You are not informed about State programs: Gov't tells Catholic Bishops

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura says reforms in healthcare and education by the government are effective, highlighting that more than 100,000 jobs have been created for Kenyans abroad.

Mwaura was responding to a statement issued by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops on Thursday, which accused the government of failing to implement its pre-election manifesto and contributing to the erosion of trust in government among Kenyans.

The Catholic bishops underscored the government's unwavering commitment to transparency, fight against Corruption, accountability, human rights,  false disappearances, abductions and killings and economic development, as some of the shortfalls of President William Ruto's administration.

The spokesperson in his rejoinder however emphasized that the Ruto administration is taking decisive steps to combat corruption, including proposing legislative reforms to expedite investigations and prosecutions.

“Amendments to the Evidence Act, Criminal Procedure Code, and Witness Protection Act aim to safeguard whistle-blowers and streamline the legal process for tackling graft. In the last two years the government has recovered over 28 billion shillings monies gotten from corrupt practices," Insisted Mwaura.

“Procurement integrity, the government is implementing a fully digital platform for real-time monitoring and has proposed reserving 40% of government procurement for local manufacturers. So far, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has recovered Ksh.28 billion in stolen assets," he added.

Regarding the issues surrounding insecurity and Police Oversight, Mwaura accused human rights activists of misleading Kenyans about fatalities witnessed during Gen Z protests.

"The official report is the tragic loss of 42 lives, where 495 police officers and 347 civilians were injured during recent protests. The government reaffirmed its commitment to justice and accountability as investigations into disappearances and excesses by law enforcement continue, spearheaded by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)," he said.

Dr. Mwaura outlined progress in addressing historical NHIF debts, with over Ksh.5 billion already disbursed to healthcare providers. Faith-based hospitals have received Ksh.938 million, and additional funds are being distributed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

He noted that the government is also advancing Universal Health Coverage through the new SHIF program, which has enrolled over 14 million Kenyans.

On electoral reforms, Mwaura said the government remains committed to reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"Despite delays caused by tribunal orders, President William Ruto has reiterated his readiness to appoint a selection panel once the parliamentary submission is made," Mwaura stated.

According to the spokesperson, Kenya's economy is on a rebound, with inflation at a 17-year low of 2.7% and a stabilized exchange rate reducing external debt servicing costs. 

He says that forex reserves now cover 4.8 months of imports—the highest since 2017 adding that agricultural production has seen significant growth, with surplus maize and sugar for the first time in a decade.

Dr Mwaura concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering dialogue with stakeholders, including the Catholic bishops, to address the nation’s challenges, rather than relying on hearsay about the government.