African Boy Child Network – Spearheading Sustainable Transformation of the Boy Child

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Governance and Social Accountability

PATRIOTISM is not OBEDIENCE to GOVERNMENT rather is OBEDIENCE to the PRINCIPALS for which the GOVERNMENT is SUPPOSED to STAND

Sovereign power belongs to the people- Amplifying voices of the people

Submitting our recommendations on the healthcare and digital technology bill to the National assembly registry

African boy child Network has been a member of @kiambu county empowerment network since it’s inception and currently holding the position of organizing secretary in the executive committee
 
Kiambu County Empowerment Network-Kcen-Cso Network is a dynamic network comprising more than 30 vibrant youth organizations rooted in the heart of Kiambu County, Kenya. Each of these groups represents a unique facet of our diversecommunity, actively contributing to various areas including good governance, accountability, civiceducation, public participation, youth empowerment, arts, agriculture, and budget processes.
Together, we envision a thriving Kiambu County where empowered youth organizations play a pivotal role in shaping its future, fostering accountable leadership, and driving sustainable development.
The mission is to unite, empower, and amplify the collective voice of youth organizations in Kiambu County. Through collaborative efforts, they strive to promote transparency, social inclusion, and active engagement in all spheres of community life, fostering positive change and sustainable progress for our county, country and its residents.”
 
We believe that Good governance promotes developments, enhances standards and principles by providing a set of values to guide the work of governments and other political and social actors with key standards against which these actors can be held accountable.
It was these background that we took part together with the communities we represent in interacting with the above two health bills led by our two expert members Lawrence Gatenjwa and Izzoh Isaiah . They assisted the network breakdown the Pros and Cons of the two bills. This automatically paved the way for a better understanding and thereafter gave their recommendation as expected .
 
We remain optimistic that the National Assembly and Senate will consider our recommendations and any other recommendations by the people for the people with an aim of making two Bills workable and implementable for the common good.
Together we stand for Accountability, Inclusivity, and Transparency in the governance of critical sectors like healthcare and digital technology.
Special thanks to all our partners for your input .
Always feel appreciated

PUSHING FOR EFFECTIVE CITIZENARY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

1. (Article 1) All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution. (2) The people may exercise their sovereign power either directly or through their democratically elected representatives.
The Kenyan people have different needs that require urgent registralation interventions. However, the people bestowed with the duty of legislation may miss on key elements and the output of such legistlation ends up doing more harm.
Kiambu county revenue allocation bill public participation was key for us. Once passed the bill will allocate Minimum of Ksh 10,000,000 annually to Members of the county assembly.
Kiambu residents should be aware of this allocation, what is the allocation destined to do, how do we ensure there is no project duplication, do we have any reporting mechanism?
The roles of a member of the county assembly are
(a) Oversight
(b) Legislation
(c) Representation
With this allocation, the fourth duty would be ‘implementation”….
Many of our people do not understand the roles of our MCAs and therefore most find themselves stuck between doing the constituonally designed roles and doing other roles as expected by the constituents.
If the bill passes, it means more money for development, its therefore our role to ensure public funds are used for the common good .
African Boychild Network we happy to have been part of this public participation in the county assembly. Special thanks to the finance committee for the engagements and positivity towards the process.
Special thanks to Bunge Mashinani Initiative @kiambu county empowerment network for the lead role on governance and social accountability
Lets make devolution work.

THE STATUS OF YOUR LAND AS A KIAMBU RESIDENT TODAY FACTS

1. Sec 2 of the kaimbu county valuation and rating act passed by the kiambu county assembly places all freehold lands are subject to rates.
 
2. Sec 14 gives county government authority to enter any private land for valuation and Amy attempt to prevent valuation will cost you Ksh 150000 fine or 6 months in prison.
 
3..this land rates for both lease hold and freehold will be backdated to 2016 when the Act was past attracting 3% penalty every month according to the recently passed finance bill 2023-2024.
 
4. This Bill allows the county government to charge your title deed through the registrar of lands for the debt
 
5. Sec 38 and 39 tenants of a land that has land rates are liable to pay their rent to the county government and In case the land owner is not available the caretaker of the land is personally liable for the land rates.
 
6. Sec 45 gives the CEC finance power to sell your land through auction or private treaty
 
7. You cannot sell, develop, sub divide or lease your land till all rates are paid from 2016.
(Source Bunge Mashinani Initiative through Kiambu County Valuation and Rating Act 2016 and Kiambu County Finance , 2023-2024)
African Boychild Network we are proud to be part of this advocacy to sensitize all Kiambu residents of the danger before us.
We demand a repeal of the Kiambu county valuation and rating act and vibrant civic education and public participation to the people of Kiambu on all county matters.
Special appreciation to @Bunge Mashinani Initiative supported by @Kiambu County Empowerment Network for their boldness and taking the lead role to save Kiambu residents from likelyhood of Losing their lands..

TOTAL REPEAL OF THE KIAMBU COUNTY VALUATION AND RATING BILL 2016 BY POWER OF THE PEOPLE IN ACTION

THE STATUS OF YOUR LAND /PROPERTY AS A KIAMBU RESIDENT TODAY
Article 119 of the Constitution, the Petition to Parliament (Procedure) Act, No. 22 of 2012 and the National Assembly Standing Orders provide the public with the right to request Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, this means therefore
The right to petition Assembly is the right of every citizen of the County and is provided for in the Standing Orders. Any person, groups of people or an organization has the right to petition Assembly.
FACTS
1. Sec 2 of the Kiambu county valuation and rating act passed by the Kiambu county assembly places all freehold lands are subject to rates.
 
2. Sec 14 gives county government authority to enter any private land for valuation and Amy attempt to prevent valuation will cost you Ksh 150,000 fine or 6 months in prison.
 
3 This land rates for both lease hold and freehold will be backdated to 2016 when the Act was past attracting 3% penalty every month according to the recently passed finance bill 2023-2024.
 
4. This Bill allows the county government to charge your title deed through the registrar of lands for the debt
 
5. Sec 38 and 39 tenants of a land that has land rates are liable to pay their rent to the county government and incase the land owner is not available the caretaker of the land is personally liable for the land rates.
 
6. Sec 45 gives the CEC finance power to sell your land through auction or private treaty
 
7. You cannot sell, develop, sub divide or lease your land till all rates are paid from 2016.
(Source Bunge Mashinani Initiative through Kiambu County Valuation and Rating Act 2016 and Kiambu County Finance, 2023-2024)
African Boychild Network believes in good governance and social accountability. We believe in empowering communities through their voices being heard. Their right to demand how they want governed without intimidation.
Their right to public participation and their right to petition the county assembly in any matter that has not room for common good.

TOTAL REPEAL OF KIAMBU COUNTY EVALUATION AND RATING ACT 2016

INCLUSION OF 1% COUNTY BUDGET TO CIVIC EDUCATION
As a followup to our ealier petition of total repeal of Kiambu county evaluation and rating act and Kiambu county finance bill 2023
Land for Kiambu residents is part part and parcel if their existence. Kiambu residents from the time of their grand parents, land has been and will always be key to their livelihood.
This affirms the need for unwavering advocacy to ensure the punitive laws put in place by Kiambu County Assembly DO NOT ATTEMPT to take this land ownership away and leave the residents squatters in their own land.
The people of Kiambu demand for total Repeal of the bill. Give the People of Kiambu an opportunity to air their views by effectively conducting public participation .
Land rates should be aimed at fostering economic growth while also safeguarding the interests of landowners.
We advocates for total inclusion of the land owners in assessment keeping in mind harsh economic realities on the ground
To ensure effective assessment and public engagement, we advocate for county budget allocation of 1% to civic education that will effectively increase Kiambu residents knowledge and skills on engaging their government, holding leaders accountable
and contribute meaningfully to community development.
This day marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive governance and community empowerment in Kiambu County.
Special recognition to Bunge Mashinani Initiative the lead partner on this noble initiative under Kiambu County Empowerment Network-Kcen-Cso Network .
African Boychild Network we are honoured to be part of this journey from the beginning and we are optimistic that the Kiambu County Government-Kenya through the county assembly will honour the will of Kiambu residents

ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN at Juja Sub county.

 
One of our key members are Kiambu County Empowerment Network-Kcen-Cso Network
Wezesha Jamii Active Director Vosty Heltascalter taking people through the CIDP extracting the projects for ADP.
Civic education is key for quality discussion of citizens. As a member of Kiambu County Empowerment Network, serving as the Chairperson 2024-2026, one of our key agendas is conducting civic education to the residents of kiambu. Taking ownership of development in our own county enhances good governance and social accountability.

Annual Development Plan public participation in RUIRU SUB COUNTY

 
African boy child Network is committed in county development for the benefits of its residents.
Today we wrote in a memo in reference to public participation for ADP that was called upon by Kiambu County government
We endeavour to advocate for good governance and social accountability.

 

BE THE CHANGE YOU HOPE FOR

GEN Z PROTEST

KENYA DEVOLUTION PROGRAM closeup meetings Capacity building

A network is as strong as its members.
Capacity building is crucial for any network for it empowers its individual members to effectively contribute to itsl objective.
A network s overall capabilities is pegged on its members skills and knowledge and targeted collaboration which increases its impact to those it serves.
Act Change Transform has been instrumental in making Kiambu County Empowerment Network-Kcen-Cso Network affirm its members training them among others MERL, Advocacy, Resource mobilisation, Finance strategies etc
This automatically propels and prepares the network for larger more impactful programs.
To all our members of KCEN, many other stakeholders, we say thank you for entrusting African Boychild Network to be the chair of this credible impactful Network making a positive impact for Kiambu residents.

UNDERSTANDING COUNTY FISCAL STRATEGY PAPER

 
Kiambu County Empowerment Network-Kcen-Cso Network has organised a crucial webinar: “Understanding the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP).” This webinar is designed to prepare Kiambu County residents for the upcoming public participation forums on the CFSP later this month.
We’ll demystify the complexities of the CFSP, exploring its key components and empowering you to effectively participate in the budget process. Learn how you can meaningfully influence Kiambu County’s budget ceilings, departmental priorities, realistic projections, and informed performance reviews.
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
African Boychild Network being the current chair of Kiambu County Empowerment Network will be honoured to have you on board.
Join us and be a part of Kiambu’s citizen-driven development agenda! Your voice matters in shaping our county’s future.

KENYA DEVOLUTION PROGRAM WORKING GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 
It was a pleasure to address the participants and present the work plan of Central Region Economic Block (CEREB)

KENYA DEVOLUTION PROGRAM

KENYA DEVOLUTION CSO WORKING GROUP
Kenya devolution program has been designed by Act Change Transform through the support of UK AID
The program was critical in pushing for effective devolved governments that will offer numerous advantages including localized decisions making, increased accountability, flexibility and improved public services.
After 14 years, it’s not a surprise that the devolved governments are still struggling. Lack of accountability continues to be the order of the day, National government lack of good will to devolved functions as stipulated in our Constitution and outright delay or bare minimum resource allocations to counties.
African Boychild Network being the chair of Kiambu County Empowerment Network-Kcen-Cso Network has been focussed on the issue of good governance and social accountability and making devolved governments do what’s right by the people.
Today is the 3rd Annual General Meeting of Kenya devolution CSO working group which compromises the 47 counties elected delegates.

GENDER WORKING GROUP ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Gender working group annual conference has been ongoing for a couple of years
The working group has for thematic areas one of them being male engagement and inclusion.
The biggest concern is all through these conference issues of boys and men have always taken a back seat among development partners, government, and the private sector.
The civil societies that have initially claimed to be boys and men focussed have found themselves focussing on advancing girls and women issues by the pretense of bringing boys and men on board .
This has greatly retrogressed the pursuit of having “GENDER” discussion fair across the board.
This is not just on issues of bare minimum resources on boys and men advocacy but it’s a recipe to further break the already delicate family units globally.
Boys and men advocates should pull their sleeves for the survival of all of us.
The biases on gender approach continue to undermine the very fabric we all depend on and its a call that we maintain the momentum.
Gender issues are tackled with fairness and appreciate and recognize that both boys and girls, men and women are first human beings and have unique life challenges that needs to be addressed regardless of gender
Let’s pull together .
Development Foundation