Trump's comeback must not undermine global climate action

Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement in June 2017, signaled a troubling shift away from the global consensus on the urgent need to address human-driven climate change.

By Demas Kiprono 11 months ago

Kenya should prioritise safety of journalists for the sake of democracy

Kenya's journey toward a more just, inclusive and democratic society has greatly benefited from the tireless work of journalists who have kept citizens informed even in dangerous conditions.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Issues that should be addressed to improve digital public infrastructure

Kenya has made various attempts to roll out secure identity solutions in the realm of digital identity systems notably Huduma Namba and e-Citizen platform.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Kenya's expanding digital space and the limits of free expression

Traditional media is subject to regulations under various laws, however social media remains largely unregulated, giving rise to a host of challenges regarding free expression and responsibility.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Kenya's expanding digital space and the limits of free expression

The ongoing debate around this law highlights the tension between freedom of expression and the need to protect individuals from harmful content.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Constitutional commissions should be free from executive control

Commissions and independent offices are creatures of the Constitution, deriving their authority and mandates solely from it

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Unmet Goals of Kenya's 2010 Police Reforms

The police must be reminded that their primary duty is to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of all citizens rather than acting as an arm of the government.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Free speech is key but hold social media firms accountable for their missteps

The recent ban of X (formerly Twitter) by the Brazilian Supreme Court has ignited a critical debate about the role of big tech companies in global democracies

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Baby Pendo's pending trial could reshape police accountability in Kenya

Lack of accountability has fostered a culture in which police officers feel emboldened to use excessive force against protesters or bystanders like Baby Pendo.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Ensure the review process streamlines media regulation in Kenya

The enactment of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act in 2018 introduced provisions akin to criminal defamation and criminalised false publication under Sections 22 and 23.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

There's urgent need to operationalise the National Coroners Service Act

The law requires police and prison officers to report any death occurring within a prison or police custody.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Align intergovernmental relations body with current devolution needs

A significant point of contention has been the extent of the national government's investment in devolved functions such as healthcare.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Law protects peaceful demonstrators from harassment by police officers

This week, despite the National Police Service's full force, Kenyans persisted with their efforts to occupy the streets of Nairobi and expressed displeasure with the 2024-25 Finance Bill proposals.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

How public demonstrations will change if proposed new law is passed

Protesting in the streets has been a significant aspect of Kenyans' fight for justice and rights.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Establish an international court to boost fight against grand corruption

This alarming situation has triggered a parliamentary inquiry and could potentially lead to the impeachment of the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

All our constitutional reform initiatives have been on roller coaster

Kenya is experiencing another constitutional change push after the crisis caused by the 2023 Azimio-led protests related to the cost of living.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Court ruling recognises freedom of expression as an instrumental right

Justice Samwel Mohochi recently delivered a groundbreaking verdict, declaring subversion unconstitutional for violating freedom of expression in Kenya.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

JSC interviews for Chief Registrar position fell short in these respects

Although each candidate was supposed to be interviewed for an hour, some interviews took as long as two hours before JSC announced Frida Mokaya Boyani as the candidate chosen.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

How to address tribalism and political patronage in public service

Promoting national unity must involve recognising and respecting Kenya's cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity and concerted efforts to include all communities in governance and decision-making.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

This is the best time to forestall another general election crisis in Kenya

The recommendations of Nadco centred around the creation of the office of the Leader of the Opposition and the office of the Prime Minister through a constitutional amendment.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Kenya's AI regulatory model must consider global trends, human rights

Greater attention is given to possible 'high-risk' AI applications such as health care, biometric identification, criminal justice, and credit scoring.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

It's in the best interest of Kenyans to ensure IEBC is properly constituted

Courts have ruled that the lack of commissioners may render the actions of the commission illegal as it is not legally constituted.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Inspector General of Police appears keen to subvert NPSC's authority

Earlier in the year, the IG purported to promote 514 police officers unilaterally. The NPSC declared the promotions irregular and illegal and advertised the positions again.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Our Constitution provides no room for radical surgery of Judiciary

Kenyans have been discussing President William Ruto's declarations that certain individuals are manipulating the Judiciary to obstruct government initiatives through corruption.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Separation of powers and judicial independence must be protected

Because all three branches of government are interdependent, leaders should be careful not to appear disrespectful or apathetic towards them.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Investigate and prosecute blogger's killers

Daniel's abduction, torture, and murder have been vehemently condemned by Dennis Itumbi, a Kenya Kwanza digital strategist who himself was abducted and tortured in 2021.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

MPs, executive's continued disregard for public participation alarming

By participating in public affairs, citizens and stakeholders can influence decisions, policies, and legislation and provide oversight for service delivery, development, and governance.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Dialogue committee focussed more on political interests, not Wanjiku

Observers point out that the NADCO recommendations were underwhelming because they offer no concrete solutions to the problems that bedevil Kenya.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Why did the NPSC commissioners abandon their mandate?

The commission also sat pretty as the BBI process proposed its disbandment initially and, in the second iteration, recommended its domination by the Inspector General of the NPS.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Courts should interpret Chapter 6 to protect Kenya from graft, impunity

The courts should interpret Chapter Six purposefully to protect the country from corruption and impunity.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

What State should do to successfully roll out new digital ID system

Using a person's ID number, the system can be used to verify the accuracy of information to prevent double registration and fraud.

By Demas Kiprono 1 year ago

Slaying corruption dragon requires an independent, transparent ODPP

Justice should not only be done but be seen to be done. Slaying the corruption dragon requires an independent, transparent, and accountable ODPP.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

Task force on guidelines for artificial intelligence use by media timely

According to David Omwoyo, CEO of MCK, the guidelines will create a mechanism to ensure appropriate and ethical integration of AI, social media and data for use in professional journalism.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

Abolish outdated death penalty to align with constitutional right to life

In Kenya, the death penalty is a form of punishment that can only occur after conviction for serious crimes such as treason, murder or robbery with violence.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

Implement the 2010 Constitution fully instead of overhauling it

There is a sense that the political elite is deliberately leading Kenya into a constitutional review mode through the ongoing Raila-Ruto bipartisan talks.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

Implement universal healthcare free of graft

It is essential to acknowledge that various socioeconomic factors impact one's health, including access to safe drinking water, ample supply of safe food, proper nutrition, suitable housing

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

As climate crisis worsens, courts increasingly standing for human rights

Climate change was not considered a human rights issue. In recent years, climate-related lawsuits have increased worldwide following the adoption of the Paris Agreement.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

Ensure that political party constitutions are aligned with the law

Political parties are the foundation of Kenya's democratic system, shaping its political, social, and economic development.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

Constitutional change without respect for rule of law will not bear fruit

Kenya has a very progressive 13-year-old constitution that puts the citizen at the centre and has many progressive tenets.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago

Kenya should always take the front seat during climate change talks

Human-induced climate change is one of the biggest global challenges of our time. Ecosystems, economies, and societies worldwide are affected by its impacts.

By Demas Kiprono 2 years ago