KCPE Results to be Released on Monday 28th 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

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

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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