Injustice on Our Doorstep: The Story of Evictions in Kenya

Injustice on Our Doorstep: The Story of Evictions in Kenya

Have you ever felt the ground shake beneath your feet, not from an earthquake, but from the force of injustice? That’s the reality for many Mathare, Majengo, Korogocho, Kariobangi, and Ruaraka residents in Kenya. Imagine waking up one day to find bulldozers tearing down your home, your sanctuary, leaving you homeless and hopeless. This is the harsh truth facing countless families in our country today.

It’s a tale of two cities, where the affluent live in luxury while the poor struggle to survive. In places like Runda, where the streets are lined with mansions, the government turns a blind eye to illegal encroachments on riparian land. But in Mathare, where poverty reigns supreme, residents are forcibly evicted from their humble abodes without a second thought.

The recent floods in Kenya have only exacerbated this divide. While homes in affluent neighbourhoods like Runda remain untouched, the poor in Mathare are left to fend for themselves in flooded shacks. It’s not just nature’s wrath that they’re battling; it’s corruption and impunity that have worsened their plight.

Imagine being promised relocation funds after being evicted, only to see those funds vanish into thin air while the president spends millions on lavish trips abroad. The anger and frustration are palpable, as residents demand accountability and justice for their shattered lives.

But amidst the chaos and despair, there is a glimmer of hope. The community is coming together to demand change. They’re calling for fair and humane eviction procedures, proper resettlement plans, and accountability for the lives lost and livelihoods destroyed.

It’s time for the government to listen. Why are they turning a blind eye to illegal structures in wealthy neighbourhoods while demolishing homes in poor ones? Is it because the rich have more power and influence? Is it because they value wealth over human lives?

We cannot sit idly by and watch as our fellow citizens suffer. We must stand together and demand justice for all. It’s time for the government to prioritize the needs of the people over the interests of the elite. It’s time for them to implement humane interventions and ensure that no one is left behind in times of crisis.

So let’s raise our voices and demand change. Let’s hold our leaders accountable and fight for a future where every Kenyan can live with dignity and respect. It’s not just about buildings being demolished; it’s about the lives and dreams that are being crushed in the process. And together, we can make a difference.

Launch of the Report on Recasting Advocacy: CSO Resilience and Civic Space Dynamics in East Africa

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Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! Ltd is proud to announce the upcoming launch of an in-depth report titled Recasting Advocacy on June 5, 2024, from 10:00 AM. This comprehensive report will be unveiled during an online event, bringing together stakeholders/partners, policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public. Offering crucial insights and actionable recommendations, the report aims to assist civil society organizations in overcoming challenges and advancing their critical missions.

As the civic space continues to face challenges across the region, this report offers a timely analysis of the current landscape, highlighting key trends, threats, and opportunities for civil society. The study underscores the importance of a resilient civil society in fostering democratic governance, human rights, and social justice.

Key features of the report:

  • Detailed analysis of the state of civic space in East Africa, including country-specific insights.
  • Identification of major challenges faced by civil society organizations.
  • Best practices and strategies for advocating and safeguarding civic space.
  • Policy recommendations for governments and international stakeholders.
  • Success stories and case studies of resilient civil society initiatives.

Launch event details:

The launch event will feature a panel of esteemed speakers, including report authors, regional experts, and civil society leaders.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage during the plenary session and discuss actionable steps for supporting civil society in East Africa.

Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! Ltd is dedicated to promoting democratic values, human rights, and social justice in East Africa. Through research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, we aim to empower civil society organizations and enhance their impact on governance and development.

CEO Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!Ltd
Ann Nyabera

Re-Advertised: Pre-qualification of Suppliers for Goods and Services for the Year  2024/2027

Applications for prequalification are invited from interested and eligible bidders for the supply of goods and services in the under-listed categories.

ITEM NO. CATEGORY NO.  ITEM DESCRIPTION
SECTION A: PROVISION OF SERVICES.
1.  IKNSL/001/24/27 Provision of Travel Agency Services including Air Tickets; Must be registered  by IATA
2.  IKNSL/002/24/27 Provision of Transport Services (Taxi services, Car Hire, Vans, 4*4)
3.  IKNSL/003/24/27 Provision of hospitality services (Hotel accommodation and Conference facilities within the Counties).
4.  IKNSL/004/24/27 Provision of Computer Maintenance and Local Area Network  Maintenance.
5.  IKNSL/005/24/27 Provision of Internet Services (ISP).
6.  IKNSL/006/24/27 Provision of General Printing and Publishing Services.
7.  IKNSL/007/24/27 Provision of Fumigation, Pest control Services and Sanitary Disposal Services
8.  IKNSL/008/24/27 Provision of WIBA Policy Cover
9.  IKNSL/009/24/27 Provision of Staff Medical Health Cover
10.  IKNSL/010/24/27 Provision of General Insurance Services.
11.  IKNSL/011/24/27 Provision of Courier Services.
13. IKNSL/013/24/27 Provision for Research Services
14. IKNSL/014/24/27 Provision for Meeting Facilitation and Rapporteur Services
15. IKNSL/015/24/27 Provision for Outside Catering Services
16. IKNSL/016/24/27 Provision for Language Translation Services
17. IKNSL/017/24/27 Provision for Signal and Braille Language Services
18. IKNSL/018/24/27 Provision of Office Design, Fabrication, Repair and Maintenance.
19. IKNSL/019/24/27 Provision of Audit Services, e.g annual organizational and project audits
20. IKNSL/020/24/27 Provision of Company Secretarial Services
21. IKNSL/021/24/27 Provision for Audio-Visual Documentation and Live Streaming Services.
22. IKNSL/022/24/27 Provision of  Fire Extinguishing services
23. IKNSL/023/24/27 Provision of Events Management and Related Services
24. IKNSL/024/24/27 Provision of Counseling services
25.  IKNSL/025/24/27 Provision of Pension Scheme Services

 

SECTION B: SUPPLY OF GOODS

26.  IKNSL/026/24/27 Supply of Computer Hardware, Software, Printers, Smart Phones, Toners, PAS and Cameras
27.  IKNSL/027/24/27 Supply of General Office Stationery and Consumables.
28.  IKNSL/028/24/27 Supply of Bottled Drinking Water.
29. IKNSL/029/24/27 Supply of Office Furniture.

 

The prequalification documents can be obtained from our office premises at Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! Ltd, Wood Avenue, Off Wood Avenue Opposite K-REP Centre or requested through the email address: procurement@inukakenya.com during normal working hours (upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Ksh 2,000 per category)  Duly completed documents in plain sealed envelopes for each category marked with the prequalification number should be addressed to the undersigned and dropped at the Inuka Kenya Ni SiSi!Ltd Offices on or before Friday 5th July 2024 at 5:00 pm.

The Chief Executive Officer
Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! Ltd
Wood Avenue, Off Wood Avenue Opposite K Rep Centre, 2nd Gate on the Right
Postal Address: P. O Box 104269-00101, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254 20 2502469 / 0717 786688
Email: procurement@inukakenya.com

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Programme Officer – Movement Building (Re-Advertised)

About Inuka

Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! is a Kenyan grassroots social movement organisation founded in 2009 and registered/incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2012. It envisions a peaceful, united and well-governed Kenya with equal economic and social opportunity for all citizens. The organisation exists to empower Kenyan citizens to improve their lives and demand good governance as a means to achieve socio-economic growth and equality of opportunity among all Kenyans. It purposes to curate a social movement (the Ni Sisi! Movement) that will seek to unite Kenyans to forge a collective identity, drive transformation in leadership and improve maisha — wellbeing — for all Kenyans. To this end, Inuka supports community groups/organisations and collaborates with initiatives at the local, national and regional levels to build capacity and linkages for effective collective action. Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!’s philosophy is underpinned by the concept of “dignity before development” — each individual’s inherent dignity must be upheld at all levels of interaction.

Inuka Kenya premises its work on three strategic objectives:

1: Restructuring the Public Sphere:

To create and curate narratives that seek to restructure the Kenyan public sphere using knowledge platforms, technology products and engaging civic actors and institutions within a framework of Utu.

II: Enhance Individual Agency, Dignity and Livelihoods:

To harness a collective positive and resilient identity to build, protect, restore and ensure human dignity for all.

III: Transition to a National Social Movement:

To transition from a civil society organization, through partnerships, collaboration and membership development, to a national social movement of active citizens who hold governments to account.

Job Title:   Programme Officer – Movement Building
Supervisor: Programme Manager – Civil to Civic 

Essential Functions: As the Programme Officer – Movement Building Programme, you will be responsible for the implementation, oversight, growth and sustainability of the programme. You will be charged with building the Ni Sisi! movement with a specific focus on forming and activating the Ni Sisi! Chapters and carrying out activities under the Sauti Yetu Programme. The officer will also ensure the collectivisation of Inuka programming to the Ni Sisi! Movement agenda. The position also oversees partnerships with CSOs and people movements in Kenya and the region as may be necessary. You will report to the Programme Manager – Civil to Civic or any other authorised Inuka designate as you shall be advised. You will be required to perform the duties set out hereunder and such other duties as we may require you to undertake from time to time

Duties and responsibilities 

  1. Oversee Ni Sisi! movement building by:
    • Ensuring the establishment and functioning of  Ni Sisi! chapters with a resilient singular identity in the Counties of work  through the identification, mobilisation and partnership development with citizen groups and actors, like-minded civic organisations and individuals to form collective communities of change
    • Ensuring sustained engagement with Ni Sisi! Movement members by supporting established chapters to agitate for action and change through training and thematic advocacy mechanisms on prioritised issues. 
    • Identifying and activating opportunities and initiatives to add value to citizen groups for enhanced policy debates and improved livelihoods.
    • Carrying out private sector mobilisation – financial and in-kind support including mentorship, opportunities for apprenticeship
    • Convene movement-building meetings in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
    • Perpetuating interlinkage of program activities towards movement building
    • Facilitating exchange between chapters and developing linkages with national-level agenda
    • Establishing and operationalizing values incubation centres in the Chapters
    • Identify and activate opportunities and initiatives to add value to citizen groups for enhanced policy debates and improved livelihoods.
  2. Oversee the effective functioning of the Sauti Yetu programme including planning, implementation of programmes, reporting and project staff management
  3. Be a representative of the institution in its existing coalitions and networks specifically through attending meetings feeding into processes and growing the organisation’s network
  4. Developing mechanisms to document real histories and memories in each of the  counties – curation of stories linked with Kesho – knowledge synthesis and analysis
  5. Document and prepare activity, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual reports including donor-specific reports and other ad hoc documentation as may be required.
  6. Develop and implement a research agenda for the organisation
  7. Ensure the establishment of Ni Sisi! Resource centre (s) and develop an online information portal for members of the movement – info pack, newsletter, regular member debrief information and data 
  8. Fundraising – participate in activities and/or undertake such initiatives as necessary for fundraising for the organisation. 
  9. Identify and activate opportunities and initiatives to add value to citizen groups for enhanced policy debates and improved livelihoods. 
  10. Represent the organisation at meetings with the donors and other development partners.
  11. Coordinate the MERL function  of the Programme
  12. Any other relevant duties as may be assigned.

Academic and Professional Experience

  • University degree in Political Science, Development Studies or relevant Social Sciences
  • Post-graduate studies in Programme Management or Organisational Development
  • Minimum of at least five (5) years of experience working in similar programs in advocacy and accountability organisations and networks.
  • Minimum of Five (5) years experience in community mobilisation 
  • Experience in civic education, political education and movement building

Skills and Personal Attributes 

  • Understanding of the key governance issues in Kenya and the barriers to achieving a just and equitable society; understanding of social movement-building processes, civic engagement, campaigns and human rights.
  • Competence in managing complex organisational programmes
  • Experience in developing and leading the implementation of effective nationwide campaign strategies in Kenya.
  • Experience in working with networks or coalitions and building partnerships.
  • Ability to manage sensitive organisational relationships and work with a diverse group of stakeholders in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
  • Strong experience in organisational management, project management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, and finance management.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and networking abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Kiswahili and English.
  • Experience in writing, documentation and reporting
  • Proficiency in computer applications
  • Good people management skills with a solid understanding of change management processes, performance management, time management, and results-based management, and team building.
  • Personal character:  Having a good personal track record, integrity, honesty, dedication, dynamic, showing respect to others, team builder and time manager.

How to Apply

Only candidates who meet the set criteria should submit applications together with their updated curriculum vitae that include details of daytime contacts, names and contacts of three referees addressed to careers@inukakenya.com and copy ekamau@inukakenya.com with “Programme Officer- Movement Building” in the subject line not later than 15th April 2024

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Inuka Kenya is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Further details of Inuka Kenya’s work can be obtained from our website.

Okoa Uchumi Coalition: Refusal to Participate in Perfunctory Article IV Consultations

Ms Haimanot Teferra,
Mission Chief
International Monetary Fund (IMF) African Department C/O IMF Kenya Office
Delta Centre Building, 12th Floor
Menengai Road, Upper Hill

Re: Trade Negotiations under the Kenya/United States Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) Must Address the Common Interests of Both Countries.

Dear Ms Haimanot,

Following the invitation by the IMF Nairobi Office to participate in consultations with your office on the ongoing fiscal consolidation program in Kenya, as Civil Society under the Okoa Uchumi Campaign umbrella decline the invitation to engage with the IMF . The decision to abstain from the meeting is premised on the fact that despite previous meetings, we, as Civil Society, strongly feel that our collective contributions to the process has deliberately been ignored by the IMF, and the consultations are being used to legitimise a process that continues to put majority of Kenyans at a greater risk of hunger and poverty, in spite of our dissatisfaction and protests.

Over the past few years, the Okoa Uchumi Campaign has consistently engaged with the IMF, shared several submissions (both oral and written) regarding the fiscal consolidation program and Kenya’s economic development, governance, and challenges. During these sessions, the campaign members felt the lack of the IMF’s interest in a meaningful engagement premised by the lack of concrete responses or considerations on the submissions made; as well as the glaring lack of consideration of the effects of austerity measures on growing inequality, hunger, and poverty in the country, harming the most vulnerable of our population.

While expressing our dissatisfaction with IMF’s engagement with Civil Society, we would like to reiterate and call to your attention the following concerns which the Campaign has raised during the previous ‘consultations’:

1. Rising and Unsustainable Public Debt

While we acknowledge the fact that the fiscal consolidation program has brought about a marginal increase in accountability in public finance matters, we still have a number of abiding concerns. Public debt is surging, especially commercial debt, with an increased lack of transparency and accountability. The amendments to the Public Finance Management regulations (PFM) to replace the current ceiling on debt issuance (at Ksh 10 trillion) with a medium-term debt-to-GDP anchor of 55 percent of GDP is likely to create more room for public sector borrowing without much accountability if transparency is not taken care of and ultimately prudent spending that reduces the fiscal deficit.

2. Monetary Policy

We strongly feel that the inflation-focused monetary policy that the IMF supports will continue to make the economy unproductive. This is because it affects the prioritization of other important goals such as rapid economic growth and employment creation. This focus on stabilization rather than growth and development has been promoted at the expense of achieving economic growth, enabling austerity that undermines gender responsive public service, employment creation, reducing the care burden on women and poverty reduction.

3. Good governance

Furthermore, the adequate levels of transparency and accountability regarding debt contracting, debt use, debt repayment and transparency around public procurement has not been achieved. We have in the past challenged the IMF to use its position to push for accountability in these matters. Corruption in Kenya and especially around public finance matters remains a major problem with high levels of impunity witnessed. Governance reforms especially around budget implementation and resource use, affects the question of accountability. Despite these observations to your offices, nothing has been done to assuage our concerns on the matter.

4. Burden of Taxation

In addition, the Treasury revised upwards its borrowing in the current financial year to cover the tax revenue shortfall that was expected, due to the reduction in government spending and cost cutting measures outlined in the fiscal consolidation program. While the cost cutting measures were supported by the IMF, this brought about increased commercial borrowing, and is taking Kenya to a risky debt position, a burden that unfortunately will be borne mostly by women. Higher taxation will not deal with the problem of debt, rather this can only be dealt with by making the debts productive, reducing the cost of further borrowing to service debts, and increasing accountability.

The Okoa Uchumi Campaign challenged the IMF to explore all available options to ensure that the government puts measures for balanced revenue raising strategies that do not strain the economy especially reducing people’s disposable income and expenditure on social services. This has not been done and the government has imposed a huge burden of taxation on the citizens. We further requested a conversation of all parties i.e., CSOs, Private Sector, Government, and the IMF before this round of consultations and that too has not happened. We therefore feel the obligation to break rank with the consultations and stand in solidarity with Kenyan citizens in opposing the proposed tax amendments.

We wish to point out that the proposals contained in the Tax Amendment Bill that was recently enacted in the Parliament of Kenya are only going to hurt the economy further. We note, for example, that the 1.5 percent Digital Services Tax has been eliminated on recommendation while digital content creators will be levied a withholding tax of 15 percent on their earnings. This is an unfair allocation of the burden of taxation. Such proposed revenue raising measures are misaligned with the governments purported pro-poor / pro-hustler narrative and are likely to undermine entrepreneurship effort especially among the low-income groups. The IMF had previously recommended the introduction of V A T on petroleum products which the government implemented (8% in Uhuru’s regime and now it is proposed to be raised to 16%). This will adversely affect a wide spectrum of the low-income population. Furthermore, the taxation measures proposed on the productive sector that is agriculture are unwarranted as they will make a sector that is consistently challenged by negative externalities (pandemic, climate change and natural hazards) sink further into unproductive territory with the likely effect being inflationary pressure on consumers and more significantly the loss of livelihood for a majority of Kenyans – and disproportionately affecting smallholder women farmers. Ultimately, the Bill as it is will only hinder the realisation of the benefits of progressive tax and subsequent investment in education which is key for a country as Kenya.

The focus given by the IMF on the above matters, further shifts the world’s focus from the climate injustices that ought to be addressed now. The vicious cycle with the climate crisis cannot be separated from the debt crisis conversations to hold countries responsible for global warming and deter the use of debts as a mitigating measure to the crisis. It will be important for the IMF to note that 93% of countries vulnerable to the climate crisis are in debt distress or significant risk of debt distress and hence spending so much on debt, that they are likely to be cutting spending on public services hence making it impossible to invest in feminist, just transitions.

We demand that the fiscal consolidation process ensures the principles of public participation, transparency, and accountability as enshrined in the constitution and in the Public Finance Management Act are adhered to, and that the IMF consider the impact and burden of austerity on the most vulnerable of citizens. We once again call for the IMF to show good faith and accountability in the Article IV consultation process, to ensure that the voice of the citizens directly and through the civil society is heard.

Sincerely,

The undersigned Okoa Uchumi Campaign members.

  1. The Institute for Social Accountability
  2. Econews Africa
  3. East African Tax and Governance Network
  4. Action Aid Kenya
  5. The Kenya Human Rights Commission
  6. Transparency International Kenya
  7. Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! Ltd
  8. International Budget Partnerships Kenya
  9. Centre for Economic Governance
  10. Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI)
  11. CRAWN Trust
  12. Christian Aid Kenya
  13. Centre for Fiscal Affairs
  14. Katiba Institute
  15. Oxfam International Kenya
  16. Institute of Public Finance Kenya