Day: April 19, 2024

The Judiciary has released approximately Sh52.1 billion back to the economy, funds raised from the expeditious resolution of cases through Court-Annexed Mediation.

Data released today by the Judiciary shows that a total of 16,770 matters out of 18,162 referred to Court-Annexed Mediation had been resolved, translating to a 92.3 per cent conclusion rate.

Chief Justice Martha Koome said the settlement rate has been improving yearly, noting that the last financial year 2022/23 saw a settlement rate of 51.2 per cent; while in the current year 2023/24, the settlement rate is at 54.98 per cent with the average case running days at 73 days.

CJ Koome made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu during the start of a two-day 2nd Annual Mediation Summit on Employment Disputes held on Thursday at Strathmore University, Nairobi.

The summit theme, which has now shifted focus to labour relations, is ‘Harmonising Labour Relations: Fostering Social Justice and Economic Growth Th
rough Mediation’.

Since last year’s summit on ‘Mediation and Banking,’ over 400 matters have been referred to mediation in the banking sector alone.

‘Since last year’s summit that focused on banking, 446 matters have been referred to mediation, and this has seen the release of approximately Sh7 billion back to the economy,’ said Koome.

She announced that Court-Annexed Mediation has been rolled out in 40 counties, and efforts are being made to bridge the gap in the remaining seven counties, with 60 mediation registries supporting 118 courts having been established.

The CJ also stated that there has been a gradual increase in the number of accredited mediators, which has grown up to a total of 1,515, with 832 of them having active status.

‘We are actively seized by the challenges relating to the timely settlement of mediator fees, and I want to use this opportunity to assure you that we are working on long-term solutions to this challenge,’ she added.

Koome acknowledged that labour relations are inherentl
y complex, woven with the threads of human dignity, economic necessity, and social equity.

‘In a world where industrial disputes can arise as swiftly as the winds change, mediation stands as a beacon of hope-a tool that can transform conflict into consensus and adversity into opportunity,’ the Chief Justice opined.

She noted that mediation in labour disputes is about finding the middle ground where the rights of workers and the needs of employers coalesce to create a harmonious workplace, and ensuring that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every outcome is just.

The CJ also stressed that the mediation balance is critical not just for the well-being of workers and the success of businesses, but for the overall health of our economy and society.

‘As we navigate through the challenges of globalisation, technological advancements, and shifting economic landscapes, the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms becomes increasingly evident,’ said Koome.

She further noted that the Em
ployment and Labour Relations Court has, over the last decade, leveraged mediation to resolve some of the most complex labour disputes.

‘I am happy to share with you that a total of 1,929 employment and labour relations matters have been referred to mediation. 1,796 of these matters have since been concluded, which translates to a 93.1 per cent conclusion rate.’

The settlement rate for employment and labour matters referred to mediation from January 2024 to April 15, 2024 is at 52.21 per cent, with current average case running time of 36 days for these matters.

The CJ underscored that mediation, with its principles of confidentiality, voluntariness, and neutrality, offers a unique avenue for addressing labour disputes and fosters a collaborative environment where parties can explore mutually beneficial solutions, unlike traditional litigation, which often exacerbates the adversarial nature of disputes.

In his remarks, Employment and Labour Relations Court Principal Judge Byram Ongaya said the court has em
braced and recognised Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as an effective approach to resolving disputes relating to employment and labour relations.

He said alternative dispute resolution mechanisms provide an opportunity to find innovative solutions that are mutually beneficial or not available in ordinary court proceedings.

‘ADR and Alternative Justice Systems are clearly the way of the future for workspace and workplace disputes. Their role in making justice our true shield and defender is apparently more crucial than can be achieved by court proceedings,’ Justice Ongaya told the conference.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore, who graced the opening ceremony, termed mediation as a catalyst for broader societal transformation through fostering social justice within workplaces.

‘Mediation not only offers a means to address traditional labour disputes but also provides a flexible framework to navigate emerging challenges in the world of work,’ she said.

CS Bore said that by embodying pri
nciples of fairness, equity, and respect, mediation transcends differences and fosters sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Department of Housing and Planning in Kiambu County is undertaking public participation forums for the ten-year CSP programme running from 2023-2024 Financial Years.

The engagements are a prerequisite for the various development projects to be carried out in the County.

Article 174 of the Constitution of Kenya, grants powers to the common Mwananchi to self-govern and enhances their participation in making decisions affecting them.

The exercise, which began yesterday, has covered twelve venues, including two sites in Thika, Ruiru, Gatundu North, and South. Others are Juja Kiambu, Limuru, and Kikuyu, with one site each. The remaining Lari, Githunguri, Kiambaa, Kabete, Ndeiya, and Karai are scheduled for today.

The plan, once complete, will provide a development framework of 10 years (2024-2024) by outlining policies, guidelines regarding infrastructure development, environmental protection, and goals for land use and development within the County Government of Kiambu.

In attendance were representativ
es from Mwihoko ward, Ruiru Sub County, who gave a scintillating projection of what the region should look like in 10 years’ time.

The residents want issues addressed to include education, with the group calling for the construction of ECDE centre in the ward to be fully equipped and well-staffed. They also called on the Ministry to establish TVET and VTI centres so as to help address the skill gap in the ward.

On matters of transport, the delegation from Mwihoko called on the ministry to improve the quality of access roads in the Mwitirithia, Mwibuko, New Kahawa Sukari, Mahira, Mutuya, Kizito, Langata, and Mwiki areas.

The group, led by its Spokesperson, Kariuki Nderu, also urged the Kiambu County Government to double down on waste management in the region, saying there should be no off days when it comes to garbage collections.

‘Regular garbage collection should be done by the county trucks,’ Nderu said.

Touching on land ownership in the area, the group implored the County to fast-track the issuance of
title deeds to legitimate owners and also start the process of recovering lost public land, terming this a priority.

The forum has been put in place by the Kiambu County Government under Governor Wamatangi’s leadership, partnering with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) under the Digital Land Governance Programme (DLGP).

In attendance was Director of Physical Planning, Madam Hannah Maranga, who said such forums are the way to go if the county is to achieve its set development agendas.

‘This project will give us a useful framework for deliberate development agendas in the county,’ she said.

Other members present were FAO Cluster Representative Mr. Josephat Kariuki, respective sub-county planners, representatives from MCA offices, Municipal Managers, ward administrators, Nyumba Kumi representatives, and representatives from the invited professional bodies.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Huawei Kenya has held a successful roadshow at Kenyatta University to encourage students from the institution to apply for digital training courses through its ‘Seeds for the Future programme’.

The Seeds for the Future programme, now in its 10th year in Kenya, is designed to nurture young ICT talent by providing selected students with a unique opportunity for digital skills learning and to engage in global competition termed as the ‘Tech4Good Competition, international learning, and cultural exchange.

The programme, whose aim is to promote Huawei Kenya’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility, is intended to equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the ICT industry.

Speaking at the event, Ian Korir, from Huawei Kenya, said the programme’s objective is to empower young Kenyan talent.

‘Seeds for the Future is not just a training programme; it is a life-changing experience for the students. It exposes them to cutting-edge technologies and global best practices, preparing them
for successful careers in the ICT industry,’ he said.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms, Korir said the event held today at the institution is a return of the program to its traditional physical format after three years of virtual implementation.

He said students who are interested should apply for the programme before the deadline on April 30th this year, adding that the company also extends an invitation to other university students to register for the programme before the deadline through the following link: Registration Link.

This year’s programme offers students the chance to undergo a one-week digital training course in South Africa, as well as additional training opportunities.

In addition to the South Africa trip, selected students will have a one-week training on Huawei certification courses and another one-week local training in Nairobi.

Kenyans have also been encouraged to follow @Huaweikenya on Twitter for more updates on the programme.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Close collaboration and reflection by national and county governments will go a long way in tying up the loose ends to ensure quality service delivery to taxpayers.

The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said Kenyans seldom give room for self-retrospection, but for government officials, this was an opportunity to step back and re-examine themselves.

The PS was speaking during capacity strengthening for the Government’s development agenda on Food and Nutrition Security at a Kisumu hotel on Thursday, where he urged stakeholders to utilise the national government administration structure for greater economic impact across the country.

The forum was attended by several colleagues, PSs, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, FAO Representative in Kenya, Carla Mucavi, Regional Commissioners, and officials from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, among other stakeholders from Nyanza, Western, and parts of the Rift Valley.

Dr. O
mollo said the two-day training sponsored by FAO was aimed at addressing food and nutrition security, a subject that lies at the very heart of our nation’s development agenda.

‘Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President William Ruto, Kenya embarked on a transformative journey through the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),’ he explained.

The PS said this agenda represents a significant pivot in our national policy and development strategy, aiming to forge an equitable economic structure that prioritises the needs and potential of the majority of our citizens, particularly those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

‘The essence of BETA is to promote equitable economic growth and significantly reduce inequality. It is a comprehensive strategic framework that focuses on five key high-impact sectors that are crucial to achieving our national objectives,’ he explained.

The sectors include agriculture, dedicated to enhancing food security and productivity thr
ough robust support for our smallholder farmers and the strengthening of agricultural value chains, he noted.

BETA also prioritised Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with a focus on bolstering the MSME sector to create sustainable jobs and improve livelihoods across the nation, the PS added, pointing out that the third sector is Affordable Housing, where the Government’s aim is to increase access to housing and improve the living conditions for its people.

The other sector is Universal Healthcare, where we are committed to strengthening our healthcare system to ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality medical services, the PS said.

Finally, he noted, BETA focuses on the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, which seek to unlock new avenues for economic growth and job creation by promoting our digital infrastructure and creative industries.

‘These pillars collectively aim to lower the cost of living, eradicate hunger, create employment opportunities, and foster inclusive growth. They a
lign with and are integral to Kenya’s Fourth Medium Term Plan for 2023-2027,’ Dr. Omollo stated.

To ensure the successful implementation of BETA, significant coordination through national development structures has been essential, he said, adding, ‘President Ruto established the National Development and Implementation Committees, including the Governance and Public Administration Sub-Committee to spearhead the agenda.’

The Sub-Committee is composed of diverse ministries and parastatals dedicated to integrating BETA’s principles into government operations and aligning them with both county and national government development plans.

‘Our Sub-committee, which I am privileged to be part of, is composed of dedicated public servants from various sectors, including PSs for Performance and Delivery Management, Devolution, Cabinet Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs, East Africa Community Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Diaspora Affairs, Immigration, Correctional, Defense and Solicitor General,’ he reiterated.

He said they w
ere committed to identifying and managing risks associated with development projects and promoting accountability to build trust among stakeholders, including the public and development partners.

Moreover, he added, they are dedicated to promoting inter-governmental relations in line with the provisions of our Constitution and are tasked with collaborating, cooperating, and consulting with County Governments to ensure a whole-government approach.

‘We are redefining project execution and evaluation, ensuring timely decisions that keep projects moving forward effectively. On the ground, our Regional and County Implementation Coordination and Management Committees are diligently working to enhance the coordination of these projects,’ he told the attentive audience.

Their efforts ensure that all stakeholders are engaged throughout the project cycle, increasing both the visibility and relevance of our interventions.

‘We greatly appreciate the partnership of FAO in supporting our food security initiatives, a c
ornerstone of the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto and a top priority for our administration,’ explained the PS.

‘We look forward to showcasing the impact of projects like the Otati Water project in Migori County, which benefits over 350 households and supports thousands of livestock,’ the PS said.

However, Dr. Omollo said the team’s work was far from complete. BETA advocates for a value chain approach where infrastructure, such as that provided by the Otati Water Dam, must be complemented by investments that support irrigation and water provision, thereby enabling communities to thrive in food production.

This project has the potential to significantly advance small enterprise development within the agri-food sector.

While on the development tour in Nyanza, the team would also get to appreciate the Marine School in Kisumu, recently accredited and offering courses that give critical skills to the youth to take advantage of Lake Victoria; Migori County Headquarters, which has stalled for many years; Homabay Pier/Fis
h Market, which will support the key economic activity of fishing in the region; Homabay Affordable Housing Project; and Tom Mboya University.

He appealed to the participants to renew their commitment to not only continue these efforts but to also resolve any bottlenecks that may impede progress so as to redefine the future of the nation and ensure a prosperous, secure, and healthy Kenya for all.

Source: Kenya News Agency

As heavy rains continue pounding various parts of the country, Kirinyaga County Government has intensified its flood mitigation measures in the lowlands areas of Mwea to cushion farmers against losses incurred during the deluge.

In the past few days, efforts have been directed towards clearing drainage trenches and culverts that have been blocked by soil and debris, as well as the excavation of additional trenches and expanding water canals to enhance the free flow of water and reduce flooding risk.

The ongoing interventions have come as great relief to residents of some of the severely affected areas, such as Maisha Kamili, Soweto, Wang’uru Stadium, and surrounding areas.

Jared Migwi, the County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Roads, Public Works, and Housing, said that the County Government is actively monitoring the ongoing rainfall in order to mitigate against possible disasters as well as implement prompt responses where required.

‘We have deployed our county roads machinery, such as excav
ators and backhoes, as well as trucks, for quick response in case of flooding or blocked roads,’ he said.

Besides the flooding experienced in Mwea, the heavy rains also caused damage to a section of the Wang’uru Stadium wall, with Migwi saying that the county government would erect a temporary fence to deter vandals even as coordination with the National Government on its repairs goes on.

Residents from some of the affected areas have appreciated the quick response to address the flooding, saying that it has saved them from imminent displacement.

Elizabeth Muthoni, who is a resident of Maisha Kamili, said that the quick action by the county government to dig trenches along their street will now prevent flood water from getting into their houses, as it has been happening whenever there is heavy rain.

‘I am relieved and grateful for the quick action taken by the county government. Our place will now be draining very fast since water will be flowing down the drainage system,’ she said.

Tebere Member of Coun
ty Assembly Peter Karinga commended the county government for its swift response in providing excavators to clear the clogged trenches.

He also advised those residing near the rivers to move to higher ground to protect themselves from ranging waters from overflowing rivers.

At the same time, he cautioned residents against obstructing water trenches through the erection of illegal structures as well as throwing debris into them.

A seven-day weather forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department at the beginning of the week cautioned of heavy rains in the region between April 16 to 22.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Council of Legal Education (CLE), has launched its 3rd Strategic Plan for the year 2023-2027, which outlines measures towards transformative legal education and training of legal professionals in the country.

Attorney General Justin Muturi said the plan will serve as a tool for improving efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, while the process of planning, implementation, and evaluation will enable the organisation to learn from their experiences and improve their strategies and procedures.

The AG, who was speaking on Friday during the launch of the Strategic Plan held at a Nairobi hotel, said strategic plans are vital as they assist public sector organisations to align their strategies, activities, and budgets with national development priority goals and aspirations.

Muturi noted that legal education in the country has experienced tremendous growth over the years, as evidenced by the increase in accredited legal education providers and the increased uptake of legal education at the certifi
cate and diploma levels.

‘We must also recognise the challenges that lie ahead. The landscape of legal education and training is constantly evolving with the emergence of new spheres of the law,’ he stated.

Muturi reiterated that the Council must adapt its regulatory framework in order to keep pace with the emerging changes and ensure that the legal education system remains responsive to the needs of society and the international community.

‘It is important to acknowledge that the CLE strategic plan recognises the importance of developing an innovative legal curriculum that meets the evolving needs of our society and prepares future legal practitioners to navigate the complexities of the modern world,’ he stated.

The AG noted that the world is rapidly changing its landscape, characterised by technological advancements, globalisation, and shifting social dynamics, a need that requires legal professionals to keep abreast of the technologies.

He noted that traditionally, legal education focuses on imparting
knowledge of statutes, case law, precedents, and legal principles, while the foundation remains essential, which is no longer sufficient in today’s dynamic environment.

‘In order to prepare students adequately for the challenges they will face as legal professionals, we must embrace innovation in our curriculum development process,’ Muturi said.

Muturi reiterated that the CLE’s strategic objective of reviewing the guidelines and standards is not a matter of procedural formality but also a fundamental aspect of ensuring that the quality and inclusivity of the legal education system are regulated in the country.

He announced that collaboration between the Council and stakeholders is essential since it ensures the legal education system is effective, besides strengthening accountability and transparency in legal education regulation through fostering open communication among stakeholders.

The AG urged the CLE to embrace the opportunity that lies ahead with optimism, determination, and a shared sense of purpo
se and to work with unity as they strive to solve internal disputes.

‘My office is committed to working hand in hand with CLE to address any obstacles it may encounter in fulfilling its mandate. We will together strive to uphold the highest standards of legal education in the country, fostering a new generation of competent, ethical, and compassionate legal professionals,’ assured Muturi.

The Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Prof. Collins Odote, said that the strategic plan articulates the mandate of regulating, supervising, and licensing legal education.

He noted that the five-year plan aims to transform legal education and training in the country since it focuses on strengthening innovative approaches to legal education that respond to the dynamism in the practice of law and seeks to integrate technology in the training of lawyers to better prepare for the technological world.

‘Our profession cannot serve clients effectively unless our education and licensure acknowledge the sweeping changes
brought by technology, globalisation, and mobility,’ said the chair, adding, ‘Similarly, we cannot improve access to justice without significant changes on how we educate and license the next generation of legal professionals.’

He noted that there is growing concern in Kenya and other countries regarding the present curricula for legal education and training, as they do not adequately prepare students to practice law.

Source: Kenya News Agency