Press Statement
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men
Preamble
The Clergy drawn from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Nairobi County Youth, and Kenya Bodaboda Association – Nairobi County chapter has today 15th March 2024 held an intra-county dialogue forum here at YMCA Center – Nairobi to reflect on the socio-political state of this great city.
Having reflected on the state of affairs in Nairobi County, we now wish to share the following message;
- National Dialogue Committee Report
We the Clergy, Youth, and Bodaboda leaders heartily commend the members of parliament for adopting the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) as the dialogue process was crucial in enhancing peace in the country. However, we urge the Parliament to start a process whereby the NADCO report will be taken back to the people for validation and consensus on its implementation. This will ensure the reforms that arise from the bipartisan talks are people-driven.
We also call upon the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee which is now looking into the recommendations of the report to embrace public participation for any constitutional changes since such changes will have a great impact on the lives of Kenyans.
- High rate of unemployment
As Clergy, Youth, and BodaBoda leaders, we are concerned about the alarming rates of youth unemployment. The high levels of unemployment among the youth in Nairobi City County are not just statistics; they represent dreams deferred, potential untapped, and a future at risk. The future of this city, and the Country depends on these young people.
We, therefore, call upon the Nairobi County Government to implement comprehensive strategies that prioritize job creation, skills development, and youth empowerment programmes. Additionally, measures must be put in place to safeguard our youth from being exploited by politicians, and criminal networks for their personal gain. we also urge all stakeholders from the National Government, the County Government, and the private sector to merge the efforts to provide youth with opportunities for growth, protection from exploitation, and a pathway to a brighter future.
At the same time, we call upon the Nairobi County Government to treat those working in the informal sector with fairness and equity. BodaBoda riders, vendors, and the Mama Mboga form an integral part of this city’s economy, and we, therefore, urge the Nairobi City County to implement policies that protect the rights of those working in the informal sectors and to ensure they are not marginalized or unfairly targeted.
Together, let’s build a Nairobi where our youth thrive, and not just survive.
- Illegal gas vending
We strongly condemn the alarming proliferation of illegal gas vendors in residential areas. Just recently, we witnessed a tragic gas explosion that resulted in the loss of 7 lives and left over 300 people injured in Embakasi. This devastating incident calls for the urgent need for immediate intervention by the Nairobi County Government and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The safety and well-being of our citizens must be a top priority, and the unchecked operations of illegal gas vendors pose a grave threat to public safety.
We call upon the Nairobi County Government and EPRA to take swift and decisive action to address this pressing issue. Measures must be implemented to enforce regulations, conduct thorough inspections, and crack down on illegal gas vendors operating in residential areas.
- Establishment of boroughs in Nairobi County
We are concerned about the way the County Government of Nairobi is in a rush to implement the Borough’s system of governance. While the system is good having worked in New York, London, and other cities around the world, we do propose a comprehensive sensitization of Nairobi residents so that the system is well understood, and unanimously adopted.
The current approach to public participation within Nairobi City County raises concerns due to its lack of effectiveness and clear structure. As clergy, BodaBoda operators, and Youth of this great county, we note the need for a more organized and inclusive public participation process and therefore urge His Excellency Governor Johnson Sakaja to prioritize establishing a well-defined framework for public participation. On our side, we are open and ready to collaborate in developing a structured system that ensures meaningful public participation from all stakeholders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we commend the administration of His Excellency Governor Johnson Sakaja for the efforts to offer service delivery to the citizens of this great city thus far. We particularly commend the Dishi na County School Feeding program which continues to play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity among school children, ensuring they receive proper nutrition for their growth and development.
We conclude by thanking all Nairobi County residents for their continued determination to live peaceably with each other and encourage us to continue building our county and nation, drawing inspiration from the words of our National Anthem
Let all with one accord, in common bond united, build this our nation together.
May God bless Nairobi City County,
May God bless Kenya.
Signed on this 15th day of March 2023 at the YMCA Center, Nairobi by:
Pst. Keith Musirwa
NCCK Nairobi CCC Treasurer
Alex Kulema
Kenya BodaBoda Association – Nairobi County Chairperson
