GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SAYS MWAURA.

BY NJOKI KARANJA. 

The Kenyan government has reiterated its strong commitment to tackling corruption, enhancing human rights protections, and fostering economic growth, following concerns raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Government Spokesperson, Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, highlighted key initiatives aimed at addressing the country's pressing challenges. Dr. Mwaura emphasized that the administration is taking decisive steps to combat corruption, including proposed amendments to the Evidence Act, Criminal Procedure Code, and Witness Protection Act, designed to expedite investigations, protect whistle-blowers, and streamline the prosecution of corruption cases. Additionally, the government is implementing a fully digital procurement monitoring platform to ensure transparency and is considering reserving 40% of government procurement for local manufacturers. These efforts are already yielding results, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recovering Ksh 28 billion in stolen assets.

Government Spokesperson,Dr.Isaac Mwaura during a press briefing earlier today at KICC.

On the issue of human rights, Dr. Mwaura reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice following the tragic deaths of 42 people during recent protests. He confirmed that investigations into the killings, disappearances, and alleged police excesses are ongoing, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Turning to healthcare, Dr. Mwaura shared progress in addressing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) debt, with over Ksh 5 billion already disbursed to healthcare providers. Faith-based hospitals have received Ksh 938 million, and additional funds are being distributed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services. The government is also advancing Universal Health Coverage through the new SHIF program, which has already enrolled over 14 million Kenyans.

Regarding electoral reforms, Dr. Mwaura reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), with President William Ruto ready to appoint a selection panel once the parliamentary submission is made. On the economic front, Dr. Mwaura reported that Kenya's economy is on a positive trajectory, with inflation dropping to a 17-year low of 2.7%. The stable exchange rate is helping reduce external debt servicing costs, and foreign exchange reserves have risen to cover 4.8 months of imports, the highest level since 2017. He also highlighted significant growth in agricultural production, with Kenya now enjoying surplus maize and sugar for the first time in a decade.

In conclusion, Dr. Mwaura emphasized the government's dedication to continued dialogue with stakeholders, including the Catholic Church, to address the nation’s challenges. He assured the public that the Ruto administration remains committed to creating a transparent, accountable, and prosperous Kenya for all its citizens, aligned with its overarching goal of ensuring stability, justice, and sustainable economic growth for the nation.