Kenya Governance Magazine

The following organizations came together to call for the urgent re-constitution of IEBC: Elections Observations Group, Centre for Multi party Democracy, ELGIA and Transparency International among others. The country has been now running for two years without IEBC Commissioners. We urge the recently constituted selection panel to act with transparency. All relevant state agencies including Parliament should hurry up the process within the 90 days deadline. That means by 1st June although they can still make it by early May if they hurry up the process. The media should continuously share updates. The Judiciary should also contribute to enhancing the process without any unnecessary obstacles. We encourage all Kenyans with integrity and qualified to apply. Many competent people should flood the applications so there is a higher chance of having a pool of competent Commissioners eventually.  The incoming Commissioners will have a lot of work to do. The upcoming by-elections, the bound...

Women of Kenya representatives various rights organizations denounce any attempts to undermine the Judiciary and in particular the office of the Chief Justice. At a time when the country is facing unprecedented unlawlessness with forced disappearances, abductions, femicide and murder of citizens, the attacks against the Judiciary are a danger to the rule of the law. Discrediting the Judiciary would lead to anarchy and as women we can no longer remain silent.  Under the leadership of Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome, Kenya's Judiciary has been progressive and responsive to the needs of Kenyans. Justice has become accessible to the marginalized people such as women, children and people living with disabilities. This has happened through the establishment of Gender Justice Courts, expansion of Small Claims Court, roll out of e-filing, Mahakama Popote Initiative and a reduction in court back logs.  We are concerned as women that the persons leading the attacks on the Chief Justice ...

 Estonia's digital society Estonia is a global leader in digital governance and e-society, often called the world's most advanced digital nation. Since the early 2000s, Estonia has built a highly efficient and secure digital infrastructure, allowing citizens and businesses to interact with the government and each other with minimal bureaucracy. Here are some key aspects of Estonia's digital society: 1. E-Governance & Digital Identity Every citizen and resident has a secure digital ID, which allows them to access almost all government services online. Digital signatures are legally binding, making paperwork almost obsolete. E-residency allows non-residents to establish and run businesses in Estonia from anywhere in the world. 2. E-Services & Paperless Government 99% of public services are available online 24/7, from tax filing to voting. Citizens can access health records, sign contracts, and even register businesses in minutes. Government systems are interconnected,...

  ICEA LION Group is a financial services provider offering innovative products and services in Insurance, Pensions, Investments, and Trusts. We deliver our services through four companies in Kenya, ICEA LION General Insurance, ICEA LION Life Assurance, ICEA LION Asset Management, and ICEA LION Trust Company Limited. We also have operations in Tanzania and Uganda.  East Africa’s pioneering investment management firm, ICEA LION Asset Management, today, 27th January 2025 released the Fourth Quarter 2024 ILAM Consumer Spending Index, with the theme ‘Consumer spending trends stable in the final quarter of 2024 despite anticipated seasonal effects’. The index is aimed at tracking consumer spending as a gauge of the trends in the real economy. It is based on interviews with approximately 1,200 consumers and over 200 retail businesses in major urban centres across the country. Speaking at the event, Judd Murigi, Head of Research at ICEA LION Asset Management highlighted the following...

  Jacob's Ladder Africa's greenlabs Program Showcases Innovative Climate Solutions at Demo Day NAIROBI, KENYA –  Jacob's Ladder Africa’s greenlabs initiative proudly hosted its highly anticipated Demo Day on January 24, 2025. This event spotlighted groundbreaking climate solutions from emerging green entrepreneurs participating in an intensive incubation program dedicated to addressing pressing environmental challenges across East Africa. The Demo Day marked the culmination of the Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge, a dynamic hackathon-style competition designed to inspire and engage young aspiring entrepreneurs. Participants explored how renewable energy can transform food systems from production to consumption. Solutions ranged from energy-efficient farming techniques and renewable-powered food processing to sustainable transport and waste reduction through smart energy systems. The broader mission of Jacob's Ladder Africa broader mission to address environmen...

Statement by KTDA Holdings Board and 54 Factories on Political Interference on January 16th 2025.  KTDA stands for Kenya Tea Development Agency , a prominent organization in Kenya responsible for managing small-scale tea farming and production. It plays a key role in the tea industry, overseeing operations such as tea collection, processing, and marketing. KTDA also provides services like financial support, technical advice, and supply of farm inputs to tea farmers. Notable Government interferences include: Interfering with the Judicial process by making pronouncements on Michimikuru Directorship. Removal of price reserve by the Ministry of Agriculture without consulting KTDA Directors leading to a drop in tea prices. Making pronouncements by Agriculture PS without considering the property interests of farmers. Calling impromptu meetings with factory directors by Government agencies. Direct interference on board disputes at Michimikuru  Tea Factory. We speak against the interf...

  Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on President William Ruto to enforce the Constitution and the rule of law or else resign. Addressing the press on Wednesday, January 15, Kalonzo accused Ruto of poor governance and failure to uphold the Constitution. We demand that Ruto respect Kenyans, the oath of office he swore he preserve, and the 2010 Constitution. If he [Ruto] refuses to respect and enforce the Constitution and the laws, he should resign,” he stated. Regarding the issue of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, Musyoka argued that the delays are being orchestrated by Ruto’s 'wingmen' in a bid to rig elections come 2027. “Those who are barriers of the IEBC selection panel are puppets of Ruto and bear the highest responsibility in the current constitution crisis and an attempt to rig the 2027 elections,” said Musyoka. According to him, such actions depict disrespect to the very law, he swore to protect. His remarks come ami...

  Nairobi School Record Smashers Nairobi School is a premier national school built on 210 acres and is one of Kenya's 112 national schools. The school is built on it's core values of hardwork and diligence and churns out men strong in character.  KCSE 2024, Nairobi School had 543 students seating for the exam who were divided into 14 streams. Out of this number, 505 have qualified for direct admission to university which is a qualification rate of 93%. There were two students who scored D- but still congratulations to all the students. The school has 625 students who will sit for this year's KCSE, a testament to the growing student population numbers.  Hostel buildings development. A new hostel has just been completed hosting 500 students. The parents came together united to complete it and they also built a science complex. Sources of funds for such construction projects are borrowing as well as partnering with the Government. There are currently two other hostels under ...

This article provides a critical yet constructive analysis of the challenges and potential of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya. It underscores a broader issue prevalent in Kenyan sports infrastructure: the tendency to inaugurate facilities without addressing fundamental operational, safety, and maintenance requirements. The following points stand out: Strengths: Infrastructure Potential : The stadium, while flawed, is a significant step forward in improving sports facilities in Kenya. Its capacity to host international matches with proper upgrades is a commendable vision. Balanced Critique : The author commends the restraint in not prematurely branding the stadium "International," which avoids inflating public expectations. Constructive Suggestions : Establishing a Siaya County FC team to utilize the stadium effectively. Appointing a qualified manager to ensure long-term operational success. Key Failures Highlighted: Security Oversight : The failure to adequately m...

  Siaya Stadium's Grand Opening: A Triumph Undermined by Critical Failures The recent inauguration of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya, highlighted by the high-profile Gor Mahia vs. Kitara FC match, presented a mixed bag. While the event marked a significant milestone for Kenyan football, it also underscored critical shortcomings that need urgent attention to ensure the stadium's long-term viability and the safety of future football events. The match, which had the potential for international sanctioning (had it been properly coordinated through both the Kenyan and Ugandan football federations, as well as CAF), was marred by serious security lapses. The presence of two heads of state only amplified the severity of these shortcomings. The absence of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) from the organizational process was a glaring oversight, contributing to the lack of clear protocols and the resulting chaos. Fans dangerously infiltrated restricted areas, including Zon...