Improve Service Delivery
Pastoral Message
Preamble
The NCCK Upper Eastern Region has held a two-day consultative forum here at Meru to reflect on the theme “Strengthening Governance, Accountability and Trust towards the 2027 General Elections”. The forum brought together representatives from the member churches, other faiths and key stakeholders in Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties. They reflected on the scripture recorded in Psalms 82: 3 – 4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless, maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy, deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
The delegates reflected on the state of governance and service delivery in the counties and the national level, and now share the following message.
1. Inadequate Water Supply
In all the four counties in our region, residents are facing severe shortage of water for domestic and irrigation uses. The water situation has been worsened by the negative effects of climate change, which has radically changed weather patterns leading to long dry spells and short periods of heavy rain. Rivers and springs have dried up, forcing residents to travel long distances to fetch water that is rarely of human consumption quality. As a result, dozens of people and animals have died. For how long will the people suffer yet access to adequate water of the right quality is a constitutional right?
We demand that the county governments make urgent investments in water infrastructure, drilling of boreholes, and protection of water catchment areas. We will in the coming days be meeting with the county administrators to address these challenges.
2. Address the Rampant Insecurity
It is a very major concern to us that insecurity has increased in this region despite assurances by the government. Cases of cattle rustling in which residents have lost their lives have increased, often leading to displacement of communities. In other areas, theft and robbery with violence have become common, a situation worsened by apparent corruption and weak law enforcement. Further to these, there is a major increase in the rate of drug abuse and alcoholism, leading to a spike in number of mental health cases.
To address this insecurity, we call for increased deployment of security officers in hotspot areas, strengthening of intelligence gathering and sharing, and operationalization of the Nyumba Kumi structures. On our part, we will continue to facilitate inter-community dialogue forums.
3. Heal the Sick Healthcare System
Whereas health is a right guaranteed in the Constitution, residents in our counties are suffering a lot from pathetic healthcare services. The facilities do not have medicines, service delivery is poor, facilities do not have enough staff, and the county governments routinely delay payments for medical staff and the Community Health Promoters. Further, in Marsabit and Isiolo counties, health facilities are few and far between, making it hard for the residents to access the crucial services.
To make matters worse, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has turned into a living nightmare for residents in this region. The SHA network is always down and it seems they deliberately reject nearly all the requests. Residents are having to pay cash for services despite contributing to the SHA. This cannot be allowed to continue. We demand for urgent remedial actions are taken to ensure that the healthcare system is healthy and functional.
5. Open Up the Counties with Quality Transport Infrastructure
It is a great injustice to the residents of our counties that the intra-county roads are dilapidated and largely unusable by motor vehicles. This has greatly hindered transport within the counties leading to suppressed economic activities while creating a facilitative environment for crime to thrive. In the urban areas, sewerage and drainage systems are in a poor condition, exposing residents to diseases and frequent flooding. We call upon the county Governors to allocate adequate funds and staff to facilitate construction of roads as well as maintenance of the existing ones. All roads must be upgraded to all weather status.
6. Know the Constitution of Kenya 2010
For there to be sustainable solutions to these and other issues afflicting our communities, we appeal to all the people to take seriously the advice God has given in Proverbs 8: 10 – Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold. In this regard, we urge every Kenyan to read the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and take a keen note of the constitutional responsibilities of our elected leaders and the citizens. In this way, we will be in a position to hold each other accountable for the injustices and inequalities we suffer in our nation.
Let us change from the culture of building our democracy and governance on the basis of money and tokens that leaders and aspirants give the community members. Instead, let us demand accountability from every responsibility holder so that we have a nation built on the foundation of constitutionalism, law and justice.
On our part as clergy, we have committed that we will demand such accountability from all the politicians who attend services and functions in our churches.
5. Prepare Early for 2027 General Elections
Over the years, elections have been a period of challenge and tension in the country. As we move towards the 2027 General Elections, we remind all of us the inspiration God has given us in Romans 12: 18 – 19
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.
Towards this, we recommend the following actions:
- The Police should investigate and have prosecuted all the individuals who are mobilizing goons and other criminal groups.. Nobody should be allowed to threaten the peace and security of Kenyans.
- All Kenyans who are aged 18 years and above should register as voters and actively participate in the electoral processes
- The elections-related state institutions should assert their independence and discharge their mandates in line with the Constitution of Kenya. These institutions include the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC), Registrar of Political Parties, Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, and the National Police.
6. Protect the Pulpit
Further to these, we reiterate our commitment to comply with the guidelines that we agreed upon as the NCCK to regulate our ministry to politicians. Among other things, we agreed that:
One, all politicians who attend worship services are to be treated the same as all other worshippers
Two, all monetary and material contributions should be treated as offerings and should not be announced or given with ceremony
Three, politicians should not be allowed to address congregants inside the church but instead speak to people outside the church building after the service
Four, church leaders must remain objective and non-partisan and avoid endorsing or opposing any political leader or party.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we reiterate the centrality of service delivery and good governance in our counties. We call upon the county governments in this region to discharge their work and make the lives of the residents better, always remembering that each of us will be called to account for the responsibilities we hold. We read this in Ecclesiastes 12: 14
For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
May God bless Kenya. May God bless Upper Eastern Region.
Signed on this 13th day of May 2026 at Ezri Hotel, Meru.
Rev James Kimathi Nyagah
Vice Chairman, NCCK Upper Eastern Region
