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Cabinet Approves Formation of Multi-Sectoral Group to Combat Femicide
By PCS | December 17, 2024 | 02:32 PM (EAT)
The Cabinet has approved the creation of a presidential working group to address the growing crisis of femicide in Kenya. This multi-sectoral team will collaborate with religious leaders, parents, schools, security agencies, and other key stakeholders to identify gaps in laws, enforcement, and societal values contributing to this issue.
The working group, to be officially gazetted, has been tasked with providing actionable recommendations within 90 days.
In a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto—also the final session of the year—additional significant decisions were made, including the approval of the Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024. This proposed law aims to streamline presidential transitions, ensuring smoother processes and filling procedural gaps.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Establishes a unified framework for the assumption of office and transfer of executive authority.
- Introduces severe penalties for obstruction of the transition process, including fines of up to KSh10 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
- Provides enhanced security arrangements for the President-elect and Deputy President-elect.
- Addresses unforeseen scenarios, such as the absence of the outgoing President during the swearing-in, ensuring the process remains valid.
- Ensures continuity in governance by allowing Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries to remain in office until the new administration makes appointments.
Nairobi’s Clean BRT System Gets Green Light
To tackle transportation challenges in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, the Cabinet approved the implementation of the Clean Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System, Core Line 3.
The project will enhance public transport with features such as:
- Electric buses designed to transport 357,000 passengers daily by 2035.
- Cashless fare systems, real-time passenger information, and park-and-ride facilities.
- GPS-based tracking for improved efficiency and reliability.
Phase one will cover a 12.4 km stretch from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to Dandora, with future extensions to Ngong Town and Tala.
University of Nairobi Transformation Strategy Approved
The University of Nairobi’s challenges, including financial constraints and declining global rankings, prompted the approval of an ambitious 24-month Transformation Strategy.
Key initiatives in the strategy include:
- Focusing on “Green Jobs,” Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Health Research.
- Addressing financial debts amounting to KSh24.3 billion, including pension arrears and unpaid bills.
- Strengthening academic and operational excellence to restore the university’s reputation.
This strategy, led by the Ministry of Education, aims to position the University of Nairobi as a leader in education and research once again.
Petroleum Importation Policy Extended
The Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement for refined petroleum products has been extended. This move:
- Stabilized the exchange rate at KSh129 per USD, down from KSh166.
- Reduced fuel prices from KSh217 to KSh177 per litre.
- Allowed payments in Kenya shillings, saving the country $500 million in monthly dollar demand.
Additional approvals include the bulk procurement of LPG, Heavy Fuel Oil, and bitumen to further stabilize the sector.
President’s Remarks
President Ruto commended the Cabinet for prioritizing transformational leadership over populism and politics. He highlighted achievements in food production, housing, labour mobility, and tourism, underscoring the government’s commitment to serving all Kenyans.
“It is not about some people, but all the people of Kenya,” he concluded.
Dj Vnyash
