Kenyans will only feel the impact of the war on corruption when it will decisively be dealt with at all levels. This was said by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja.
Speaking at NCCK headquarters along Lenana road Nairobi, Canon Karanja regretted that some of those assigned public responsibility had betrayed the trust of Kenyans by engaging in corrupt dealings. He termed the vice as the biggest hemorrhage in Kenya and hoped that it will be tackled in 2016. Canon Karanja was speaking during the annual NCCK staff luncheon ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.
He was accompanied by his deputy Dr. Nelson Makanda, Programmes Director Susie Ibutu, Jumuia Resorts Chief Executive Officer William Kemboi and a host of NCCK’s top management team. “I hope there will be a dent on corruption in the new year. If corruption is tackled, we would all feel the impact,” said Canon Karanja.
At the same time he urged the staff to pray over negative ethnicity as the country prepares for the next polls in 2017. “Say a prayer for the Council too. Prayer is the most potent weapon on earth. Our challenge is, we do not always pray enough,” he observed.
Canon Karanja who took time to award and bid farewell to a group of students who have been on internship at NCCK, assured that the Council believed in young people graduating from universities. While wishing Council staff a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year, the NCCK boss told the interns: “We are so delighted that you are part of the family. NCCK believes that the future of this country is in the hands of young people graduating from universities. We wish those who have left us success and pray that when you grow older you will make time for young people. I take full responsibility of your being here even if you don’t get to see me quite often.”
The luncheon was punctuated with light moments when the General Secretary threw jabs at those who were not married, urging them to be more aggressive in the new year of 2016. “Get more aggressive. Help God to make it possible. For those who are not married, get aggressive in 2016. Tukae masaa and ask whether there is anything God is asking you to do in 2016,” he said amid laughter.
He once again expressed confidence in his team and assured that the Council would continue looking at her investment and other income generating activities aimed at enhancing their welfare and NCCK’s at large.
On his part, Dr. Makanda who gave his personal testimony on how he made a comeback at the Council after a grueling recruitment process late last year, urged the staff to walk in faith like the biblical Mary. “I thank God for saving me. It is that possibility that brought me back here. I left in 2005 as a Regional Coordinator. I am very grateful to God for what He has done to me,” said Dr. Makanda.
Susie who was the Master of ceremony lauded the staff pointing out that it was wonderful working with them.
Other staff who shared their testimonies included Gregory Papoi (Legal Officer) Ruth Mungai (Sales Executive for Jumuia Resorts) Joy Baraza (Programmes Officer for Environment and Natural Resources) and Alice Wanjiru (Senior Accountant).
Papoi said: “I have grown and learnt a lot from all of us. From where I sit, I have gained so much professionally and my passion for God has also grown.”
Joy said: “The Programmes department is where things happen. We have seen God and pray that He will give us wisdom and good partners in the new year.”
“We want to thank you for supporting us. We are hoping for the best,” said Ruth.
The Council staff who had plenty to feast on during the luncheon, are expected to join their families starting Monday, in readiness for Christmas and New Year festivities.
