RESTORE SANITY IN EDUCATION SECTOR NCCK TO GOVERNMENT

NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF NCCK REV. DR.ELIAS AGOLA

Themed Dignified livelihoods, resilient communities the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) the oldest Council of Churches in the world held it's 65th general assembly at Jumuia Conference and country homes in Limuru.

The general assembly is highest governance organ in the NCCK that meets once every three years to elect new officials,this saw Reverend Dr. Elias Agola from presbyterian church elected as the new chairman of NCCK for a period of three years and Bishop Dr. John Okinda of pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa as the vice chair person. The general assembly brought together delegates from member Churches and organizations across the country.

Speaking during the end of the general assembly Secretary General of NCCK Canon Chris Kinyanjui  has called on the Kenyan government to restore sanity in the education sector by addressing confusion surrounding competence Based Education (CBC) which include transition to grade nine , availability of facilities and teachers in public primary schools.

The NCCK has further Called on collapse of all scholarships and bursaries which total to close to hundred billion into a tuition fund to ensure education of free for all and end corruption and wastage of public funds by officials.

There is need to review the proposed University education funding model that makes education a preserve of the rich according to Reverend canon kinyanjui this model should be subjected to public participation to have a structure that benefits all qualified Kenyans.

The general assembly has called on the government not to push school going children to register on the social Health Insurance (SHIF) through a backdoor to the scheme which Kenyans have opposed and don't understand.The churches have demanded withdrawal of the circular issued to regional county directors of education and instead carry out comprehensive public participation.

Among partinent issues discussed in the assembly that need to be addressed by government of Kenya include quick reconstitution of IEBC, independent investigations of extra judicial killings  during the Gen z lead protests and comprehensive address to climate change.

LSK ANNUAL CONFERENCE COMES TO A CLOSE IN KWALE

The four day law society of Kenya annual  conference held in Diani Kwale county that brought all legal fraternity in the country together to discuss new technology of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Law and  navigating the future of Legal practice and peer to peer conference which saw lawyers earn the crucial CPD points has concluded today.

The much hyped  annual gathering also discussed two third gender rule culminated in a major golf tournament today and the society’s annual CSR activity at the Born Again Children’s Home where they supported the Children’s Home with essential supplies and foodstuffs.

The issue of gender rule was also addressed in the women breakfast attended by senior counsel and wiper leader HE stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and SC Martha Karua,Philip Murgor,Fred Ojiambo where it emerged the number of women magistrates has decreased however the number of women lawyers has surpassed that of men in the practice.

The key note address  presented by Pheroze Nowrojee SC at the official opening urged advocates to be champions of good governance and stand up against injustice and oppressive government.The seasoned lawyer also launched his book during the event.

 Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, Minister for Justice  and Legal Affairs, United Republic of Tanzania highlighted the need for East African member states to unite and work together.

Law society president Faith odhiambo speaking during the conference urged women in power to agitate for more space for other women and embrace the rule of law.

According to several lawyers who attended the  conference, it was used to earn them annual four points with maximum points required for the profession been  five points.

CITY LAWYER FUNDRAISER FOR UNIVERSITY FEES

In a bid to ensure needy and bright students from from poor backgrounds access higher education in the universities,a city lawyer Ishmael Nyaribo is organizing for a fundraiser to cater for first year university fees of atleast seventeen students who qualified for university but lack school fee to pursue their dream courses.

Speaking to journalists in Mombasa after the annual law society conference,Nyaribo said he aims to rise atleast two million with the help of his friends in Kenya and abroad.The fundraiser is set to take place in September first.

According to the city lawyer,this bid will help needy students join university as the government releases Helb funds to assist them continue with their higher education.The lawyer intends to uplift the community and the needy students who qualify for university but lack school fees a love that he will continue in future.

COURT VERDICT ON JOHN CHEBOCHOK IS A a MAJOR VICTORY IN THE FIRST AGAINST GBV

In a decisive and commendable judgment, Hon. Justice Joseph Sergon of the Kericho High Court ruled in favour of the validity of annulment of John Chebochok's election as Director of Tegat Tea Factory. 

This is a major victory in the fight against gender-based violence as Hon. Justice Sergon had earlier barred the approval of Chebochok’s appointment as director until the court declared a final ruling today. 

This decision by the High Court to halt John Chebochok’s confirmation as KTDA Director echoes the Minstry of Agriculture’s earlier move to nullify his election, marking a united front in upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and accountability. It sets a powerful precedent for future governance where both the government and the judiciary have demonstrated a firm commitment to ensuring that leadership in Kenya remains rooted in ethical standards and public trust. This alignment between the court’s ruling and the government’s action underscores a shared dedication to protecting the rights of women and maintaining the high standards of professional ethics that are essential to our nation’s democratic foundation.

“The court’s ruling in support of the annulment of John Chebochok's election as the Director of Toror Tea Factory is a stride towards the preservation of human dignity, especially that of women. Going forward, this will serve as a reference point that positions of power should not be used to sexually assault vulnerable women seeking an honest source of income and livelihood for their families. Persons of questionable character should be barred from heading public offices as this is a threat to the upholding of human rights for all. This is a strong message for all those institutions who were responsible for electing John Chebochok to a seat of power that their actions were reprehensible. ” say Nguvu Change Leaders. 

This decision comes after nearly two months of persistent joint advocacy by civil society organisations who unified to amplify the issue through a series of actions including online petitions launched by Nguvu Change Leaders, social media advocacy, letters and emails to relevant stakeholders in authority, and the historic court motion by 6 organisations under the umbrella of Coalition of Organisations Working on Sexual Violence in Kenya and Crusaders for Human Rights and Public Interest Cases. The relentless campaign by Nguvu Change Leaders was jointly led by Kerry Mwita, Deborah Monari, Synthia Sienwa and Josephine Mwende.

On July 10, Nguvu Change Leaders urged the shareholders of the Tegat Tea Factory in a joint call to make a choice that champions justice and integrity, and to denounce the selection of John Chebochok as the director of Tegat tea factory.

A month later, both the Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Paul Ronoh and the High Court heeded this call, marking a critical step forward in protecting the rights and well-being of women in Kenya’s tea industry.

Ephie Shilla Urges Gen Z to Persist in Holding Public Leaders Accountable

Ephie Shillah, a member of the Kenya Law Society Council/Photo 

The call to action underscored the need for responsible and lawful engagement as the younger generation advocates for transparency and integrity in leadership.

During the annual Law Society Conference held in Diani, Kwale County, Ms. Ephie Shillah, a member of the Kenya Law Society Council, addressed the youth, encouraging them to continue their efforts in holding public leaders accountable. 

Shillah emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and avoiding security breaches while participating in nationwide protests.

NYANZA YOUTH CAUCUS CALL FOR OVERHAUL OF NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL IN KENYA

Nyanza youth caucus lead by Loise Atieno the convener has thanked Kenyan President William Ruto on forming a broad based  government which included the opposition key figures.

Addressing  a press conference at the iconic Kenyatta international convention center(KICC) the caucus  has however said that Kenyans require people of integrity to serve them calling bon the president bro disband the National Youth council which they say has been in place without changes for seven years.

Loise Atieno has called for action to fully reorganize youth council saying the current acting CEO is  very old and above 35 years and does not fall in the youth bracket thus need to overhaul the whole council and give jobs to competent youths.The caucus has also demanded for the  appointment of youth director to the president to keep the president abreast in matters youth and ensure the state department of youth affairs is independent a move that will ensure youths and people living with disabilities (PWD) get government tenders.