful Co-Existence During the 2013 General Elections

NATIONAL COHESION AND INTEGRATION COMMISSION


ADVISORY ON ACTIONS TO REINFORCE PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE DURING THE 2013 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Since the return to multi-party democracy, Kenya’s General Elections have been marred by violence in largely multi-ethnic regions of the country. The most extensive violence of this nature was witnessed in the aftermath of the pronouncement of the presidential elections results following the 2007 General Elections. 

The country is now facing the first General Election after the threat to sustained unity witnessed in 2008 and under a new governance structure instituted under the 2010 Constitution.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008 is under Section 25 (j) of the Act mandated to; ‘identify and analyze factors inhibiting the attainment of harmonious relations between ethnic communities, particularly barriers to their participation in social, economic, commercial, financial, cultural and political endeavours. 

The Commission is required to recommend to the Government and any other relevant public or private body how to overcome these factors’.

NCIC was recently engaged in monitoring of the political party nominations process that was conducted nationwide with a view to identifying potential triggers to violence in the coming General Elections.

The violence that was recently experienced in some parts of the country including the discontent expressed by Kenyans in addition to our findings have highlighted the need for concerted efforts to sustain the relative peace we have enjoyed in the last five years as we approach the General Elections.

NCIC thus makes the following recommendations:

a) The late delivery of ballot material in areas where there exists stiff competition between aspirants and/or parties poses a trigger to violence and should be mitigated

The outcome of our monitoring shows that areas where a number of parties are deemed stronger and/or where equally strong candidates are present, undoubtedly remain vulnerable to rumor mongering and political manipulation. It is also noted that the fact that aspirants were still able to ‘party-hop’ means that in many areas the contest that could have been concluded with party nominations have been postponed.

b) Conduct of Campaign Supporters

It was apparent (from the monitoring exercise) that the aspirants were more responsive to discussions to keep peace during campaigns but remained susceptible to manipulation from radical supporters. The need to ensure that supporters are not allowed to easily congregate around the tallying areas must be emphasized to control mob tendencies.

We appeal to all Kenyans to maintain peace at all times as they practice their Constitutional right to support candidates of their choice. They should not trample on other citizens’ rights as they continue to enjoy theirs.

c) Complete Impartiality of the Police and Administration

The police have a specific enforcement role that must not be diluted by threats to peace.

There is need to ensure that all officers working with the National Police Service, including special police officers appointed under the powers conferred to the Inspector General of Police, sustain law and order around the polling and tallying areas and have adequate knowledge of their roles and mandate. Kenya is raw from the 2007/8 violence and police impartiality will be paramount in ensuring peaceful General Elections.

d) All candidates need to be conversant with the current provisions of relevant laws that relate to keeping peace and order.

Reports of some aspirants marshaling wananchi to violence despite the existence of laws that criminalize such activities should not be tolerated. The existing dispute resolution mechanisms must be used exhaustively.

e) Sobriety and responsibility in communicating polling results

The fast pace and ease of access to communication channels such as social media and cell phones must not be abused or corrupted to relay unconfirmed information.

Only confirmed results should be relayed to avoid miscommunication. Those who engage in such shortcuts should face the law.

WAY FORWARD

(i) Whereas prompt delivery of materials is essential for all polling stations, IEBC should put extra effort in potential hot spots where delivery of polling material need to be prioritized.

(ii) The suspicion Kenyans exhibited against the police force following the 2008 violence still exists. The need to act firmly and uphold the law is key if wananchi are to work with the National Police Service. The National Police Service need to ensure that all persons recruited and deployed at polling and tallying centers are conversant with the law.

(iii) Political parties need to ensure that all persons to whom they issue Party Certificates are sensitized on relevant laws especially sections of the NCI Act 2008 regarding hate speech and other laws relating to keeping peace and non-incitement to violence.

(v) Elections are important in any democratic society but the continuity of the nation is bigger than each and all. Thus the general populace needs to respect the law and remember at all times to put KENYA KWANZA!

Mzalendo N. Kibunjia, PhD., EBS
COMMISSION CHAIRMAN
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Task Force on Formulation of Community Land and Evictions and Resettlement Bills Public Notice

REPUBLIC OF KENYA


MINISTRY OF LANDS

PUBLIC NOTICE

TASK FORCE ON FORMULATION OF COMMUNITY LAND AND EVICTIONS AND RESETTLEMENT BILLS

The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and Sessional Paper No.3 of 2009 on the National Land Policy (NLP) provide for a new classification of land to be known as “Community Land”. 

Under the Constitution, Community lands are to vest in and be held by communities that are identified on the basis of ethnicity, culture or similar community of interest. The Constitution further directs Parliament to enact legislation to give effect to the creation of community land.

On the other hand, evictions have, for decades, taken place in Kenya, especially in informal settlements in contravention of international human rights standards. Mass evictions have usually involved Government Projects or private developers claiming ownership of land on which some of the settlements stand. Sessional Paper No.3 of 2009 on the National Land Policy requires the Government to establish an appropriate framework for evictions, based on internationally acceptable guidelines.

In order to actualize the above referred to provisions, the Minister for Lands appointed a Task Force to develop the Community Land Bill and the Evictions and Resettlement Bill, via a Special Gazette Notice No. 13557 of 21st September, 2012. 

The Task Force embarked on this task and having finalized preliminary work, is now ready to go out to the Counties to meet members of the public, groups and institutions to : -

  • Obtain input orally or otherwise, for consideration in the preparation of a Community Land Bill and an Evictions and Resettlement Bill
  • Receive any written memoranda and presentations on each of these bills 
  • Receive presentations on any pertinent case studies undertaken on each of these areas
  • Obtain an understanding of the prevailing practices and patterns that should be taken into account in the preparation of each of these bills
  • Familiarize with the extent and geographical locations within which various forms of community land and informal settlements are to be found in the country

This is to notify the public that the Task Force will be holding County Consultation Forums in the Month of February, 2013 at various Counties whose details will be announced later.

This is also to request members of the public to send views, submissions and memorandas to the undersigned.

The Chairperson,
Task Force on Formulation of Community Land and Evictions and Resettlement Bills,
P.O. Box 30450-00100,
Nairobi.
Email: coordlrtu@ardhi.go.ke

Those who wish to address the Task Force may make arrangements with the Joint Secretaries, who can be found at the following physical address.

Ministry of Lands Headquarters
Ardhi House, 2nd Floor
Wing “A”, Room 202
Tel. 020-2718050 Ext. 64648

Dorothy N. Angote-Muya, CBS,
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Lands,
NAIROBI.
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The Kenya Presidential Debate to be Held on 11th February 2013

Posted on 24 January, 2013

The Presidential Debate 2013 will be held on Monday 11th February 2013 7:00pm and will be broadcast live through all Kenyan TV and Radio stations.


Be part of this historic event across all Kenyan television and radio stations, by sending questions and issues you would like addressed via sms to 2282 or email info@presidentialdebate.co.ke.

Engage us on facebook or follow us on twitter handle #kenyadebate2013.

SMS Line: 2282 

Website: www.presidentialdebate.co.ke 

Email: info@presidentialdebate.co.ke
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UWIANO Platform for Peace urges for free, fair and peaceful election and successful political transition

Posted on 20 January, 2013

1. UWIANO Platform for Peace is a collaborative initiative between the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), National Steering Committee on Peace building and Conflict Management (NSC), Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), PeaceNet Kenya and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kenya. As the nation prepares to undergo a political transition, the role of every Kenyan and that of the UWIANO Platform in delivering a peaceful political process is critical.
 
2. The UWIANO Platform for Peace would like to urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election as well as a successful political transition. 

In light of this commitment, the UWIANO Platform is continuously monitoring the various scenarios building up across the country including the on-going political party nominations leading to the 4th March,2013 general elections. 

As a result, we wish to address the nation as follows:
 
I. Party nominations: The UWIANO Platform calls upon party leaders, presidential candidates and all aspirants and political parties and their members to conduct the nominations in a civil and peaceful manner and to obey the law at all times.
 
II. Political tension, Hate Speech and Ethnic intolerance: We note with concern the surge in political anxiety, tension, ethnic intolerance and hate speech related to the ongoing campaigns and related processes.

We encourage political actors to exercise restraint and tolerance to each other. UWIANO Platform urges relevant authorities to take stern action against any person or groups engaging in acts that promote intolerance and breach of peace in the country. Section 13 of the NCIC Act prohibits and criminalizes hate speech and related forms of incitement of the public along ethnic, racial, religious or similar discriminatory criteria with the intention of invoking hatred or violence against any person or a section of the public.
 
III. Security: In the recent past there has been sporadic violence and crime in various areas including major cities and counties. This could be attributed to the present political environment coupled with the emergence of organized criminal gangs who may take advantage of heightened political mobilization to threaten national peace and security.
 
We urge Kenyans to be vigilant and to corporate with the security agencies by reporting any incidents that may be a threat to peace and security. We particularly call upon security agencies to step up the efforts of maintaining law and order in close collaboration with the public.
 
IV. The UWIANO Platform wishes to express their condolence and sympathy to the bereaved families and those affected by the unfortunate Tana Delta conflict. We urge the government and all the stake holders to take all necessary action to resolve the prolonged conflict.
 
V. Interventions: In response to the to the challenges to peace and security, The UWIANO platform for peace has strengthened conflict prevention by scaling up its early warning capacity so as to ensure effective early and Early response across the country. For instance, the platform has been engaging Religious leaders, community leaders, Peace Committees and civil society organizations to address issues around political  tensions and ethnic tensions through facilitating dialogue processes. NCIC and the IEBC continue to address hate speech and disputes around elections.
 
VI. The Inspector General has reassured UWIANO Platform and peace practitioners that all incidences of civil disorder and violence during the on-going political party nominations and subsequent campaigns will result in immediate arrests and prosecution. All aspirants and supporters are therefore reminded that they will be held individually responsible for inciting or taking part in any unlawful acts. We implore Kenyans to work closely with the Police and other actors by sharing information to curb incidences of insecurity.
 
We urge Kenyans to make good use of the UWIANO PLATFORM for Peace and the Conflict Early Warning and Early Response mechanism.
 
Please report any threats to peace and security during this electioneering period through the following contacts:
  • SMS SHORT CODE 108
  • Telephones: 077331150 and 020-2244688
  • Email: uwianoplatform@gmail.com ; nscsecretariat@nscpeace.go.ke
  • Facebook: Amanikenya108
  • Twitter: Amanikenya108
THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY UWIANO PLATFORM FOR PEACE AND ITS PARTNERS.
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TNA Mike Sonko, Ferdinand Waititu and Rachel Shebesh team up in bid for Nairobi County seats

TNA’s Ferdinand Waititu, Mike Sonko and Rachel Shebesh have combined forces and launched a united campaign for the Nairobi governor, senator and women’s representative seats. 

The three, who have won their party nominations, have been criss-crossing the city and outlining their plans as a team. 

When Ms Shebesh joined TNA in September last year, Mr Sonko said she would help them strategise on how to popularise the party in Nairobi. “She is an asset to the party, and some of us who were close to her when she was in ODM have worked hard to bring her on board. 

Now TNA is becoming stronger,” he said. The former nominated MP ditched Prime Minister Raila Odinga ODM for Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s party. She had hitherto been a vocal supporter of Mr Odinga. 

On their billboards across the city, the three aspirants, who have dubbed themselves the people’s servants, have gone a step further and given themselves nicknames they hope will resonate with the electorate. 

Mr Waititu is “Baba Yao”, Mr Sonko is “A Man of the People”, while Ms Shebesh is “Manzi wa Naii”. Courtesy: Nation
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Political Parties Disputes Resolution and Submission of Political Parties Nominees to IEBC


INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION (IEBC)

POLITICAL PARTIES DISPUTES RESOLUTION AND SUBMISSION OF POLITICAL PARTIES NOMINEES TO IEBC

Further to the General Elections Guidelines given in the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXIV- No. 132 of 28th December 2012, the Commission hereby gives direction on the matter.

Your attention is specifically drawn to Paragraph C of the said Notice that disputes relating to or arising from nomination shall be determined within seven days of the lodging of the dispute with the Commission.

The Commission hereby informs political parties and the public in general that all disputes arising from the party nominations must be lodged, heard and concluded through political parties disputes resolution mechanisms as provided in their respective party constitutions within a period of three days from 19th - 21st January 2013.

Any aggrieved contestant may lodge a complaint with the Commission on the 22nd January 2013 latest 5 p.m. by filling the prescribed form provided for in the Gazetted Elections Rules and Procedures.

Prior to lodging the complaint, the contestant/party must have exhausted all Political Party internal disputes resolution mechanisms as provided in the respective political parties Constitutions and the nomination rules. 

The Commission will adjudicate and determine on all such disputes by 25th January 2013.

All political parties must submit their final list of the nominees to the Chairperson of the Commission at IEBC Headquarters, 6th floor Anniversary Towers, Nairobi by 5 p.m. on 21st January 2013.

AHMED ISSACK HASSAN, EBS
CHAIRPERSON
INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION (IEBC)
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Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Communication from the Chairperson on Political Parties Nominations

Posted on 15 January, 2013

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is mandated by the Constitution under Article 88(1) and 88 (4) to regulate, monitor and settle disputes arising from political party primaries. 


To meet and effect this mandate with regard to the forthcoming party elections, the Commission intends (or has):
  • Meet provincial/county Commissioners with their respective security committees to assess and obtain political and security situation within their jurisdictions.
  • Establish Regional Monitoring teams headed by IEBC Commissioners.
  • Establish monitoring teams at the constituency level that will be headed by Constituency Election Coordinators.
  • Develop a monitoring tool that has been shared by all political parties.
Political parties on their part are expected to abide with all statutory legal and administrative requirements stipulated under the constitution, Elections Act, Elections Regulations and Political Parties. 

These include:

a) Submitting their elections nomination rules to the Commission and RPP (Section 27 of Elections Act 2011, Clause 19 of the Second Schedule to Political Parties)

b) Constitute an Elections board and have the names approved by the relevant party body

c) Prepare the procedure and activities for the elections both branch and National

d) Update and maintain proper and accurate party membership register/s and list of delegates

e) Prepare and submit the requisite notices to all the relevant bodies including IEBC, Ministry of Education and the General public

f) Identify appropriate and secure venues for nominations, compile and share the list of polling stations with relevant security and administrative organs of state

g) Appoint the electoral officials including the returning officers and presiding officers and to publicize the same well in advance for the general public notification

h) Put in place the necessary logistics including acquisition of strategic materials such as ballot papers , boxes and non-strategic materials and ensure their timely distribution

i) Ensure that on nomination day all materials and officials are in place well in time and in adequate proportions or quantities

j) Conduct party nomination elections and announce results in a transparent, peaceful and credible manner

k) Provide avenues and structures for adequate and credible dispute resolution. The law demands that the parties must be complicit to this provision before submitting their list of nominees to the Commission and that the list of party nominees cannot be altered once submitted. The law states clearly the date by which such list must be submitted to the Commission, that is, 18th January, 2013.

l) Filing returns of the party nominees with IEBC as provided under section 13 of the Elections Act. The role of IEBC is to interpret the will of the people in contested elections. This cannot be achieved unless political parties observe democratic principles and respect the will of the people as they conduct their primaries.

The Commission is determined to strictly adhere to the rule of law and deliver free, fair and credible general elections and it shall ensure that to the extent possible, the party primaries are conducted in an environment and manner that meets basic demands of the relevant laws and democratic precepts.

Signed
AHMED ISSACK HASSAN, EBS
CHAIRPERSON, IEBC
Your Vote, Your Future
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CLARION Press Release on Democratic and Inclusive Nomination of Candidates for 4th March Elections

Posted on 13 January, 2013

CLARION

CENTRE FOR LAW AND RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
 
PRESS RELEASE:
 
DEMOCRATIC AND INCLUSIVE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR 4TH MARCH ELECTIONS
 
Introduction
 
1. CLARION has been working with groups that are traditionally disadvantaged when it comes to participation in politics and leadership. These include women, youth, minority ethnic groups and persons with disabilities. Broadly, CLARION aims to ensure that these groups are given sufficient space to participate in the political process.
 
2. Over the last few months, CLARION has been implementing the Democratic and Participatory Political Parties Nominations (DEPNOM) Project. The aims of DEPNOM are: to influence democratic political party nominations; and to advocate for participation of marginalized groups in the nomination exercises of different political parties.
 
3. On 13th December 2012, CLARION held the Political Parties’ Nominations’ Rules Public Review Forum in which the rules of different political parties were discussed after an expert review. The aims of the Forum were to review nomination rules submitted by different political parties to the IEBC with a view of exposing gaps that may lead to undemocratic nominations and disadvantage aspirants particularly from minorities and marginalized groups and to encourage marginalized groups to participate actively in the nominations’ process.
 
4. CLARION singled out political party nominations as one of the processes that tend to undermine the participation of these groups in the political process. Many times, political party nominations are opaque affairs, which neither follow stipulated rules nor adhere to regulations. In the past, candidates have complained about corruption at the political party nomination stage, a fact that has tended to undermine the credibility of elections. The issuance of direct nominations to candidates who are favoured by the leadership of political parties has tended to augment the problem.
 
5. CLARION is also concerned with the fact that because of their opaqueness, party political nominations are usually accompanied with violence particularly at the constituency level. It is therefore possible to minimize the occurrence of violence if nominations are conducted openly and democratically. This could then contribute to free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.
 
6. In cases where there is violence at the nomination stage, women, youth, minority ethnic groups and persons with disabilities suffer most and fair badly in attempts to get nominated. Minimising violence at the nomination stage shall therefore have the effect of making it possible for these groups to participate fairly in the nomination process and ultimately to participate in the political process.
 
Conclusions of review of rules
 
After its review of the nomination rules of a number of political parties, CLARION reached the following conclusions:
 
1. Political parties’ nomination rules are not in the public domain and some are treated as classified information to debar people from accessing and subsequently critiquing the rules
 
2. Currently, the nomination rules are deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties. However, many who have attempted to access these rules have found it difficult to do so due to the negative attitude and lack of political education and understanding of some officials in that office. Civil society groups, including CLARION, have in the past called for that office to be filled substantially but those concerned, for reasons of political self-preservation, have not heeded the calls.
 
3. Nomination rules rarely infuse any affirmative action for women, youth, minority ethnic groups and persons with disabilities. This is contrary to the requirements of the Constitution. The Constitution calls for participation of Kenyans in their diverse groups in the affairs of political parties.
 
4. A number of political parties have attempted to come up with policies that favour marginalized groups. 

However, our conclusion is that the major parties and coalitions have failed to do so. This may therefore not improve the situation of the marginalized groups.

Resolutions/Recommendations
  • Every political party should be alive to the need to empower marginalized groups so as to enhance their participation in politics, leadership and therefore policy formulation.
  • Nomination rules for political parties must therefore reflect the need to empower these groups; this will enhance the achievement of the principles encapsulated in the Constitution, like the two-thirds gender principle.
  • The requirement of paying two sets of fees, that is, to both the individual political party and the IEBC should be reviewed forthwith to provide space to marginalized groups to participate in the political process.
  • The IEBC nomination fees are high for the minority and marginalized groups. A reduction of fees in favour of members of these groups would also enhance their participation in the political process.
  • It is important that all political parties make public their nomination rules. The practice of selling these documents has negative implications. It is not just aspirants who would like to use the rules; scholars, students of politics, journalists and commentators are some of the groups likely to use the rules.
  • The practice of giving direct nominations is undemocratic and corrupt. It also has potential to lead to violence in the nominations process. All political parties must shun this practice.
  • In the context of coalitions, our counsel is that individual parties nominate aspirants for the various positions at all levels. This will make it possible for aspirants who are popular but who may be locked out of nomination because of malpractices such as direct nominations to be able to contest. In the past we have seen popular candidates winning after being nominated by fringe parties.
  • We call upon minorities and marginalized groups to utilize all opportunities available to them to take part in the political process. It is important that all Kenyans shape their destiny of their country by fully participating in the political process.

Signed:
 
CLARION
Morris Odhiambo
FRIDAY, 11/01/2013
C/O CLARION
P.O. BOX 46991-00100, 
NAIROBI
 
Email: info@clarionkenya.org
 
Website: www.clarionkenya.org
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The Government of Kenya and France Telecom-Orange Strengthen the Capital Structure of Telkom Kenya

The Government of Kenya and France Telecom-Orange Strengthen the Capital Structure of Telkom Kenya
 
The Government of Kenya (GoK) and France Telecom-Orange have signed an agreement to strengthen the balance sheet of Telkom Kenya, their jointly owned company. This Restructuring Agreement will put Telkom Kenya on a sound financial footing that enables it to effectively implement its 5 year business plan.
 
The central pillars of the Restructuring discussions were that the shareholders would 

(i) convert their loans to the company into equity, and 

(ii) support the operational needs of Telkom Kenya for 2012 in proportion to their shareholding (51% France Telecom – Orange and 49% GOK), through the provision of Ksh. 10 billion of additional funding during the course of the year. 

On this basis, and, as a consideration for France Telecom-Orange agreeing to write-off a significant part of its shareholder loan, France Telecom–Orange would increase its stake in the company from 51% to 60%.
 
As of the date of the Restructuring Agreement, which was signed in Nairobi on 21st December 2012, France Telecom-Orange had provided its full share of Ksh. 5.1 billion in funding for 2012. The GoK had provided Ksh. 2.5 billion of its portion of Ksh. 4.9 billion, and did not provide the balance of Ksh. 2.4 billion by 31st December 2012, the end of Telkom Kenya’s financial year.

As a consequence of the GoK not having provided its full portion of 2012 funding, the stake of France Telecom-Orange will increase at this point to 70%. However, under the Restructuring Agreement, GoK has an option to increase its stake to 40% during the second half of its Financial Year 2012/13, i.e. by June 30th 2013, through an injection of the balance of Ksh. 2.4 billion.
 
The new improved capital structure with shareholder equity expected to exceed Ksh. 18 billion at the end of 2012, will enable Telkom Kenya to pursue its growth over the coming years by implementing its business plan approved by the Board. More specifically, the company will continue to build upon its leadership in the enterprise market and to develop new mobile data services and technologies. This agreement reflects the confidence that both shareholders have in the company’s future and in the business climate in Kenya.
 
About Orange
 
France Telecom-Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with sales of 45.3 billion euros for 2011 and has 170,000 employees worldwide at 30 September 2012, including 105,000 employees in France. 

Present in 33 countries, the Group has a total customer base of 227 million customers at 30 September 2012, including 169 million mobile customers and 15 million broadband internet (ADSL, fibre) customers worldwide. Orange is one of the main European operators for mobile and broadband internet services and, under the brand Orange Business Services, is one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.

France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris (compartment A) and on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
For more information (on the internet and on your mobile): www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com, www.orange-innovation.tv or to follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.
 
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Brand Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.
 
Press contacts:
 
France Telecom-Orange
 
Tom Wright, +33 1 44 44 93 93, tom.wright@orange.com
 
Olivier Emberger, +33 1 44 44 93 93, olivier.emberger@orange.com
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Angela Ambitho: Use opinion poll numbers as tools not rules

Dear esteemed Presidential Candidate,

With approximately 50 days to the General Election, I write to share my two cents as a political pollster. As you may be aware, we recently released our maiden popularity poll of the year on Friday. 

 Whilst some of you may be over the moon with the findings, I know that many of you are probably seething in anger at the fact that the numbers did not treat you too favourably. Please believe that I empathise with you fully because like you, I hate to lose.

However, I think it imperative that you all keep your eyes on the ball and appreciate that winning requires strategy and strategy is ineffective void of the pertinent tools.

Allow me to limit myself to the tool I know best which is research or poll statistics. It is often quipped that numbers are tools not rules and the skills in interpreting them require talent, not evidence in divine intervention. Indeed, those of you who have used numbers as tools tend to excel in their political endeavours. 

As your campaigns hot up and pollsters continue to release opinion polls my first prayer is that you will desist from attacking the numbers and instead deem them as facts that seldom lie.

I hope you will not belabour on sideshows and awful propaganda aimed at shooting the messenger simply because you don’t like the message. I urge you to remember that the poll “message” emanates from the very electorate you are so keen to govern. In shunning their views you are literally saying you are not ready to listen to the people and are as such inept to lead them.

Because the numbers are tools, they are not an end unto themselves but rather a useful means to the end. 

That being the case, I implore you to understand that the statistics we release periodically are not static; they operate in a continuum and are liable to changes depending all your efforts.

Those of you who use the numbers to address your weaknesses and bolster your strengths often see positive traction in the numbers. 

However, those of you who tend to listen to your sycophants who advise you to ignore the opinion polls as incorrect often find yourselves overtaken by events.

Thirdly, it may be prudent to look at best practice on the optimisation of opinion polls. It is my belief President Barack Obama and his team perhaps possess the most superior skills in bringing numbers to life. Studying how they were able to recapture the presidency might provide useful tips on how to garner a first round win in the elections.

My mentor and friend, the Harris poll chairman states: you need to be alive to the fact that many things are important to ensure free and fair elections. These include but are not limited to: freedom of speech and freedom to run campaigns; freedom of the Press; impartiality of the media to all candidates; government noninterference in media affairs; transparent electoral processes including registering of voters, announcing election dates; transparent vote tallying etc. Because it is unlikely all of these criteria are fully met, we need to add a ninth: that there be reliable, independent preelection and exit polls.

It is not lost to me that opinion polls are by no means infallible. However, they are the only reliable way to measure public opinion.

Knowledge of public opinion, whether well-used or misused, is far better than ignorance, and those who attack, censor, corrupt or intimidate the polls are enemies of democracy. In the coming weeks, my final prayer is that you will have confidence in the electorate’s ability to decipher their own opinion.

I hope you will not insinuate that knowledge of public perception instigates violence; I trust you will not try to manipulate your voters into thinking that ignorance is bliss.

As former British PM James Callaghan once wrote “If you cannot trust the public with polls, you should not trust them with the vote”.

May the best team win!

The writer is founder and CEO of Infotrak Research and Consulting

Courtesy: Standard on Sunday



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The billions of Kenya shillings the new county governors will be playing around with

Posted on 06 January, 2013

On January 3rd 2013 the County Allocation of Revenue Bill 2012 was tabled in Parliament. 


The bill provides for the equitable division of revenue raised nationally among county governments for the 2013 -2014 fiscal year. It also outlines the responsibilities of national and county governments.

Nairobi County will get the biggest share of allocation of funds from the national Government in the 2013-2014 financial year while Lamu County will get the smallest share of allocation followed by Isiolo County.

Budgetary estimates per county
NO
COUNTY
KSHS (BILLIONS)
1
Nairobi  
15.2  
2
Nakuru 
7.3
3
Kiambu  
7.1
4
Turkana  
6.3 
5
Kakamega  
6.5
6
Nyeri  
6.04 
7
Meru  
5.91
8
Mombasa  
5.59
9
Mandera  
5.53
10
Kisumu  
5.29
11
Bungoma  
5.24
12
Kisii  
5.21
13
Machakos  
5.01 
14
Muranga  
4.86
15
Homa Bay  
4.75
16
Kilifi  
4.71
17
Kitui  
4.66
18
Wajir  
4.55
19
Migori  
4.34
20
Uasin Gishu  
3.93
21
Makueni  
3.83
22
Siaya  
3.83
23
Garissa  
3.72
24
Busia  
3.59
25
Kericho  
3.47
26
Narok  
3.45
27
Embu  
3.44
28
Nyandarua  
3.34
29
Bomet  
3.35
30
Trans Nzoia  
3.29
31
Marsabit  
3.28
32
Kwale  
3.25
33
Baringo    
3.24
34
Nandi  
3.14
35
Kajiado  
2.96
36
Kirinyaga  
2.85
37
West Pokot  
2.79
38
Nyamira  
2.70
39
Elgeiyo Marakwet  
2.69
40
Vihiga  
2.59
41
Tana River  
2.55
42
Laikipia  
2.42
43
Taita Taveta  
2.31
44
Samburu  
2.3
45
Tharaka Nithi  
2.0
46
Isiolo  
1.6
47
Lamu  
1.9






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