People,
I love you all sincerely........but more importantly, I am passionate that we must have a Government that works for everybody without discrimination, corruption, graft or impunity. These are elements that create greed, hate, jealousy, selfishness and joblessness. Government too cannot be shut down. If it is shut down, how will peoples' interest be taken care of. Who will provide for discipline to regulate and put in checks bad and corrupt behaviors??? How will fairness be measured or guaranteed??? While Private Businesses create jobs, Government too creates jobs. The Government requires responsible leaders to dialogue in a bi-partisan manner to move progressive development agenda forward. Management of a Government service is not about offering services to Business community alone, but it is a body whose system facilitates peoples needs in a shared balanced fashion....where, all must have an opportunity to satisfy needs in a balanced way......so, all must sacrifice in one way or the other to make Government services, utilities and facilities available to all in a fair manner. For those who do wrong, are non compliant or are in default, there must be regulatory system put in place with legal machinery that must help with solving the problem amicably to maintain discipline and order.
People, when you look at Kenya, don't look at it in the village or national level; look at it Globally. Every thread of survival has global connotation to it. Whoever you are; when you view or think of your taxes, don't think locally, think globally…….
I respect Sungu's comment, he has put a valid point across.....but again we cannot claim we have answers to all things of life. We need each other's inputs; that is when we can succeed to remove poverty on the face of Africa and not just from Kenya or the Community of Nyanza. The 42 tribes of Kenya are part of us, People of African descent are our brothers and sisters. The Global community is part and parcel of Humanity. We are created by God to obey love commandment. If we can practice the commandment of love; there shall be no pain or sufferings, and security to our livelihood and survival shall be guaranteed. Individually, we must be committed to safe environment by shaping lifestyle to improve nature as it is part and parcel of survival.
It is wrong that humanity is at risk because of greedy wealth creators who are ambitious to engage non-transparent, tricky and dangerous business undertaking of a conspiracy to serve their selfish, corrupt and greedy needs; simply to stay and remain wealthy in control of the Government function-ability.
We must accept and work with good and considerate business people who respects majority wishes and recognizes that Government is supreme and is the authority over matters of discipline and regulatory principles. That business community however powerful, must agree to comply and play by the rule as required within the government system. Business community must not decide for public livelihood or survival. They shall remain partners in shared sacrifice for progressive development.
Responsible leaders of great integrity too must have a plan at which they must share with people how they wish to govern the country if given a chance. A Presidential aspirant without a Blue Print Plan of Action to share with the people is a gambler. Such a leader always comes with hidden agenda of selfishness and greed. Their aim is to gain power for wealth creation and to serve Special Interest; and as has been seen many times in the past, they are found to be thoroughly compromised networking within circles of Special Interest. They can never provide a balanced fair value for progressive shared interests to thrive.
If Russia, Iran and China (as commission agents to International Corporate Special Business Interests) have vested interests away from the majority of world's people's interest; they are not friends of the majority 99% who are after peace and unity for shared common value.
If International Corporate business community with their Global political networking are in a conspiracy to hijack power to destroy Democratic Government of the People to make way for network of the unscrupulous corrupt Corporate Special Interest who do not want to pay taxes or play by the rule; it must be known that, they are not working in favor of majority Democratic Governance rule of promoting shared sacrifice. They are after Special Interest and nothing more.
Why Unity is Important: We must make solid and strengthen our unity of purpose so we are able to bargain effectively across boarders and into the Global market region, where everybody is included in this prospects of progressive development if they work hard. It is not easy but it can be done. We must transform our thinking and be able to move into a path of working for success. No one person can do it alone, but together, we shall be winners.
Why Voting Responsibly is Crucial: Those who are voted to public office must know that they are duty bound to the voters first and foremost. That they must make the government strong by engaging in its democratic function-ability so voters are able to be served equally, fairly and in a balanced and transparent manner.
But when such comments like HEADQUARTERS Has asked Dhiwa aspirants to endorse so and so" it becomes a problem. We are not going according to the wishes of the majority voters. This is sounding wrong signal. People must be concerned. We must not accept to sell birth-rights for survival in place of group of business special interest who want to make us slaves, control our lives and livelihood and make our lives miserable, while they are busy creating wealth. It shall be a disaster in the making. It is the majority people through the Government who must decide how they wish to be fairly governed by choosing those leaders who can deliver socio/economic program agenda through a platform of responsible politics engagement and debate.
In Africa and in the world, the war of transformation to improve people's government has just started. It has just begun. It is not just in Kenya although poverty is worse, it is a Global problem that must be put in order. We all want functioning government that works for all and provides efficient, quality and dignified services to all fairly and because of this, we cannot gamble with our lives, or allow leaders who are in the business of gambling to manage our lives.....it can be risky and dangerous.....
It is our obligation to make sure we all fight hard to put in place, a government system that works as it should by making sure that Democracy is functioning and elected officials do what they are suppose to do .......We cannot afford to have a government working only for the rich and wealthy and leaving out the disadvantaged poor to rot in misery.
The world is moving very fast and to succeed in life, people must united at peace with each other under golden rule of love; where, sharing and caring for one another is the way to go.
Hard work is before all of us. Let us all in own ways, help President Obama to win this election so he is able to complete his second term.........He is passionate for a peaceful partnership relation network of a United global Nation in a secured safe environment.
Let us all dedicate for special Prayers for Gods wisdom, provision, protection and guidance as we endeavor in this journey.......
I love you all........
Cheers !!!! Judy Miriga Diaspora Spokesperson Executive Director Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc., USA http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com Africa Wealth is being devoured without Regulatory measures to protect or preserve: A surprise judgment was made recently against a vulture fund, FG Hemisphere, striking down its claim for $100m from the Democratic Republic of Congo. FG Hemisphere has spent many years and a small fortune pursuing Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko for a debt it bought "secondhand" for $3m, but on which it hoped to claim back $100m. Most recently it has been trying to grab the assets of Congo's state-owned mining company, Gécamines, through a joint venture in which it is invested on Jersey. --- On Thu, 8/9/12, Lee Makwiny <amosogal@gmail.com> wrote: From: Lee Makwiny <amosogal@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [PK] Ted Odero for Dhiwa To: progressive-kenyans@googlegroups.com, "uchunguzi online" <uchunguzionline@yahoogroups.com> Cc: vuguvugumashinani@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, August 9, 2012, 6:05 AM PRESS STATEMENT NATIONAL ELECTIONS BOARD In June this year, the National Elections Board of the Orange Democratic Movement - ODM placed an announcement to party members requesting them to send their expressions of interest in the various seats they are intending to vie for in the coming general elections. The Board gave out a period of one and half months for the interested persons to submit their expressions of interest. The deadline for this exercise was yesterday Wednesday 8th August 2012. So far, the response has been enormous. We have received over 6,000 application letters through email, post office, courier services and majority of them, by hand delivery. The applicants are from all over the country and even from Kenyans leaving abroad and who want to return back home and join politics. This clearly shows how popular ODM is and is an indicator of the things to come in the general elections. However, there are thousands of other party members who could not beat the deadline due to various reasons and requested for an extension of the period to enable them send in their expressions of interest. The board met yesterday and considered this request. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that the deadline for the expressions of interest by our party members has been extended by a further one week upto Friday 17th day of August 2012. The board urges those who have not submitted their applications to do so on or before the close of business of the Friday 17 which is next week. We also appeal to other Kenyans who want to vie for elective seats in the general elections and are not decided on which party ticket to vie on, to join ODM which is the government in waiting. In order to ease any logistical problems in delivering letters of expressions, the board has authorized all ODM County election coordinators to collect and dispatch the same to Orange House by the deadline. We also wish to confirm to the public that the ODM is fully prepared for the September 17th by-elections. In Ndhiwa constituency, we have received 22 applications whose details are being verified for the party nominations on Monday 13th August 2012. The deadline for the applications for the by-elections in today Thursday 9th August 2012. The board would like to make clear that, there is no preferred candidate for any of the vacant electoral positions in the by-elections. In Kajiado North, after consultations among the ODM party officials, elders and stakeholders in the constituency and settled on Eng. Peter Ole Mositet to be the party's flag bearer in the by election. Hon. Dr. JKA Misoi Secretary, NEB 9/8/2012 On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 12:26 PM, MOSES ONUNGA <onungatz@hotmail.com> wrote:
The ODM HEADQUARTERS Has asked Dhiwa aspirants to endorse Ted Odero as the parliamentary aspirant,the aspirants are still consulting
Moses
Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2012 02:20:33 -0700 From: sunoti@yahoo.com Subject: [PK] AGOSTINO NETO'S CANDIDATURE IN NDHIWA-LETS STICK TO ISSUES To: VuguVuguMashinani@yahoogroups.com; progressive-kenyans@googlegroups.com
Lee,
I am actually going to harvest some fish but that does not stop me from eating fish on the way. Remember, fish is very expensive in Nairobi and I will be carrying for my family and a few friends some fish from my pond.
Meanwhile, I am looking for market in Kisumu, we can meet and discuss, I hear the prices in Homa Bay are quite attractive.
I want to harvest, restock and come back to serve the country through The Clean Kenya Campaign now that some corporates are showing interest in waste, we have sung this and it is good enough that people have been listening.
Pole about your illness, just put the fish tomorrow and I will buy the ugali (lol) then all will be well, tell them to put very little cooking oil, a little spinach, pilipili kidogo and soup kidogo sana, ugali they can put at will, no reservations!!!!
Sungu.
From: Lee Makwiny <amosogal@gmail.com> To: progressive-kenyans@googlegroups.com Cc: "Vugu Vugu Mashinani@yahoogroups.com" <VuguVuguMashinani@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Thursday, August 9, 2012 2:13 AM Subject: (VVM Forum) Re: [PK] AGOSTINO NETO'S CANDIDATURE IN NDHIWA-LETS STICK TO ISSUES
Sunoti,
I was able to Mr. Masira almost two times this month alone.
I have met Oto, but missed him in the last two occassions, the last being last week, when I really wanted to meet him, but was down with some illness. I am feeling better today and may be in Asembo tomorrow, but will be back early enough.
Hope to meet you.
BTW: How do i buy a fish-farmer some fis!!!!
Thank you!
On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 11:59 AM, otieno sungu <sunoti@yahoo.com> wrote:
I want to call on all of us discussing Neto's candidature to stick to the following.
Is he able to lead? Does he have credentials we trust are necessary for leadership? Does he meet Chapter 6 of the Katiba?
I want to believe, knowing Neto personally, that he is one of the brilliant young people Kenya needs in leadership. I have met in the course of the engagements in things I believe in young Kenyans with a passion for a better Kenya. Neto is one such person.
I also know a few who are not prone to empty talk like many young folks on these blogs but are focused and can get things done.They are doing marvelous things with youth.
The point about where people stood during the Katiba debate was relevant then, it may be an issue some will remember but as a nation, even though such judgement may haunt one, we should encourage everyone to now join implementing the katiba. We cannot get stuck on who opposed the document. Many who supported it may not have done so out of conviction just as many who opposed it may have had genuine concerns rather than the politics some characters treated us to during the Katiba debate.
Let us encourage youth to vie for positions, let us support them but above all, let us believe in some things, especially the national values.
I support Neto's candidature. I will be traveling to Rarieda tomorrow, I hope to meet PKs in Kisumu and Lee to buy the fish for late lunch, he stood me, my wife and son last time I was in Kisumu.
My son has never forgiven him.
Lee, are you listening?
Otieno Sungu Africa's wealth is being devoured by tyrants and vulturesCitizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo should be living in one of the world's richest countries. Plunder and corruption condemns them to poverty
 'Repayment' of loans made to the corrupt Mobuto Sese Seko has proved an important means of draining the DRC's wealth. Photograph: Remy De La Mauviniere/AP A surprise judgment was made last week against a vulture fund, FG Hemisphere, striking down its claim for $100m from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Keeping money out of the hands of profiteers is welcome, but wider questions raised by the case lead straight to one of the central problems of the global economy: the right of money to flow wherever, whenever, while millions remain in poverty. FG Hemisphere has spent many years and a small fortune pursuing Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko for a debt it bought "secondhand" for $3m, but on which it hoped to claim back $100m. Most recently it has been trying to grab the assets of Congo's state-owned mining company, Gécamines, through a joint venture in which it is invested on Jersey. It was winning until Tuesday when the privy council, the final court of appeal for Jersey, overturned previous judgments, saying Gécamines assets could not be taken as state assets. With luck, the case will have cost Hemisphere so much that we won't hear from it again. But for the people of Congo, it's not the end of the story. Few of them will know much about the case. Indeed, it raises the question of why wealth derived from mining in the DRC was being fought over in faraway Jersey in the first place. The DRC has vast mineral wealth including diamonds, copper, oil and gas; one estimate puts the value of these resources at $24 trillion. However, it is pretty much the poorest country in the world. The reason is centuries of plunder, at its worst involving the buying, selling and brutalisation of millions of people. But plunder today continues in different guises – through odious debt and tax avoidance. The debt bought up by FG Hemisphere was part of a vast pile that fuelled the rule of Mobutu, who pillaged his country for more than 30 years. Mobutu's lenders knew he was as corrupt as hell; a report by an IMF mission in 1982 reported there was "no, I repeat no, chance on the horizon for Zaire's [DRC's] numerous creditors to get their money back". But lending continued to rise sharply. Mobutu was, on balance, doing what his paymasters wanted. "Repayment" of this money, long after Mobutu was ousted, has proved the first important means of draining the DRC of wealth. The country was judged eligible for debt cancellation on the basis of its poverty, but this involved jumping through so many hoops it took eight years to complete. By then, more than $2bn had left the country repaying Mobutu's debts and numerous new loans were needed. It seems incredible that so rich a country can end up in serious debt, until you think about the amount of money leaving the DRC through the other crucial factor in its impoverishment: unpaid taxes. Although the DRC has been a poor reporter of data, it has been estimated that, between 1970 and 2008, more than $6bn left the country illicitly. This is equivalent to about 1% of the economy every year – more than enough to cover its total outstanding debts. The figures suggest that an average of $170m has left the DRC every year, almost two-thirds of the average $300m it has to make in debt service payments. Little wonder that its debt is starting to rise again, and is expected to reach $7.5bn by 2015. In essence, successive governments have used foreign loans as a means of financing their activities – including building palaces in the jungle and stealing from state coffers. This is useful for governments interested in avoiding accountability to their people. It's useful for lenders interested in plundering the countries of those governments. For today's leader, payment is put off for another day; for today's lender, a web of dependency is created with an income stream potentially reaching into the far future. This tale is not limited to Congo. Latest estimates put capital flight from sub-Saharan Africa – money lost to the continent and hidden offshore – at $683bn between 1970 and 2010, more than enough to wipe out sub-Saharan Africa's debts to the rest of the world. As Africa is celebrated for its growth rates, the amount of taxes lost to the continent accelerates. The funds flowing in, lauded by Tony Blair, Sir Bob Geldof and their ilk, will primarily enrich those already at the top, fuel inequality and expand dependence on a crony form of finance. Vultures will increasingly swoop on these riches. Stopping them, and building a different society, means controlling the flow of money – and taxing it. Nick Dearden is Director of the Jubilee Debt Campaign congofest.com22/07/2012 09:50 Citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo should be living in one of the world's richest countries. Plunder and corruption condemns them to poverty A surprise judgment was made last week against a vulture fund, FG Hemisphere, striking down its claim for $ 100m from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Keeping money out of the hands of profiteers is welcome, but wider questions raised by the case lead straight to one of the central problems of the global economy: the right of money to flow wherever, whenever, while millions remain in poverty. FG Hemisphere has spent many years and a small fortune pursuing Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko for a debt it bought "secondhand" for $ 3m, but on which it hoped to claim back $ 100m. Most recently it has been trying to grab the assets of Congo's state-owned mining company, Gécamines, through a joint venture in which it is invested on Jersey. It was winning until Tuesday when the privy council, the final court of appeal for Jersey, overturned previous judgments, saying Gécamines assets could not be taken as state assets. With luck, the case will have cost Hemisphere so much that we won't hear from it again. But for the people of Congo, it's not the end of the story. Few of them will know much about the case. Indeed, it raises the question of why wealth derived from mining in the DRC was being fought over in faraway Jersey in the first place. The DRC has vast mineral wealth including diamonds, copper, oil and gas; one estimate puts the value of these resources at $ 24 trillion. However, it is pretty much the poorest country in the world. The reason is centuries of plunder, at its worst involving the buying, selling and brutalisation of millions of people. But plunder today continues in different guises – through odious debt and tax avoidance. The debt bought up by FG Hemisphere was part of a vast pile that fuelled the rule of Mobutu, who pillaged his country for more than 30 years. Mobutu's lenders knew he was as corrupt as hell; a report by an IMF mission in 1982 reported there was "no, I repeat no, chance on the horizon for Zaire's [DRC's] numerous creditors to get their money back". But lending continued to rise sharply. Mobutu was, on balance, doing what his paymasters wanted. "Repayment" of this money, long after Mobutu was ousted, has proved the first important means of draining the DRC of wealth. The country was judged eligible for debt cancellation on the basis of its poverty, but this involved jumping through so many hoops it took eight years to complete. By then, more than $ 2bn had left the country repaying Mobutu's debts and numerous new loans were needed. It seems incredible that so rich a country can end up in serious debt, until you think about the amount of money leaving the DRC through the other crucial factor in its impoverishment: unpaid taxes. Although the DRC has been a poor reporter of data, it has been estimated that, between 1970 and 2008, more than $ 6bn left the country illicitly. This is equivalent to about 1% of the economy every year – more than enough to cover its total outstanding debts. The figures suggest that an average of $ 170m has left the DRC every year, almost two-thirds of the average $ 300m it has to make in debt service payments. Little wonder that its debt is starting to rise again, and is expected to reach $ 7.5bn by 2015. In essence, successive governments have used foreign loans as a means of financing their activities – including building palaces in the jungle and stealing from state coffers. This is useful for governments interested in avoiding accountability to their people. It's useful for lenders interested in plundering the countries of those governments. For today's leader, payment is put off for another day; for today's lender, a web of dependency is created with an income stream potentially reaching into the far future. This tale is not limited to Congo. Latest estimates put capital flight from sub-Saharan Africa – money lost to the continent and hidden offshore – at $ 683bn between 1970 and 2010, more than enough to wipe out sub-Saharan Africa's debts to the rest of the world. As Africa is celebrated for its growth rates, the amount of taxes lost to the continent accelerates. The funds flowing in, lauded by Tony Blair, Sir Bob Geldof and their ilk, will primarily enrich those already at the top, fuel inequality and expand dependence on a crony form of finance. Vultures will increasingly swoop on these riches. Stopping them, and building a different society, means controlling the flow of money – and taxing it. Nick Dearden is Director of the Jubilee Debt Campaign guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds World news: Democratic Republic of the Congo | guardian.co.uk Popularity: 1% [?] « Tabu Ley – Lucie. « newer Draft Bill lowers integrity threshold, removes checksSHARE THIS STORYUpdated 6 hrs 17 mins ago Candidates contesting elections will be spared intense scrutiny of their character after a Bill to enforce integrity was stripped of mandatory vetting by the public. Key State organs earlier detailed to vet the candidates and prospective appointees to public offices have also been sidelined under the published Leadership and Integrity Bill. Instead, it is proposed that candidates and those seeking appointment will fill a self-declaration form in which they will tick against a list of moral and ethical questions. The Bill cleared by the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution had compelled those seeking an appointment or election to a State office to obtain a certificate of compliance in line with Chapter Six of the Constitution. The National Intelligence Service, National Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority and Higher Education Loans Board were among agencies invited to do the background check. Findings were to be relayed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and anyone who failed the compliance test was to be automatically disqualified. However, the Bill published by Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa on August 3 has done away with this rigorous vetting process and essentially left it upon the candidates to assess themselves. The only caveat is that this would be done under oath. Another aspect is that disqualification from elections is only after one is convicted at the conclusion of "a fair administrative process." Ambiguity The ambiguity is apparently designed to cushion scores of MPs and aspirants with pending cases. "A person is not eligible for election or appointment to a State office if, after a fair administrative process has been undertaken, the person is found to have contravened the rules, regulations or the code of any entity that do not contravene the constitution or this Act on matters relating to ethics and integrity," the Bill reads. The Bill has also struck out the requirement for candidates and prospective public appointees to make full disclosure of their wealth. It has also limited the ban on participating in gainful employment to allow State officers directorship in private companies, conduct business that "does not require active participation" and any work not covered under the Employment Act. CIC has warned the weakened draft law defeats the Bill's objective to provide "a minimum threshold of election based on personal integrity, competence and suitability." The Bill is due to be presented to Parliament and is among laws require to be passed by the end of the month. Law team urges MPs to save integrity Bill The draft Integrity Bill provided for vetting of candidates seeking elective positions. Photo/FILE By SAMUEL SIRINGI ssiringi@ke.nationmedia.com AND BERNARD NAMUNANE bnamunane@ke.nationmedia.com Posted Wednesday, August 8 2012 at 22:30 The law implementation committee has urged MPs to reinstate clauses that were deleted by the Cabinet from the integrity Bill to provide for vetting of public officers. The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution said the diluted Leadership and Integrity Bill annuls the moral and ethical standards expressed in the supreme law. CIC member Kamotho Waiganjo said the Constitution required that any law on integrity should provide room for vetting of elected leaders and public officers. "The Constitution requires a statute that has a mechanism for vetting of leaders," he said of the Bill which prescribes the requirements without providing for organs to validate them. The Integrity Bill is among eight proposed laws, which have to be enacted by Parliament by the end of this month to implement sections of the Constitution. Others are Petition to Parliament Bill, Petition to County Assemblies Bill, Assumption of Office of President Bill, National Intelligence Service Bill, National Security Council Bill, Kenya Defence Forces Bill, and the Election Campaign Financing Bill. The draft Integrity Bill provided for vetting of candidates seeking elective positions and people applying for top government jobs as required by Chapter Six of the Constitution. It also required the two sets of public officers to declare their wealth before assuming office. However, the Cabinet last week deleted the clauses on vetting and declaration of wealth, paving the way for politicians and public officers to hold offices without scrutiny. This denies the anti-corruption commission and other agencies role in vetting those seeking public offices. Fresh storm at NHIFSHARE THIS STORYUpdated 6 hrs 13 mins ago By Ben Agina A fresh storm is casting a long shadow on the credibility of National Hospital Insurance Fund caretaker committee, even as Cabinet plans to extend its term to December. Having taken over from the suspended management team led by Richard Kerich and board chairman Richard Muga, which was also kicked out over the multi-million shilling controversial civil servants medical scheme, it was expected the new team would operate above board. But the emerging facts from the troubled NHIF, whose head Medical Services Minister Peter Anyang' Nyong'o wanted reinstated Team is the fact that the acting Chief Executive Adan A Adan, recommended the employment of his wife after landing at NHIF, and signed an approval form to that effect. Adan, who has been in the office for hardly three months, recommended the hiring of his wife, Habib Ali Maalim, together with other people believed to be his relatives. He signed the formal forms for approval, even suggesting her grade and placement in the Fund. Adan heads the caretaker committee, which is in contempt of a High Court order, and which was expected to hold its last board meeting on Wednesday. On Wednesday, when confronted with the facts on the documents in hands of The Standard, Adan confirmed Habib was his wife, but argued her name was struck off the list of those to be recruited because of her link to him. It is, however, curious that though he was the signatory of the approval letter, and predictably even took part in the earlier process of recruitment and even suggested she be taken on job grade HF6, he did not seem to have declared beforehand their relationship. Struck off list "Yes, Habib is my wife. She is a qualified senior nurse. We cancelled her name when we discovered her name was in the list," said Adan. But he did not explain how her name got on the final list bearing his signature, and at the number one position. Assuming Habib did not get her appointment letter as her husband claims, she was to be recruited as Quality Assurance Officer 1, Job Group (HF6), and to be based at NHIF offices in Ruaraka. On the same letter dated June 26, signed by Adan, there were further handwritten instructions to the manager, human resource, directing, "Kindly approve placement above HF6 the officer is a CPK finalist". Other sources at NHIF claim newly employed Adan's relatives are Abdirashid Adan Ali (accountant HF7), to be based in Eldoret, and Abdikadir I Adan, Inspector 11 (HF7), to be stationed in Embu. He however, denied having any relations with Abdirashid and Abdikadir, and dismissed claims they could be members of his family. When contacted an angry Adan wondered why we are only zeroing in on one community, Somali, and yet there were others from other regions also earmarked for recruitment. "Aren't the Somalis qualified for these jobs? Why are you not mentioning the rest," retorted Adan. Apart from Habib, others who were to be recruited following Adan's instructions were Constatine Oile, Margaret Wanjiru Kirima, Ahmed Kher Abdi, Ann Njeri Mukuri, Yusuf Ali Shire, and Grace Wairimu Kang'ethe. Sources in NHIF did not, however, raise any issue with this batch of appointments. When contacted about the latest development, Medical Services Minister Anyang' Nyong'o declined to comment. "Please leave me out of this,'' pleaded Nyong'o, who was in the eye of the storm over the Sh4.6 billion controversial health insurance scheme awarded to Meridian and Clinix heath providers. The award has since been suspended after it turned out they were not given on competitive basis, and some of the clinics listed were not even in existence. Single sourcing In yet another instance, Adan approved the single sourcing of a Sh3.7 million advertisement to appear in the USA Today magazine, without going through the normal procurement procedures. The Manager, Marketing Communication, Bella Omino, wrote a letter dated June 15 to the chief executive informing him of an interview he (Adan) had with United World Ltd of London – a company that was to facilitate placement of the advert. "The advert and the write-up would also be given a link on their website so as to reach Kenyans in the Diaspora to inform them of the role of NHIF and how they can contribute towards boosting NHIF," said Bella She added that as NHIF also works toward achieving Universal Healthcare, it is important that the Fund communicates its achievements to Kenyans in the Diaspora. USA Today is a widely read newspaper and will give us the right platform for showcasing our role in meeting Vision 2030," said Bella, seeking to justify the choice of advertiser. Normal procurement On June 19, United World Ltd invoiced NHIF US$43,600 (Sh3.7 million) for placement of a quarter page advert. But the General manager Finance and Control, Pamela Marendi, questioned why the United World was being awarded the tender without going through the normal procurement procedures. "Kindly note that direct procurement method is only allowed as long as the purpose is not to avoid competition," said Marendi, in a letter addressed to manager, procurement and supplies. She noted that the procedure for using direct procurement method as per Regulation 62 (2-3) of the procurement law, the procuring entity is supposed to record the reasons for direct procurement and the method be approved by the tender committee before sourcing for goods or services. However, Adan had on June 19, personally approved the single sourcing by signing the official request from Omino. "We principally accepted the offer because this would have put Kenya in the world map. The cost, however, was too much and it remains cancelled,'' Adan explained in an interview before asking: "But who gave you this information?" Affordable health On May 19, President Kibaki demanded a speedy probe into the NHIF scam and promised tough action on those found to have mishandled or misappropriated the funds meant for the scheme. He also warned the alleged scandal was likely to frustrate Government drive to provide affordable and universal health care. "We must never compromise the health of our citizens because of greed and schemes meant to put money in the pockets of people, who have no capacity to deliver health services," said Kibaki. Last month Justice Weldon Korir ruled the NHIF Act was not followed in the appointment of the new team, but the AG appealed the ruling. The Judge noted that Section 4(1) of NHIF Act stating how the board should be appointed was not followed. Kenya Medical Association filed the case. Improve Kenyans' lives, Kibaki urges MPs By PPS Posted Tuesday, August 7 2012 at 14:40
 President Kibaki (centre) cuts the tape to officially open Parliament's refurbished chamber August 7, 2012. He is flanked by House Speaker Kenneth Marende (left). The President urged MPs to use the remainder of their parliamentary term to improve Kenyans' lives. SALATON NJAU By PPS Posted Tuesday, August 7 2012 at 14:40 President Kibaki has urged MPs to use the remainder of their parliamentary term to improve Kenyans' lives. Speaking at Parliament buildings during the official opening of the refurbished chamber Tuesday, President Kibaki said the legislators should ensure that the Tenth Parliament goes down in history for its role in uplifting the quality of the lives of Kenyans from all walks of life. "Let us use the time left to entrench reforms and to put in place structures that future leaders will use to transform Kenya into a haven of prosperity as envisioned under our VISION 2030," President Kibaki said. He observed that as leaders, MPs have tremendous capacity to transform the lives of the electorate and called on Kenyans to carefully vet those they will elect to serve in Parliament during the next General Election. "The power to determine the destiny of our nation is in our vote. Let us use that power wisely." President Kibaki, once again, assured all Kenyans that the government is putting in place measures to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. He reassured that the government will support the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in acquiring the biometric voter registration equipment that will contribute to the credibility of the electoral process. President Kibaki said government will also fast-track the issuance of national identification cards to Kenyan youth to enable them to vote. Smooth handover of power He promised to oversee a smooth transition. "I also re-commit myself to guaranteeing that Kenya has a smooth transition to the leadership that they will vote into office next March," President Kibaki said. On devolution, President Kibaki restated the government's commitment to providing resources for devolved government as stipulated in the Constitution, saying devolution is here to stay. "Devolution is critical and must be fully supported by this Parliament that should put in place the necessary structures that will guarantee a smooth transition to the next form of government," President Kibaki said. He said the newly refurbished chamber will greatly aid the legislative and representative roles of MPs, the President commended Kenyan taxpayers for paying their taxes and all those involved in the refurbishment project. The President said the government will work closely with Parliament to facilitate implementation of the next phase of the modernisation programme, including the preparation of facilities necessary for the Senate as well as increased staff numbers. "We are committed to providing resources for the two-chamber legislature to function effectively. The Ministry of Finance will allocate the necessary funds for this endeavour," President Kibaki said. Promote peace The President insisted that Members of Parliament must actively promote peace, unity and national cohesion in all corners of the country. "To ensure peaceful elections, I encourage Members of Parliament and other leaders and citizens to actively participate in the forthcoming county peace conference on 13th and 14th August and the national peace conference on 30th and 31st August," President Kibaki said. President Kibaki said he was hopeful that the MPs will give due attention to a number of Bills related to the Constitution that will be presented in the coming days so as to stick to the timelines provided for under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. During the occasion, President Kibaki handed over a copy of the original Constitution that he signed on the August 27, 2010 and the pen with which he appended his signature on the Constitution for safe custody in the august House. National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende said seats in the refurbished chamber were made by the prisons department and called on Kenyans to give preference to locally made goods and materials as their contribution to building and branding Kenya. Mr Marende said the old chamber will undergo similar refurbishments to accommodate the Senate. Others who spoke during the occasion were Cabinet ministers Njeru Githae, James Orengo, Chris Obure and legislator Nicholas Gumbo. In attendance were Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, acting Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia, ambassadors and High Commissioners, among other senior government officials and invited guests. President Kibaki has urged MPs to use the remainder of their parliamentary term to improve Kenyans' lives. Speaking at Parliament buildings during the official opening of the refurbished chamber Tuesday, President Kibaki said the legislators should ensure that the Tenth Parliament goes down in history for its role in uplifting the quality of the lives of Kenyans from all walks of life. "Let us use the time left to entrench reforms and to put in place structures that future leaders will use to transform Kenya into a haven of prosperity as envisioned under our VISION 2030," President Kibaki said. He observed that as leaders, MPs have tremendous capacity to transform the lives of the electorate and called on Kenyans to carefully vet those they will elect to serve in Parliament during the next General Election. "The power to determine the destiny of our nation is in our vote. Let us use that power wisely." President Kibaki, once again, assured all Kenyans that the government is putting in place measures to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. He reassured that the government will support the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in acquiring the biometric voter registration equipment that will contribute to the credibility of the electoral process. President Kibaki said government will also fast-track the issuance of national identification cards to Kenyan youth to enable them to vote. Smooth handover of power He promised to oversee a smooth transition. "I also re-commit myself to guaranteeing that Kenya has a smooth transition to the leadership that they will vote into office next March," President Kibaki said. On devolution, President Kibaki restated the government's commitment to providing resources for devolved government as stipulated in the Constitution, saying devolution is here to stay. "Devolution is critical and must be fully supported by this Parliament that should put in place the necessary structures that will guarantee a smooth transition to the next form of government," President Kibaki said. He said the newly refurbished chamber will greatly aid the legislative and representative roles of MPs, the President commended Kenyan taxpayers for paying their taxes and all those involved in the refurbishment project. The President said the government will work closely with Parliament to facilitate implementation of the next phase of the modernisation programme, including the preparation of facilities necessary for the Senate as well as increased staff numbers. "We are committed to providing resources for the two-chamber legislature to function effectively. The Ministry of Finance will allocate the necessary funds for this endeavour," President Kibaki said. Promote peace The President insisted that Members of Parliament must actively promote peace, unity and national cohesion in all corners of the country. "To ensure peaceful elections, I encourage Members of Parliament and other leaders and citizens to actively participate in the forthcoming county peace conference on 13th and 14th August and the national peace conference on 30th and 31st August," President Kibaki said. President Kibaki said he was hopeful that the MPs will give due attention to a number of Bills related to the Constitution that will be presented in the coming days so as to stick to the timelines provided for under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. During the occasion, President Kibaki handed over a copy of the original Constitution that he signed on the August 27, 2010 and the pen with which he appended his signature on the Constitution for safe custody in the august House. National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende said seats in the refurbished chamber were made by the prisons department and called on Kenyans to give preference to locally made goods and materials as their contribution to building and branding Kenya. Mr Marende said the old chamber will undergo similar refurbishments to accommodate the Senate. Others who spoke during the occasion were Cabinet ministers Njeru Githae, James Orengo, Chris Obure and legislator Nicholas Gumbo. In attendance were Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, acting Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia, ambassadors and High Commissioners, among other senior government officials and invited guests. Minister and Governor ignored advice, leading to Sh1.8bn loss: PAC Former Finance minister Amos Kimunya. Photo/FILE By ALPHONCE SHIUNDU ashiundu@ke.nationmedia.com Posted Saturday, August 4 2012 at 23:30 Transport Minister Amos Kimunya and Central Bank Governor Njuguna Ndung'u have to take the blame for the Sh1.8 billion loss that the public suffered following the cancellation of a cheaper money-printing contract. The Public Accounts Committee — the powerful parliamentary watchdog committee that audits government spending — is convinced that the two ignored the advice of the economists of the Central Bank and made somewhat reckless decisions that led to the loss. Mr Kimunya was the Finance Minister when the controversial contract was signed. The committee is angered that Mr Kimunya misled the committee that the country had in fact saved Sh3.8 billion when the figures from the Auditor-General showed a different story. The cost of printing the 1.71 billion pieces of banknotes at De La Rue was Sh3.8 billion; the interim orders for printing banknotes, as the Central Bank awaited the conclusion of that contract, comes to Sh5.5 billion. Yet Mr Kimunya told the committee that over three years, printing the 1.71 billion would have cost the taxpayer Sh8 billion. "On the strength of the special audit report by the Auditor-General, the committee was satisfied that the taxpayer lost Sh1,830,909,616 being the price difference between the cost of the interim orders and the cancelled contract and that the government did not therefore get value for money in the interim orders," the PAC noted in its report, awaiting debate in Parliament. When the committee spoke to former Central Bank Governor Andrew Mulei, and to the current governor, Prof Ndung'u, they all said that the taxpayer paid a lot of money to foot the money-printing bill — which would have been saved if Mr Kimunya had not put roadblocks to the process. "De La Rue argued that the price difference in the interim orders and the cancelled contract was nil. Dr Andrew Mulei told the committee that the price of the interim orders was one and a half times more than the cancelled contract. Prof Ndung'u told the committee that the cancelled contract was cheaper than the interim orders," PAC noted. Did Mr Kimunya cook the Sh8 billion figure? Although Dr Mulei did now show up before the committee, he sent a written submission to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Patrick Gichohi. The submission was forwarded to the committee and, after scrutiny, the committee agreed to admit it. Former CBK Deputy Governor Jacinta Mwatela also pointed out gross violations of the law by both the Governor and Mr Kimunya. She was the chair of the tender committee that carried out due diligence before De La Rue got the tender to print the 1.71 billion pieces. Ms Mwatela pointed out to the committee that Mr Kimunya had acted illegally because he could not cancel a contract that he was not party to. "Only the tender committee had such powers as provided for by Section 32 (2) of the Public Procurement and Disposal Regulations," she told the committee in her submissions as recorded in the PAC report. While the initial interim order of 164.05 million pieces was within the law, which allows for an interim order to be 10 per cent or lower than the initial order; Mr Kimunya and Prof Ndung'u conspired and ordered another 390 million pieces of banknotes. If the two wanted more orders, the tender committee was of the view that the law on procurement had to be followed to the letter. The governor and Mr Kimunya went ahead with the plan to take the interim orders. Kimunya used Kibaki's name in De La Rue deal PHOTO | FILE | NATION Former Central Bank of Kenya's acting governor Jacinta Mwatela when she appeared before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. By ALPHONCE SHIUNDU ashiundu@ke.nationmedia.com Posted Saturday, August 4 2012 at 23:30 In Summary
Cabinet minister Amos Kimunya invoked President Kibaki's name when he pushed the Central Bank to cancel the controversial money-printing contract that had been awarded to international money-printing firm, De La Rue. However, the President reportedly denied that he told Mr Kimunya, the then Finance Minister, to stop the launch of new generation currency in 2007, because it was an election year. The details of the President's denial and the political intrigues are contained in the evidence adduced before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, which wants Mr Kimunya (now the Transport minister) and the Central Bank governor, Prof Njuguna Ndung'u, barred from ever holding public office. Former acting governor of the Central Bank, Ms Jacinta Mwatela, told the committee that she met the President in January 2007. She raised the issue of launching the new generation banknotes, which was expected later that year, saying that she had been advised to delay it, because the President had reservations about it. "The President, however, denied having ever told Mr Kimunya to tell the [Central] Bank not to launch new generation banknotes in an election year. In his wording, the President said 'hapana sikusema"," the PAC report, now in Parliament, says. Not only did the minister reportedly use that excuse to cancel the tender, but he also said that the Cabinet, having approved a joint-venture between the Treasury and De La Rue, had gone ahead and pushed for the cancellation of the contract. Two confidential letters from the Cabinet to the Attorney-General's Office and the Treasury, pushing for the joint venture between De la Rue and the government, did not mention the contract. This made the committee suspicious, that perhaps, Mr Kimunya had "kept the Cabinet in the dark" regarding the pending money-printing contract. "The Committee was not persuaded by Mr Kimunya's evidence that the contract for printing 1.71 billion pieces of banknotes between Central Bank of Kenya and De La Rue was cancelled following a Cabinet decision as he did not produce any documentary evidence to the effect," the committee says in its report. Mr Kimunya is said to have deliberately blocked Ms Mwatela from executing the contract despite the fact that she was the acting governor. The minister waited until Prof Ndung'u was appointed, and then prevailed upon him to cancel the contract, and quickly ensure that the Central Bank got into a joint venture with De La Rue, including a 10-year guarantee for business. "The Central Bank was strongly opposed to Treasury and De La Rue's joint venture agreement under which the Bank would be tied by Treasury to signing a 10-year banknote printing contract with De La Rue International Ltd. This would contravene government procurement regulations and procedures as the Bank would not be guaranteed a fair market price during the ten years," the PAC noted in its report. "... the Bank was not part and parcel of the negotiations for the joint venture since the Central Bank of Kenya Act prohibits it from taking part in investments. In the circumstances therefore, the governor would not sign a contract tying the Bank to a ten-year currency printing contract with De La Rue Company." The committee notes in its report that when Prof Ndung'u was appointed, he was hesitant when it came to ensuring that the money-printing contract, which had already been awarded and a down payment made, was activated. Yet, the only item pending was the governor's signature. Mr Kimunya also told the committee that the Central Bank of Kenya did not have sufficient strong rooms and vaults to store 1.71 billion pieces of banknotes. He said that the money, which was being printed in Malta, would be shipped to the Port of Mombasa, all at once, and that it would have been difficult to get it to the Central Bank outlets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu. Prof Ndung'u agreed that the volume of the cargo would occupy five times the space available, even if the Central Bank went ahead to lease more space at the Times Tower — the headquarters of the Kenya Revenue Authority. According to De La Rue, 1.71 billion pieces of banknotes would occupy close to 85 40-foot containers. But Ms Mwatela, who sat in the tender committee, which drew up the contract, said the money would be delivered in tranches. That would then explain why the Central Bank agreed on a delivery schedule for the money. The committee got the delivery schedule on the signed contract which staggered deliveries between March, 2007 and December, 2009. "The Committee further observed that since delivery of the banknotes was staggered, it was reasonably expected that when new deliveries are made, earlier deliveries would have already found their way into the market to replace the undesirable ones thereby giving space for storage," the MPs noted in their report. "The Committee made a finding that printing of the 1.71 billion pieces of banknotes in Malta would have taken more than a year and it would not have been prudent for De La Rue to pile up ready banknotes for a very long time before shipping them in one consignment." De La Rue, according to the contract, had the duty to deliver the money to Central Bank in Nairobi from their plant in Malta. |
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