KENYA: “The Kenya We Desire”, KCCB Urges Action on Key National Issues
Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishop (KCCB), has once again on 28th February 2025 raised concern over the pressing issues facing Kenya as a nation, expressed concerns about the human dignity, governance, and economic justice, calling upon all Kenyans to work together toward “The Kenya We Desire”.
In their statement read at the launching of Lenten season 2025, members of KCCB condemned the raising incidents of abductions and extra-judicial killings, which pose a grave threat to humanity, and urged the authorities to take decisive and transparent action to end the injustices and reaffirm that every human life is worthy of protection.
“We come out once again to express our profound dismay over the incidents of abductions and extra-judicial killings that threaten the sanctity of life in our nation, it is the duty of all relevant authorities to take decisive, transparent action to end these inhumane practices, affirming that every human life is inviolable and worthy of protection”.
KCCB also noted that the state of Kenya’s healthcare system and lamented that many faith – based hospitals, which primarily serve the underprivileged, are struggling due to delayed government reimbursement amounting to 2.5 million Kenya shillings, and called upon the government to honor its commitments in reviewing the health sector, and that without urgent intervention, the crisis in healthcare will continue to jeopardize the well-being of countless Kenyans.
“As Catholic Bishops, we are still very unhappy that our hospitals, which serve mainly the underprivileged, are grounding because the government is not keeping its promises to remit funds owed to them, they continued, “Our faith- based Hospitals are still owed not less than 2.5Billion shillings. We need commitment from Government on when this amount will be paid and not mere promises”.
The bishops also demanded transparency in tax allocation, and the elimination of corruption in financial management. “We also call for complete transparency in the allocation and utilization of tax revenues, insisting that these funds be exclusively dedicated for providing essential services that uplift the common good”.
They also commended recent reforms such as the establishment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection. However, they insisted that further action is needed, including updating the voter register, conducting by-elections for vacant seats, and ensuring youth participation in the democratic process.
“In our relentless pursuit of a transparent and credible electoral process, we commend recent initiatives such as establishing an IEBC selection panel. These steps certainly assist in restoring faith in our democratic institutions. But more is needed. We call for the immediate updating of the voter register, the prompt conduct of by-elections for vacant seats, and continuous efforts to register new voters, especially among our dynamic youth-to ensure that every eligible citizen has a voice.”
“Moreover, we urge the government to provide sufficient resources and autonomy to constitutional bodies such as the IEBC and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). These reforms are essential for nurturing a democracy that is participatory, just, and truly reflective of the people’s will,” the Bishops continue.
They added, “All leaders should prioritize policies and initiatives that empower our youth through quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial opportunities. We ought to create an environment where fresh ideas and innovative solutions flourish by valuing and providing our young people with the tools they need to succeed”.
