Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government is fully committed to addressing the concerns raised by the Catholic Church and other societal actors regarding the challenges facing the country. Speaking during a church service in Ndia, Kirinyaga County on Sunday, Kindiki emphasized that the administration under President William Ruto remains open to dialogue, feedback, and constructive criticism from the church, civil society, and other non-governmental organizations. His remarks come in the wake of a scathing statement issued by Catholic bishops, who criticized the government’s failure to fulfill key promises made during the campaign.
In his address, Kindiki stressed the importance of collaboration with various sectors of society in building a stronger and more effective government. “We are not at war with the church,” Kindiki stated, adding that the government recognizes the need for improvement and values diverse perspectives. He noted that as human beings, no one is perfect, and the government is keen on improving its service delivery through the feedback provided by the church and other stakeholders.
Government’s Response to Concerns
The Catholic bishops had raised a series of concerns in their statement on Thursday, calling out the Ruto administration for its perceived failure to deliver on key promises. The bishops specifically highlighted issues such as the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and the rising cost of living, all of which have become points of contention among various segments of the population.
Responding to these issues, Kindiki acknowledged that the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new SHIF model had encountered some challenges. These challenges, according to the Deputy President, have caused frustrations among Kenyans, especially in the health sector where citizens are already grappling with high medical costs. He assured the public that the government is working diligently to streamline the process and resolve the teething problems associated with the new health insurance structure.
Similarly, the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has faced its own set of challenges, with concerns over its effectiveness and the capacity of the education system to handle the new system of learning. Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges, noting that the administration is actively working on finding solutions to make the transition smoother for both students and educators.
The cost of living has also emerged as a major concern in the current economic climate, with inflation and rising commodity prices continuing to affect the daily lives of ordinary Kenyans. In his address, Kindiki acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens and pledged that the government is exploring ways to alleviate the financial burden, particularly through measures to stabilize the economy and ensure affordable access to essential goods and services.
Acknowledging Criticism
Despite the criticisms levied by the Catholic bishops, Kindiki expressed the government’s openness to hearing and addressing grievances. The bishops had accused the administration of dishonesty, claiming that many of the promises made during the campaign trail had yet to materialize. However, Kindiki’s remarks signal a willingness to engage in dialogue and to take the concerns seriously, suggesting that the government is not dismissing the criticisms but instead looking for ways to improve.
Kindiki’s statements also highlight a broader approach by the government to strengthen relationships with religious organizations and civil society groups, recognizing their vital role in shaping public opinion and governance. By acknowledging the importance of feedback, the administration aims to foster a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process.
Conclusion
As the government works to address the concerns raised by the Catholic Church and other groups, it remains clear that these issues are at the forefront of the administration’s agenda. The Deputy President’s commitment to listening to criticism and taking corrective measures suggests a recognition that government transparency, accountability, and responsiveness are crucial for maintaining public trust. It remains to be seen, however, how swiftly these issues will be addressed and whether the government can live up to its promises, particularly in the face of rising public expectations.
