27 Hospitals Suspended in Ksh20 Billion NHIF Fraud StingĀ
Labels: NHIF, Susan Nakhumicha
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Labels: NHIF, Susan Nakhumicha
In a landmark move that sent shockwaves through Kenya's public sector, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has directed public officers holding more than one job to resign from the additional positions and refund all salaries and benefits earned. This bold decision, fueled by a recent court ruling, aims to tackle the widespread practice of double employment within the government, a practice dubbed "double dipping" by critics.
"The Commission has noted with concern the increasing cases of public officers who engage in double employment, contrary to the provisions of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act," declared Twalib Mulle, the EACC's acting CEO, in a statement. He further cited the recent verdict in the Agnes Wanjiru Gatama case, where the court upheld the EACC's argument that holding concurrent public positions constituted an illegality.
Gatama, a lecturer at JKUAT, served as a board member at the Kirinyaga County Assembly Service Board, leading to a legal showdown with the EACC. The court's ruling in favor of the commission set a precedent, paving the way for the EACC's directive to all multi-jobbing public officers.
The news sparked mixed reactions. Public sector stakeholders like the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) welcomed the move, with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli noting, "This puts an end to unfair competition for scarce resources within the public service." Atwoli commended the EACC for upholding ethical standards and promoting equal opportunities within the government.
However, concerns emerged from some quarters. Legal experts pointed out the need for a clear and transparent implementation process, ensuring due process and avoiding arbitrary application of the directive. They emphasized the importance of individual case assessments and providing officers with a fair opportunity to comply.
The financial implications for double-dippers are significant. The EACC intends to recover all salaries and benefits earned by public officers in violation of the regulations, a potentially hefty sum considering the prevalence of the practice. This recovery process could prove complex and raise logistical challenges, but it sends a clear message: double dipping will no longer be tolerated.
While the long-term impact of the EACC's directive remains to be seen, it undoubtedly marks a significant step towards promoting integrity and ethical conduct within Kenya's public service. The fight against double employment, however, demands sustained vigilance and a collaborative effort from the EACC, public institutions, and legal actors to ensure effective implementation and lasting reforms.
Kenya's legal landscape erupted in controversy this week after President William Ruto issued remarks questioning the integrity and independence of the Judiciary. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya swiftly condemned these statements, raising concerns about potential threats to judicial autonomy and the rule of law.
At the heart of the dispute lies Ruto's recent pronouncements, where he criticized certain judicial decisions and questioned the motives of some judges. "We will not allow impunity and tyranny in the Judiciary," he declared, words interpreted by many as veiled accusations of corruption and bias.
The ICJ, a prominent legal advocacy group, responded with a forceful statement: "We denounce in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks by President Ruto on the Judiciary," declared Protus Saende, ICJ Kenya chairperson. He further emphasized, "These statements undermine the integrity and independence of the Judiciary, which are fundamental pillars of the rule of law."
These strong words resonate with concerns voiced by a cross-section of Kenyans. Legal professionals, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens expressed apprehension about the implications of Ruto's remarks. "A strong and independent Judiciary is vital for a functioning democracy," argued a prominent lawyer, echoing the anxieties of many.
However, Ruto's allies staunchly defended his statements, dismissing concerns as unwarranted accusations. "The President has a right to express his opinion on judicial decisions," a government spokesperson contended, suggesting that criticism of the Judiciary should not be construed as an attack on its independence.
This war of words underscores the delicate balance between holding the Judiciary accountable and ensuring its freedom from political interference. While constructive criticism of judicial decisions is essential for a healthy democracy, direct attacks on the integrity and independence of judges can have potentially damaging consequences.
The current standoff casts a shadow of uncertainty over Kenya's legal landscape. Whether Ruto's remarks were a mere misstep or signal a wider agenda of influencing the Judiciary remains to be seen. In the meantime, the ICJ's call for upholding judicial independence is likely to resonate with Kenyans who cherish the principles of a just and equitable society.
Labels: ICJ, Independence, Judiciary, Ruto
Diplomatic tremors jolted East Africa on Thursday as Sudan dramatically recalled its ambassador from Nairobi, triggering a bitter dispute with Kenya over President William Ruto's controversial meeting with Sudanese strongman, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as "Hemedti." The move paints a grim picture of deteriorating relations between the two nations, fueled by the simmering conflict in Sudan and the shadowy figure of the RSF commander.
At the epicenter of the rift stands Hemedti, a man haunted by allegations of human rights abuses in Darfur and beyond. His very presence in Kenya, let alone receiving officialdom courtesy of President Ruto, proved politically explosive for Khartoum. Sudan's acting Foreign Minister, Ali Al-Sadiq, minced no words: "We have recalled our ambassador for consultations in protest of the official reception organized for the commander of the rebel militia," he declared, leaving little doubt about Khartoum's outrage.
The underlying tensions run deeper than simple outrage. Analysts see the recall as a direct slap at Kenya's perceived tilt towards Hemedti, considered a direct rival to Sudan's fragile transitional government led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. The two military figures have been embroiled in a bitter power struggle since April 2023, casting a long shadow over Sudan's political landscape.
Kenya, however, maintains its diplomatic armor. A government spokesperson, with practiced neutrality, framed the meeting as "routine diplomatic engagements" aimed at fostering "regional peace and stability." They conveniently forgot to mention Hemedti's checkered past or the potential political minefield it created by welcoming him.
But Sudan's dramatic response lays bare the cracks in this narrative. Recalling an ambassador is no light matter, signaling a deep wound in bilateral relations. Whether Kenya's gamble on Hemedti bridges the divide or opens a chasm, only time will tell. One thing is certain: the road to regional stability just got bumpier, and the shadow of conflict in Sudan looms larger than ever.
Labels: Ambassador, Hemedti, Kenya, Suda
Kenyan employees and employers will continue paying the 1.5% monthly housing levy in January, defying a recent court ruling that declared it unconstitutional. The Kenyan High Court had suspended the levy's implementation on November 28th, pending an appeal by the government. However, on December 22nd, the Court of Appeal overturned the suspension, stating it would hear the government's appeal on February 9th, 2024.
This decision leaves Kenyans facing continued deductions, despite public outcry and concerns about the levy's effectiveness. Critics argue that the levy, introduced in June 2023 as part of the Finance Act, unfairly burdens taxpayers without a clear plan for utilizing the collected funds. The Kenya Federation of Employers (FKE) expressed disappointment in the Court of Appeal's ruling, stating, "This is a missed opportunity to address legitimate concerns about the levy's fairness and transparency."
However, the government maintains that the levy is crucial for addressing Kenya's housing deficit. State Department for Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Cheruiyot emphasized, "The government is committed to providing affordable housing for all Kenyans, and the Housing Fund is a key tool in achieving this goal." He further clarified that the collected funds will be used for "construction of affordable housing units, provision of mortgages, and slum upgrading."While the legal battle over the levy remains ongoing, its immediate impact continues to be felt by employees and employers. Some Kenyans expressed frustration with the court's decision, with one social media user commenting, "We are already struggling with the rising cost of living, and now this? It's just another burden on our shoulders."
Amidst the uncertainty, the February 9th hearing at the Court of Appeal looms large. The court's final decision will determine the fate of the housing levy, impacting millions of Kenyans and the government's housing ambitions. Until then, the debate surrounding the levy's merits and its potential benefits or drawbacks is likely to continue.
Labels: Housing Levy