Issues Kenyans must strive to address in 2016

NAIROBI: The National Council of Churches of Kenya wishes all Kenyans a blessed and God-filled New Year 2016.

May this be the year when we all determine to seek God’s blessings individually and for the nation by following the instructions given in 2 Chronicles 7: 14; “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Let us all make 2016 the year of repentance and pursuit of righteousness.

As we begin year 2016, it is our prayer that God will grant our nation strategies, courage and leadership to address the challenges that have beset us in the past and are yet to be resolved.

While the NCCK acknowledges the efforts that have been made by both the Government and other relevant constitutional organs in addressing corruption and runaway insecurity, it is our hope that:

a) Our leaders and especially the Presidency and the Judiciary will speedily and decisively punish corrupt public officers so as to root out the practice and save the country from further ruin.

It is imperative that the vice is tackled with renewed energy that is both redemptive and assuring to all Kenyans.

b) Insecurity, which continues to pervade the lives of Kenyans limiting their productivity and making them live in fear must also be adequately addressed to assure Kenyans of their safety. This is most important as we head to the 2017 General Election, given that in the past, elections have been known to trigger violence and disrupt the economy.

c) Preparations for the next elections will be completed by the end of 2016, given the emotive nature of our politics. Those involved in these preparations must exercise great caution and prudence for our national stability.

d) A legal framework will be enacted with a view to giving a national outlook to the ongoing debate on constitutional amendments and create synergy among various stakeholders. This will enable the country to avoid a protracted political contest and theatrics that are unnecessarily divisive and potentially capable of plunging the country into economic uncertainty and political insecurity. It will also give Wanjiku and non-state actors an opportunity to voice their concerns on critical issues that they would like amended.

e) In the face of global forces that may not be entirely in our control, efforts to correct the effects of historical policy errors, corruption and distortions in public sector investments across Kenya’s regions, the dehumanising poverty afflicting many Kenyans will be tackled earnestly.

This calls for increased and accountable stewardship of devolved resources in the counties, a greater resolve by elected leaders at both national and county assemblies to prioritise poverty impacting policies and a civic empowerment of the citizens to understand and demand delivery of services by their governments.

As a nation, we must also work to promote and restore in our people the culture of hope, hard work, saving and enterprise as keys to production, wealth and job creation. The political leaders must be encouraged to stop deceiving their followers that government can reverse poverty at individual and family levels and instead challenge them to engage in meaningful production as we remove market distortions to ensure just rewards for our people’s labours.

It is our prayer that God will grant all of us the grace to undertake preparations for the next General Election with peace and decorum. We urge all people to resist the temptation and incitement to violence and other undemocratic practices.

Let us therefore welcome 2016 with a determination to make it a year of repentance and obedience to God. God bless you all.