KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Wetang’ula praises Chebukati as a pivotal figure in Kenya’s democracy

    Wetang’ula praises Chebukati as a pivotal figure in Kenya’s democracy

    Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has hailed former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati as a pivotal figure in Kenya’s democratic journey, praising his unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law and electoral integrity.

    Leading a delegation of Members of Parliament to Chebukati’s Nairobi home, Wetang’ula paid tribute to the former IEBC chair, highlighting the immense responsibility he bore in safeguarding Kenya’s electoral process.

    “The office that Wafula Chebukati held made him realize that the discharge of his duties was not just physical; it was legal, intellectual, and constitutional. And he carried out his role with integrity until the very end. That is the great man we are preparing to bid farewell to very soon,” he said.

    Chebukati’s tenure at the IEBC was defined by difficult decisions and a steadfast dedication to free, fair, and credible elections. His legacy remains deeply etched in the nation’s history, leaving a lasting impact on governance and electoral reforms.

    Beyond honoring Chebukati’s service, Speaker Wetang’ula reflected on the recent tragic events in Mumias, where violent clashes led to the loss of lives. He urged Kenyans to embrace reconciliation and prioritize unity.

    “What happened in Mumias was tragic. We have witnessed the bloodshed of our brothers and sons. Let us move away from this and work towards peace and unity,” he urged.

    He also called on leaders to uphold decorum during funerals, discouraging the politicization of such solemn occasions.

    “We recently attended the funeral of the father of the Speaker of the Senate, Mzee Kingi. Not a single politician engaged in politics at that solemn occasion. I also attended a funeral in the North Rift region, where political discussions were not entertained. When you speak politics there, they simply look at you in silence.”

    His remarks served as a reminder to respect grieving families and allow them to mourn without political interference.

    Wafula Chebukati’s contributions to Kenya’s democratic process will be remembered for generations. As the nation prepares to lay him to rest, his leadership, integrity, and resilience remain a guiding light for public service.

  • Ruto, UN Deputy Chief discuss peace efforts in DRC, Sudan and Haiti

    Ruto, UN Deputy Chief discuss peace efforts in DRC, Sudan and Haiti

    President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United Nations in promoting global peace, security and sustainable development.

    During a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed at State House, Mombasa, Ruto discussed key regional and global challenges, including conflicts in Eastern DRC, Sudan and Haiti.

    He highlighted the progress made in stabilizing Eastern DRC through the EAC-SADC joint peace process, including the appointment of facilitators to guide negotiations and implement measures to restore peace. The two leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to prevent further loss of life.

    On Haiti, Ruto expressed gratitude for the UN’s support in Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to contributing to global stability.

    Separately, President Ruto met with outgoing Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Hery Saripudin.

    He acknowledged Indonesia as a key partner in Kenya’s economic growth.

    The discussions also focused on strengthening investment ties in renewable energy, palm oil and seaweed production, sectors that hold significant potential for job creation and industrial development.

    As he bid farewell to Ambassador Saripudin, Ruto reiterated Kenya’s dedication to deepening diplomatic and economic collaboration with Indonesia for shared prosperity.

  • Parliament intervenes as Inua Jamii faces funding uncertainty

    Parliament intervenes as Inua Jamii faces funding uncertainty

    The Social Protection Committee, chaired by Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), is set to reconvene on Wednesday to address a looming financial crisis that threatens to disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of vulnerable Kenyans under the Inua Jamii cash transfer program.

    The initiative provides essential financial support to the elderly, people living with severe disabilities, households facing extreme poverty, and vulnerable children.

    Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizens Affairs, Joseph Monari, is expected to clarify the Ministry’s budget constraints after admitting that funds for the program have been depleted, raising concerns about whether beneficiaries will receive their stipends between March and July 2025.

    The committee’s session follows an abrupt adjournment of Tuesday’s meeting, where lawmakers halted Monari’s presentation due to irregularities and errors in the submitted budget policy statement.

    MPs emphasized the need for accuracy, reminding the PS that Parliament operates on principles of records and order, and demanded a revised and properly structured submission before further deliberations.

    Lawmakers will engage Monari to explore urgent solutions and prevent a crisis that could leave thousands of vulnerable Kenyans without their much-needed financial support.

    The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine the way forward for the continuity of the Inua Jamii program.

  • Tetra Pak secures top spot on CDP’s ‘A List’ for climate transparency

    Tetra Pak secures top spot on CDP’s ‘A List’ for climate transparency

    Tetra Pak has been recognized for its leadership in corporate transparency and climate change performance by the global environmental non-profit, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), securing a spot on its prestigious annual ‘A List.’

    CDP, an internationally renowned organization promoting environmental transparency, evaluates data from over 22,000 companies worldwide and ranks them based on their climate disclosures, tangible action and environmental leadership.

    Tetra Pak achieved an ‘A’ score in the 2024 climate change assessment, the fourth time in five years, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

    The recognition comes amid growing global concerns over climate change.

    The World Meteorological Organization has warned that record-breaking greenhouse gas (GHG) levels are driving extreme weather, rising sea levels and melting ice.

    With nearly one-third of global GHG emissions linked to inefficient food systems, Tetra Pak is leveraging its role as a leading food processing and packaging company to drive meaningful change.

    As part of its climate action strategy, Tetra Pak aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across its entire value chain (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2050.

    By 2023, the company had already reduced its total absolute GHG emissions by 20 per cent compared to its 2019 baseline, cutting emissions from its own operations by 47 per cent, upstream emissions by 21 per cent and downstream emissions by 17 per cent.

    Francesca Priora, Vice President of Climate & Nature at Tetra Pak, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability beyond packaging.

    She highlighted the importance of transparency in environmental action, noting that CDP’s assessments help drive accountability and continuous improvement in sustainability efforts.

    In addition to its top ranking for climate change, Tetra Pak also received an ‘A-’ rating in both forest protection and water security, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in environmental responsibility.

    CDP also scores companies based on their disclosure of climate, deforestation and water security impacts.

    Companies receive ratings from A to D- based on the comprehensiveness of their disclosures, awareness of environmental challenges, management strategies and progress toward sustainability goals.

    Those that fail to disclose or provide insufficient data receive an ‘F.’

    As CDP continuously refines its scoring criteria to reflect scientific advancements and stakeholder expectations, Tetra Pak’s consistent ranking in the ‘A List’ underscores its ongoing commitment to environmental leadership.

    By maintaining transparency and innovation in sustainability, Tetra Pak is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a benchmark for the industry, proving that corporate responsibility and environmental progress go hand in hand.

  • NEMA warns City Hall of legal action over garbage pileup at Stima Plaza

    NEMA warns City Hall of legal action over garbage pileup at Stima Plaza

    Nairobi City County Government has been ordered by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to immediately clear the heaps of garbage dumped at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza on Monday.

     

    NEMA’s Enforcement Director, Dr. Ayub Macharia, condemned the act as unlawful and a serious health hazard to residents in the area.

     

    The Authority warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in legal consequences.

     

    The notice comes amid a long-standing dispute between Nairobi County and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) over billions of shillings in unpaid wayleave fees.

     

    The county has accused KPLC of failing to honour its financial obligations, leading to rising tensions between the two entities.

     

    According to Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, KPLC owes the county approximately Ksh 4.8 billion in annual wayleave fees, which apply to all service providers using public land and infrastructure.

     

    He stated that despite repeated demands for payment since 2002, KPLC has not settled its debt. Citing Legal Notice No. 4894 of 2001, Akumali emphasized that Kenya Power is not exempt from paying wayleave charges.

     

    “The law is clear on wayleave charges, and KPLC is not exempt. They cannot continue ignoring their financial obligations while generating revenue from our infrastructure,” Akumali said.

     

    The dispute dates back to 2007 when KPLC petitioned the High Court to overturn the county’s authority to impose wayleave fees. While the High Court ruled against KPLC, the company successfully secured a stay on the decision in 2017.

     

    However, the county claims that KPLC has yet to file an actual appeal, leaving the matter unresolved and further complicating the standoff.

     

    County officials have accused KPLC of applying double standards by aggressively enforcing payments from customers while failing to pay its dues.

     

    They argue that the company has continued to benefit from public infrastructure without fulfilling its financial obligations.

     

    Beyond the issue of wayleave fees, the county has also raised concerns over KPLC’s leasing of utility poles to internet service providers (ISPs).

     

    Investigations reveal that KPLC has lease agreements with major telecom companies, including Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Telkom Kenya and Safaricom, for fibre-optic installations on its transmission lines.

     

    The county alleges that KPLC has been charging ISPs for access to infrastructure located on county land while refusing to pay wayleave fees.

     

    “This is a clear case of double standards. KPLC cannot charge third parties for access to county land while refusing to pay its dues,” a senior county official, who requested anonymity, said.

     

    In response to KPLC’s alleged failure to pay its debts, Nairobi County officials have threatened further action. Akumali stated that services such as garbage collection would only resume once Kenya Power clears its dues.

     

    “We need money to provide essential services. We will clear the garbage once KPLC pays what they owe us,” he said.

     

    Meanwhile, the county acknowledges that it has an outstanding electricity bill of approximately Ksh 113 million owed to KPLC, with about 85 per cent of this amount attributed to public lighting.

     

    Officials insist that payments are being made gradually, but they maintain that the unpaid wayleave fees, significantly higher than the county’s electricity bill, remain the primary issue.

     

    Further complicating the dispute, KPLC also owes the county Ksh 17 million in unpaid land rates for its infrastructure within Nairobi. County officials argue that while KPLC continues to demand payments, it must also recognize its financial obligations.

     

    “As much as KPLC demands its dues, it must also acknowledge its financial obligations to the county. We have been patient, but we will not hesitate to take necessary measures to recover what is owed to us,” Akumali warned.

     

  • Baringo County to host World Wildlife Day 2025 celebrations

    Baringo County to host World Wildlife Day 2025 celebrations

    Kenya will commemorate World Wildlife Day (WWD) 2025 with a national celebration at Lake Bogoria in Marigat, Baringo County, on March 3, 2025.

    The event will spotlight the crucial link between conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with this year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”

    Nationally, Kenya has adapted the theme to “Wildlife Conservation Finance: A Shared Future for Wildlife and Sustainable Livelihoods,” emphasizing its commitment to ensuring that conservation benefits both nature and local communities.

    Baringo County, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, provides a fitting backdrop for the celebrations.

    Home to Lake Bogoria, a UNESCO Ramsar site, the region shelters thousands of lesser flamingos, as well as iconic species like the greater kudu, African fish eagles, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.

    Beyond Lake Bogoria, the county also boasts diverse ecosystems, including Lake Baringo, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, and community conservancies such as Ruko and Kaptuiya.

    These areas support a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, patas monkeys and the elusive giant pangolin, making Baringo a key biodiversity hotspot.

    Over the years, local communities in Baringo have played a vital role in conservation, demonstrating how grassroots stewardship can drive sustainable development.

    Community-led conservancies, eco-tourism projects, and nature-based enterprises have not only safeguarded wildlife but also created economic opportunities for residents.

    These initiatives highlight the importance of integrating conservation with community well-being, a core focus of this year’s WWD celebrations.

    The 2025 event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), reinforcing global efforts to regulate wildlife trade while ensuring species survival.

    As a CITES signatory, Kenya remains a leader in conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity.

    The celebrations will bring together government officials, conservation organizations, community representatives, and tourism sector stakeholders. Key activities will include:

    • High-level discussions on innovative conservation financing mechanisms, such as carbon credits, payment for ecosystem services (PES), and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
    • Community showcases featuring nature-based enterprises like beekeeping, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture, demonstrate how conservation can drive economic growth.
    • Educational exhibitions and awareness campaigns to promote wildlife conservation and highlight biodiversity’s importance.
    • Cultural performances celebrating the role of Indigenous communities in conservation and their traditional knowledge of sustainable resource management.
    • Essay and art competitions for students, fostering a new generation of conservation champions.

    Kenya’s wildlife is a national treasure, significantly contributing to the economy through tourism while supporting millions of livelihoods.

    However, challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict continue to threaten this heritage. Addressing these issues requires sustainable financing models that ensure long-term investment in conservation while benefiting local communities.

    The 2025 World Wildlife Day celebrations will highlight Kenya’s leadership in conservation finance, showcasing models that protect ecosystems, support livelihoods, and contribute to global biodiversity and climate goals.

    By hosting this event in Baringo County, Kenya reaffirms its commitment to a future where both people and wildlife thrive together.

    World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about the need to protect wild animals and plants.

    This year’s celebrations in Kenya will serve as a powerful reminder that sustainable conservation finance is key to securing a shared future for wildlife and communities.

  • NEMA warns City Hall of legal action over garbage pileup at Stima Plaza

    NEMA warns City Hall of legal action over garbage pileup at Stima Plaza

    Nairobi City County Government has been ordered by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to immediately clear the heaps of garbage dumped at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza on Monday.

    NEMA’s Enforcement Director, Dr. Ayub Macharia, condemned the act as unlawful and a serious health hazard to residents in the area.

    The Authority warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in legal consequences.

    The notice comes amid a long-standing dispute between Nairobi County and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) over billions of shillings in unpaid wayleave fees.

    The county has accused KPLC of failing to honour its financial obligations, leading to rising tensions between the two entities.

    According to Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, KPLC owes the county approximately Ksh 4.8 billion in annual wayleave fees, which apply to all service providers using public land and infrastructure.

    He stated that despite repeated demands for payment since 2002, KPLC has not settled its debt. Citing Legal Notice No. 4894 of 2001, Akumali emphasized that Kenya Power is not exempt from paying wayleave charges.

    “The law is clear on wayleave charges, and KPLC is not exempt. They cannot continue ignoring their financial obligations while generating revenue from our infrastructure,” Akumali said.

    The dispute dates back to 2007 when KPLC petitioned the High Court to overturn the county’s authority to impose wayleave fees. While the High Court ruled against KPLC, the company successfully secured a stay on the decision in 2017.

    However, the county claims that KPLC has yet to file an actual appeal, leaving the matter unresolved and further complicating the standoff.

    County officials have accused KPLC of applying double standards by aggressively enforcing payments from customers while failing to pay its dues.

    They argue that the company has continued to benefit from public infrastructure without fulfilling its financial obligations.

    Beyond the issue of wayleave fees, the county has also raised concerns over KPLC’s leasing of utility poles to internet service providers (ISPs).

    Investigations reveal that KPLC has lease agreements with major telecom companies, including Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Telkom Kenya and Safaricom, for fibre-optic installations on its transmission lines.

    The county alleges that KPLC has been charging ISPs for access to infrastructure located on county land while refusing to pay wayleave fees.

    “This is a clear case of double standards. KPLC cannot charge third parties for access to county land while refusing to pay its dues,” a senior county official, who requested anonymity, said.

    In response to KPLC’s alleged failure to pay its debts, Nairobi County officials have threatened further action. Akumali stated that services such as garbage collection would only resume once Kenya Power clears its dues.

    “We need money to provide essential services. We will clear the garbage once KPLC pays what they owe us,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the county acknowledges that it has an outstanding electricity bill of approximately Ksh 113 million owed to KPLC, with about 85 per cent of this amount attributed to public lighting.

    Officials insist that payments are being made gradually, but they maintain that the unpaid wayleave fees, significantly higher than the county’s electricity bill, remain the primary issue.

    Further complicating the dispute, KPLC also owes the county Ksh 17 million in unpaid land rates for its infrastructure within Nairobi. County officials argue that while KPLC continues to demand payments, it must also recognize its financial obligations.

    “As much as KPLC demands its dues, it must also acknowledge its financial obligations to the county. We have been patient, but we will not hesitate to take necessary measures to recover what is owed to us,” Akumali warned.

     

  • Ex-Kakamega Assembly leader charged with Ksh 5.2M tax fraud

    Ex-Kakamega Assembly leader charged with Ksh 5.2M tax fraud

    The former leader of majority at the Kakamega County Assembly Rashid Rocky Omwendo was arraigned at the Kakamega Law Courts on Tuesday for charges of tax evasion amounting to Ksh 5.2 million.

    Omwendo faced three counts of tax fraud totalling Ksh 3,422,006 stemming from his failure to declare an income of Ksh 11.7 million under his personal Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN.

    Additionally, he was charged alongside Jackline Mary Ambetsa and Nambalah Enterprise Limited with 12 counts of tax fraud amounting to Ksh 1.8 million. Omwendo and Ambetsa are both company directors.

    The charges include fraud in relation to tax, failure to submit tax returns, and failure to pay taxes on time as required by law. The alleged tax offences were committed between 2018 and 2022.

    The accused pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Philip Mutua and were granted a bond of Ksh 200,000.

    The case is set for mention on May 8, 2025.

    If convicted, the accused could face a fine of Ksh 10 million or double the evaded tax amount, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for up to five years, in line with the Tax Procedures Act, 2015.

    Meanwhile, James Njenga Waweru was arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts for possession and transportation of restricted goods, contrary to the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.

    Waweru was arrested on January 8, 2025, at Soy Township in Uasin Gishu County while transporting 35 drums, each containing 250 litres of ethanol, aboard an Isuzu FRR truck.

    Investigations revealed that the ethanol had a customs value of Ksh 1,566,338, with unpaid duties amounting to Ksh 4,504,210.

    Appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Keyne Gweno, Waweru pleaded not guilty and was granted a bond of Ksh 100,000.

    The case is scheduled for mention on March 3, 2025.

  • Uhuru Kenyatta among former leaders appointed to lead DRC peace talks

    Uhuru Kenyatta among former leaders appointed to lead DRC peace talks

    The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have appointed former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as joint facilitators of the now merged Nairobi and Luanda peace processes in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    The decision was reached during the Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government, co-chaired by Zimbabwean President and SADC Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President and EAC Chairperson William Ruto.

    The summit, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025, aimed to address the ongoing security crisis in Eastern DRC and reinforce peace efforts.

    As part of this initiative, the EAC Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDFs) convened a preparatory meeting in Nairobi on February 21, 2025, to assess the security situation and strategize on interventions.

    Similarly, SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces held discussions in Dar es Salaam on the same subject. The meetings were in line with the directives issued by the Joint Summit to advance peace and security efforts in the region.

    Key directives guiding the process include an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, provision of humanitarian assistance, reopening of main supply routes, development of a security plan for Goma and surrounding areas and the immediate reopening of Goma Airport.

    Defence experts from EAC and SADC have been actively engaged in reviewing these directives to ensure effective implementation.

    Further consultations are expected, with a joint EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces meeting scheduled for February 24, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.

    This will precede a Joint Ministerial Meeting set for February 28, 2025, where additional details on the ceasefire implementation will be discussed.

    The EAC-SADC leadership has urged all actors in the conflict, including the M23 and other armed groups to fully observe the ceasefire and halt any further hostilities in Eastern DRC.

    The Joint Summit reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainable peace in the region and emphasized the importance of cooperation among regional stakeholders.

    With the appointment of the three eminent African leaders as facilitators, the EAC-SADC peace process aims to provide a coordinated and effective approach to resolving the long-standing instability in Eastern DRC.

    The regional bloc remains actively engaged in ensuring that peace and security are restored through diplomatic and military interventions.

  • The world must confront colonialism’s lasting impact, Mudavadi

    The world must confront colonialism’s lasting impact, Mudavadi

    Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for global efforts to confront the lingering effects of colonialism, tackle modern-day discrimination and promote justice and equity for all.

    Speaking at the opening of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advocating for marginalized communities amid rising xenophobia, Afrophobia and racial discrimination.

    “As the current Chair Rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Durban Declaration, Kenya is dedicated to combating racism and related intolerance. We welcome the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and its focus on reparatory justice and development,” Mudavadi stated.

    The PCS highlighted Africa’s commitment to justice, pointing to the African Union’s 2025 theme, ‘Justice for Africans and The People of African Descent Through Reparations,’ as a demonstration of the continent’s resolve to address historical injustices.

    Mudavadi acknowledged the evolving landscape of human rights in the digital age, noting that Kenya is reviewing its 2014 National Policy and Action Plan on Human Rights to integrate emerging issues related to technology and the digital divide.

    “We recognize challenges such as disinformation campaigns fueled by generative AI, the weaponization of technology, and its dual-use nature, which must be mitigated. However, as Africa’s ‘Silicon Savannah,’ Kenya is equally aware of the transformative potential of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in advancing development,” he said.

    Mudavadi revealed that Kenya is developing a National AI Strategy 2025-2030, which focuses on strengthening data sovereignty and inclusive development.

    He urged the Human Rights Council to play a pivotal role in promoting equitable access to emerging technologies and critical infrastructure to ensure full participation in the information society.

    Turning to global peace, Mudavadi raised concerns over increasing wars and conflicts that have led to grave human rights violations, including crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.

    He noted that ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Libya, Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Haiti and Myanmar have fueled humanitarian catastrophes worldwide.

    “In the DRC alone, reports indicate that cases of sexual violence, including the rape of children as young as 12, increased fivefold in just one week between January 27 and February 2, 2025,” he said, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

    He cited projections from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicating that by 2025, over 139 million people globally will be forcibly displaced or become stateless due to conflicts, with nearly 47 million children affected, according to UNICEF.

    Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to peace initiatives in conflict-prone regions such as Sudan, Somalia and Haiti, emphasizing that sustainable peace is intrinsically linked to human rights protection.

    He urged the Council to incorporate human rights considerations into peace missions and conflict resolution mechanisms.

    The PCS further emphasized the need for structural changes in the Global Financial Architecture, advocating for local solutions to regional problems.

    He highlighted Kenya’s stance on promoting discussions around a “human rights economy” and called for a reformed financial system to enable nations to uphold their human rights obligations effectively.

    Recognizing corruption as a major impediment to human rights, Mudavadi stated that Kenya continues to strengthen institutions, legislation, and policies to combat graft through bodies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

    “Corruption often facilitates and aggravates human rights violations, particularly against vulnerable groups, by hindering access to essential services such as legal representation, education, health and social protection,” he noted.

    Mudavadi also commended the Human Rights Council’s efforts in recognizing the link between climate change and human rights, reiterating Kenya’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030.

    He stressed the importance of addressing environmental crises, noting that degradation directly contributes to human rights abuses.

    “Kenya will continue to champion this cause during our tenure on the Council and remain steadfast in global efforts to combat climate change and foster sustainable development,” he concluded.