In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura defended reforms in healthcare, education, and anti-corruption efforts, highlighting job creation, NHIF debt payments, and progress in Universal Health Coverage.
- Mwaura dismissed criticism from Catholic bishops, citing economic improvements, security measures, and a commitment to dialogue on national challenges.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has defended ongoing healthcare and education reforms, highlighting key achievements such as creating over 100,000 jobs for Kenyans abroad.
His remarks came in response to criticism from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who accused the government of failing to fulfill its promises and eroding public trust.
Mwaura emphasized the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, citing legislative proposals to amend the Evidence Act, Criminal Procedure Code, and Witness Protection Act.
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These reforms aim to protect whistle-blowers and expedite legal processes. He noted that the government has recovered over Ksh.28 billion from corruption in the past two years and is implementing a digital procurement platform to enhance transparency.
Furthermore, 40% of government procurement is being reserved for local manufacturers.
Addressing security concerns, Mwaura accused human rights activists of spreading misleading information about fatalities during recent Gen Z protests.
He clarified that official reports recorded 42 deaths, with 495 police officers and 347 civilians injured. Investigations into disappearances and law enforcement excesses are ongoing, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
On healthcare, Mwaura outlined progress in settling historical NHIF debts, with over Ksh.5 billion disbursed to healthcare providers, including Ksh.938 million to faith-based hospitals.
He also highlighted the success of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which has enrolled over 14 million Kenyans, advancing Universal Health Coverage.
Mwaura addressed electoral reforms, stating the government’s readiness to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) once parliamentary approvals are finalized.
Despite delays, President Ruto has expressed a commitment to appointing a selection panel.
Turning to the economy, Mwaura reported significant improvements, including a 17-year low inflation rate of 2.7%, stable exchange rates, and forex reserves covering 4.8 months of imports—the highest since 2017.
Agricultural production has also seen growth, with surplus maize and sugar recorded for the first time in a decade.
Concluding his remarks, Mwaura reaffirmed the government’s dedication to engaging with stakeholders, including the Catholic bishops, to collaboratively address the nation’s challenges.
He dismissed reliance on “hearsay” as unproductive, emphasizing dialogue as the way forward.
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