PRESS STATEMENT
PREAMBLE
Religious Leaders drawn from the National Council of Churches of Kenya, have met here at Church of God Getembe in Kisii County to review the worsening situation in our Nation and County.
Our discussions have been guided by the word of the Holy Scripture in 1 Peter 2: 9 “But you are a chosen People, a royal Priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.“
In respect to the above, we humbly wish to share the following message:
1. The current Governor has implemented notable projects and programs, but we expect him to create key legacy projects for which he will be remembered. Furthermore, the quality of service delivery and public participation, particularly in the health sector, remains poor due to medical practitioners’ regular industrial strikes, and lack of drugs and essential equipment in most health facilities. Furthermore, the Governor’s commitment to improving ECD education by hiring more ECDE teachers is yet to be fully realized. Additionally, the Governor should reconsider his decision to scale down the ECDE feeding programme.
2. The County has seen an increase in political activity leading up to the 2027 elections, with many candidates expressing interest and starting early campaigns. We urge all politicians to refrain from early campaigns, which interfere with service delivery and project implementation to County residents. We also urge residents of this great County of Kisii to proceed with caution and use the few remaining years to evaluate the suitability of those running for various elective positions.
3. The Current Governor should complete all stalled projects that were legitimately launched and budgeted for by the previous regime e.g. Factories, Roads, and Level 4 Hospitals. We believe that this is a waste of taxpayers’ money and delayed service delivery.
4. Members of the County Government are using proxies to implement projects as contractors raising concerns about integrity and conflict of interest. We would like to remind the County Government and all other elected leaders that their core responsibility is to implement and oversee development projects in the county objectively. The County Government should ensure adherence to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
5. We have noted increased cases of insecurity in the County in places like Keroka, Bonchari, Daraja Mbili, Kitutu Chache South, Nyakoe, Nyamache, Marani, Nyamarambe, Kenyenya among others where residents are mugged, trucks robbed, houses broken into even early in the evening, and many other such related cases. The rise of violent youth groups like 40 Brothers in Kitutu Chache South Constituency and other militia groupings among others who are harassing members of the public, extorting money from passers-by, and smoking bhang openly is a cause for concern. These cases need to be addressed urgently.
6. Gender-based violence has increased significantly, with high rates of adolescent pregnancies, defilement, rape, and incest. Kisii County has received negative attention, affecting the county’s image and population. We urge civil society, county, and national governments, as well as parent and teacher organizations, to work together to combat this pandemic, which threatens future generations. On the same note, drug, alcohol, and substance abuse are on the rise, and it is hurting the boy child. These social vices must be eradicated through collaborative efforts. We should stop pointing fingers and assigning blame.
7. At the national level, we note that the government has implemented tax measures that have become a burden for Kenyans. The tax measures have reduced household incomes, particularly among the employed and salaried population, pushing them deeper into poverty. We urge the government of H.E. President Dr. William Ruto to listen to the people’s plight and reduce the current burden.
Conclusion
We the religious leaders are the voice of reason in the county and we advocate for meaningful change in our society. We, the NCCK-affiliated leaders, call upon other religious bodies to unite and speak with courage on the social issues affecting our communities without fear or favor. We remain open to a facilitative dialogue with our county and national leaders to find a lasting solution to the various issues that are of concern to Kisii County and Kenya.
God Bless Kisii County! God bless Kenya!
Signed on this 12th Day of March 2024 at Church of God, Getembe Headquarters, Kisii County by:
Rev. James Mogire
Incoming NCCK Kisii CCC Chairperson
