UPHOLD HUMAN DIGNITY
Press Statement
Preamble
We, the delegates of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) representing Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, and Kajiado, have concluded a two-day Regional Consultation Forum from 7-8th May 2026 in Kitui Pastoral Centre, Kitui. Our gathering was themed ‘Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Trust for Credible Elections.‘
Having considered the governance and service delivery in our counties, we are deeply concerned. Our region is blessed with agricultural potential and human capital, yet our citizens are systematically denied the basic rights enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Water, healthcare, roads, and security are not political favors; they are justiciable rights under Articles 43, 46, and 174. As it is written, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). This is our prophetic mandate as we address the crisis of governance in our region.
- An End to the Plunder of Public Resources
Misappropriation of public funds across our counties is a crisis of integrity. We have observed diversion of infrastructure funds, leaving communities cut off from essential services. Across our region, county governments have betrayed the trust of farmers by failing to honour commitments to purchase agricultural produce leaving families with rotting harvests and economic devastation.
This is a failure of governance, not merely of policy. The rampant corruption is causing systemic failures in service delivery, including drainage and security. We call upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these losses.
We demand that all county governments enter into legally binding purchase agreements with farmers before the next harvest season and honour all commitments made to the agricultural sector.
- The Infrastructure Crisis
Across the counties, road infrastructure remains a big challenge, especially during the rainy season. Communities are isolated and risk their lives at flooded crossings. Impassable roads sever the link between communities and markets. The gap between budget allocations and completed projects is a direct measurement of poor governance.
Considering that the infrastructure sector is prone to corruption cartels, we challenge the county governments to publish account of how all allocated funds were expended in each financial year. We call upon the county assemblies, as the representative of the people, to take the responsibility in interrogating the expenditure and take legal actions where misappropriation is observed.
- Healthcare Provision
The right to the highest attainable standard of health is fundamental; however, it has been grossly violated in our counties. Lack of basic health care services and medical supplies forces the poor into expensive private care across our counties. Many health facilities are understaffed, and workers’ salaries have been withheld, leading to low morale among the workers.
We call upon the county governments to immediately clear all outstanding payments and salary arrears owed to staff.
Moreover, we also take note of inefficiency experienced in our county health facilities in regards to SHA approval system. Community members are experiencing poor services at hospital facilities due to delayed SHA payments.
We demand improved efficiency and accountability regarding the Social Health Authority to prevent financial leakages the hinder disbursement of resources to County health facilities.
- Water and Environment
Water is life; the denial of clean water as guaranteed under Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 is a policy failure. Long distances to unsafe water sources during foreseeable droughts are unacceptable.
We request that the County leadership prioritize water infrastructure plan as highlighted int the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDP 2022-2027) and ensure its implementation.
We take note that in some parts of Kajiado, human-wildlife conflict continues to claim lives without adequate compensation. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) must accelerate the fencing of high-conflict zones and reform the compensation mechanism.
- Security and Social Stability
The first duty of the state is security. We grieve the lives lost along the Kitui–Tana River border and the women killed in Kitui. The climate of fear and tensions, often rooted in livestock movement disputes, requires policy-driven solutions rather than reactive policing.
We demand the immediate deployment of adequate security personnel and the establishment of enforceable livestock movement guidelines developed through community consultation.
Furthermore, we call upon the National Government to develop a comprehensive cross-county security policy framework, that addresses the root causes of inter-community conflict, including pastoralist movement corridors, land use agreements, and climate adaptation strategies.
- Youth Empowerment and Education
We are losing a generation to unemployment and drug dependency. We call upon counties to increase budgetary allocation for youth empowerment and drug rehabilitation centers.
Furthermore, the politicization of school bursaries whereby support is granted based on loyalty rather than need, violates the right to education. County governments must publish beneficiary lists and ensure committees are independent to enhance bursary transparency. It’s also imperative that a county basket where bursary funds are held is created – This will make it possible to allocate funds fairly to needy children rather than the fragmented efforts we are witnessing.
- Electoral Integrity
It’s very unfortunate that the country has entered into premature campaigns and the deployment of public resources for political entrenchment, in the full glare of IEBC and against electoral laws. The IEBC must understand that a Commission that cannot assure citizens of independence and logistical readiness in 2026 will not be trusted in 2027.
We demand that IEBC take visible action against politicians and parties engaging in early campaigns and maintain the integrity of the biometric register.
- Protecting the Pulpit
As we approach the 2027 General Election, we observe with alarm the growing tendency to utilize sacred spaces for partisan ends. The Church is not a campaign platform.
We reaffirm that:
- Politicians are welcomed as equal worshippers in the pews, not as speakers.
- Offerings from politicians will be received without announcement or ceremony.
- No political addresses will be allowed inside the church building.
- Message to Kenyans
To every Kenyan in our region and beyond: do not grow weary of demanding what is rightfully yours. The rights enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 are not gifts from those in power — they are obligations owed to you as citizens.
When roads are impassable, when hospitals run dry, when your children’s futures are bartered for political loyalty, the response must not be silence, but accountability.
We remind our leaders that power is not permanent. The mandate entrusted to you today will be returned to the people tomorrow. Govern justly, serve faithfully, and account honestly for every public shilling or face the verdict of an electorate that is watching.
To the youth of our region: you are not a problem to be managed, you are the solution Kenya is waiting for. Refuse to be recruited into political armies as goons. Refuse to sell your vote for a handout. The 2027 ballot is yours. Use it with conscience and conviction.
We invite all people of goodwill, regardless of denomination, party, or county, to stand with us in demanding a Kenya where governance upholds human dignity.
As the Psalmist declared, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14). We hold our leaders to that same standard.
Signed on this 8th day of May 2026 at the NCCK Lower Eastern Regional Forum, Kitui
Major Leonard Kasyoka
Chairperson, NCCK Lower Eastern Region
