This week i watched the documentary "Taking Root the Vision of Wangari Maathai". It is the incredible story of Prof Wangari Maathai fight for justice, human rights and good governance.
Then i remembered my dream of impacting the Human Rights-Responsibility movement. I started through this blog, so far i have had one comment from Wanjiru. Yet i dare not give up. With the help of God i dare expand my vision and dream.
With time i know the world will be scrambling to post comments on Maneno and all its manifestations. Soon i shall announce changes to the course of this emerging movement, since there is no limit to what God can do.
Move on.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Vote for a better future with Kenya in mind
Well we all go to the polls next week, August 4th 2010. This will be a defining moment for Kenya's present and future generations. I have read the draft and followed the debate on the Proposed constitution. I have to admit that unfortunately many have ill interests as they contribute to the debate.
One thing we must realise as Kenyans is that we have the responsibility to make the right choice. As you vote think not what your superiors will say but rather what your juniors stand to benefit. The proposed constitution will not bring food on the table, we have to work and toil. However it will create the right institutional and structural framework to safeguard that which we work for. It will give ordinary Kenyans a chance to contribute to the welfare of the nation. No longer will few individuals manipulate the destiny of our nation.
About perfection, lets be honest when will we ever agree as a nation. The diverse interests informing the debate should tell you how diverse we are. So lets all work towards a better country and vote yes for the proposed constitution. The flaws in the draft, which are few, must be addressed within the new constitutional framework. The inadequacies in the draft are not a good enough reason to reject the draft. That is my solemn belief.
Do exercise your democratic right and vote as you please.
One thing we must realise as Kenyans is that we have the responsibility to make the right choice. As you vote think not what your superiors will say but rather what your juniors stand to benefit. The proposed constitution will not bring food on the table, we have to work and toil. However it will create the right institutional and structural framework to safeguard that which we work for. It will give ordinary Kenyans a chance to contribute to the welfare of the nation. No longer will few individuals manipulate the destiny of our nation.
About perfection, lets be honest when will we ever agree as a nation. The diverse interests informing the debate should tell you how diverse we are. So lets all work towards a better country and vote yes for the proposed constitution. The flaws in the draft, which are few, must be addressed within the new constitutional framework. The inadequacies in the draft are not a good enough reason to reject the draft. That is my solemn belief.
Do exercise your democratic right and vote as you please.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Rights without duties and responsibility, a total mess.
I have argued in the past that one of the major handicaps we face as a nation and region is emphasis on rights without responsibilities. I like the wording of Section 7 of the Penal Code which provides that ignorance of the Law is not a defence is a good example of our duty. This means that a person cannot claim that he/she did not know about the existence of a law as a way of escaping punishment. The law expects that you read it. If you do not, and still go ahead to break the same law, you will be liable.
But instead of focusing on the problem i have a solution, CIVIC EDUCATION.That is why we all need to invest more in reading the law and teaching on the contents of the law.
Pleasant evening
But instead of focusing on the problem i have a solution, CIVIC EDUCATION.That is why we all need to invest more in reading the law and teaching on the contents of the law.
Pleasant evening
Friday, July 16, 2010
Lead by Reading the Proposed Constitution
I do not mean to disrespect our leaders, but i wish the President, Prime Minister and all leaders who are seemingly passionate about the constitution would read the draft constitution during every public gathering.
This will keep the nation's attention on having a candid conversation on the proposals.
Again its just a wish and we all know the nature of 'constitutional' rallies. In the mean time let keep reading.
Maneno Human Rights says Lead by Reading.
This will keep the nation's attention on having a candid conversation on the proposals.
Again its just a wish and we all know the nature of 'constitutional' rallies. In the mean time let keep reading.
Maneno Human Rights says Lead by Reading.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Financing County Governments in the Proposed Constitution.
The question whether the proposed constitution devolves sufficient funds to the county to ensure its sustainability is a critical question in the ongoing civic debate on the constitution. It has been proposed that under the proposed structure only 15% of the National Revenue is allocated to counties. However the Article 203 (2) provides that not less than 15% of the revenue collected by the national government shall be allocated to county governments. This means that this is a basic minimum, giving room for more allocation.
The proposed constitution advances the principle of equity as opposed to equality in the sharing of resources between the national and county government, and between county governments. Article 203 (1) provides for equitable principles which are need-oriented as opposed a system that is hostile to adjustments. For instance 203 (1) (f) and (g) include the principles of the development needs of the counties and the economic disparities within and among counties and the need to remedy such disparity. Such provisions target counties in marginalised areas like Wajir and Mandera.
Further more there are additional modes of financing the counties which include the Revenue Fund under Article 207. This arises from the power of counties governments to tax and charges under Article 209. The counties may also borrow if the national government guarantees the loan and the county assembly approves according to Article 212.
The various financing options once exploited are far from the lies politicians are spreading on the county governments.
Maneno wishes an informed day.
The proposed constitution advances the principle of equity as opposed to equality in the sharing of resources between the national and county government, and between county governments. Article 203 (1) provides for equitable principles which are need-oriented as opposed a system that is hostile to adjustments. For instance 203 (1) (f) and (g) include the principles of the development needs of the counties and the economic disparities within and among counties and the need to remedy such disparity. Such provisions target counties in marginalised areas like Wajir and Mandera.
Further more there are additional modes of financing the counties which include the Revenue Fund under Article 207. This arises from the power of counties governments to tax and charges under Article 209. The counties may also borrow if the national government guarantees the loan and the county assembly approves according to Article 212.
The various financing options once exploited are far from the lies politicians are spreading on the county governments.
Maneno wishes an informed day.
Great Potential lies in Marginalised Nothern Kenya
My visit to Garissa and Wajir confirmed my fears and concern about the foundation of our beloved country, marginalisation of North Eastern province. The most affected areas being Infrastructure, Education, Health, Communication, Gross violation of Human Rights and Access to justice.
Although the subject of my adventure was access to justice it is inevitable to ignore other spheres of development. As recognised by the United Nations, access to justice is a necessary ingredient to alleviate poverty. However looking at citizens of North Eastern i must congratulate them for their 'never give up' spirit. A good example is the road from Garissa to Wajir which is terrible, and from the residents it is often impassable during the rainy season. Conversations with residents revealed that the road to Mandera is worse.
Why have successive governments ignored the vast potential that lies in improving infrastructure in Northern Kenya? The vast unutilised land could be used for irrigation schemes, that will attract investments and growth. However the best interests of pastoral communities living in Northern Kenya must be the primary consideration.
This is a question that the Proposed Constitution of Kenya aimed to address in proposing the inclusion of the Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Marsabit counties. The counties will go a long way in ensuring that the people of North Eastern take charge of their development priorities.
Although the subject of my adventure was access to justice it is inevitable to ignore other spheres of development. As recognised by the United Nations, access to justice is a necessary ingredient to alleviate poverty. However looking at citizens of North Eastern i must congratulate them for their 'never give up' spirit. A good example is the road from Garissa to Wajir which is terrible, and from the residents it is often impassable during the rainy season. Conversations with residents revealed that the road to Mandera is worse.
Why have successive governments ignored the vast potential that lies in improving infrastructure in Northern Kenya? The vast unutilised land could be used for irrigation schemes, that will attract investments and growth. However the best interests of pastoral communities living in Northern Kenya must be the primary consideration.
This is a question that the Proposed Constitution of Kenya aimed to address in proposing the inclusion of the Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Marsabit counties. The counties will go a long way in ensuring that the people of North Eastern take charge of their development priorities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)