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Articles by Erick Oduor
OPINION: Calls for concrete action to address Gender-Based Violence and discrimination in newsrooms
Erick Oduor, President, Federation of Eastern African Journalists./HANDOUT As the international community prepares to observe this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8, the Federation of Eastern African Journalists has noted with concerns unacceptable conditions women journalists are subjected to by both local and international media houses. We urge the local and global media industry to move beyond rhetoric and implement meaningful reforms to protect women journalists and staff.
Media freedom in Kenya: It’s time for some self-reflection
Tuesday was World Press Freedom Day, a day men and women who are in love with their pens, notebooks, cameras and microphones reflect on their work environment and what they go through to feed the society with refreshing information. Kenya has positioned itself at the top spot in Africa as a country with a well-developed media, but its ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has not been impressive at all.
Media industry must jealously guard the gains it has made so far
Today was World Press Freedom Day, when men and women who are in love with their pens, notebooks, cameras and microphones reflect on their work and environment and what they go through to feed society with information. Kenya has positioned itself at the top spot in Africa with well-developed media, but its ranking on World Press Freedom Index has not been impressive at all. Perhaps it is high time we started asking ourselves some tough questions.
ODUOR: Don’t take away media gains
Today is World Press Freedom Day, a day men and women who are in love with their pens, notebooks, cameras and microphones reflect on their work and environment and what they go through to feed ...
Whistlestop tour of Riyadh Season art and culture exhibition
Summary Riyadh Season is held at a time the Gulf region is switching from summer to winter, ushering in a fascinating offering to entertain guests keen on catching a mix of Arabian and international culture. The General Entertainment Authority — the events’ organiser — posits that the Fourth Edition of Riyadh Season that commenced October 20, has exceeded expectations, by the tickets registered so far.
Workers need social protection
By Erick Oduor Secretary General Kenya Union of Journalists Covid-19's disruption of the world of work cannot be gainsaid. Jobs have been lost in almost every sector of the economy as industry captains and governments across the globe knit strategies to recover from losses that are estimated to have affected at least two billion workers, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
ODUOR: Media the playmaker a coach can’t ignore
Media the playmaker a coach can’t ignore Wednesday May 6 2020 Journalists pass along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru town in a procession to mark the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2019. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary The Covid-19 disruption poses grave danger to an industry reeling from technological changes that have altered business models and punctured revenue streams.
Kenya Eyes Wider Horn of Africa Market, Starting With Ethiopia
By Erick Oduor Kenya is wooing Ethiopia to open up its market further for Nairobi after a high-level trade and investment forum that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hosted in Addis Ababa last week. It is understood that the two countries reviewed the progress of implementation of a Special Status Agreement, which the two countries signed in 2012 to enhance economic partnership.
Kenya eyes wider Horn of Africa market
Kenya eyes wider Horn of Africa market, starting with Ethiopia Saturday March 9 2019 President Uhuru Kenyatta with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed attend the Kenya-Ethiopia Trade and Investment Forum in Addis Ababa on March 1, 2019. PHOTO | ANDUALEM SISAY | NMG In Summary Kenya is wooing Ethiopia into joining the East African Community in order to extend integration to the Horn of African countries, among them Eritrea, Somalia and Djibouti.
Kenyatta, Odinga pact targets 2022 election
Kenyatta, Odinga pact targets 2022 election Sunday December 23 2018 In Summary The two leaders publicly displayed their unity last week when Mr Odinga hosted President Kenyatta for an invite-only breakfast at his Opoda Farm in western Kenya after addressing a series of rallies. President Kenyatta announced that such rallies will be held across the country next year to preach reconciliation after a prolonged and divisive electoral period in 2017.
Kenyatta, Odinga pact targets 2022 election
Kenyatta, Odinga pact targets 2022 election Sunday December 23 2018 Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) and opposition leader Raila Odinga shake hands after meeting at Harambee House, Nairobi on March 9, 2018. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NMG In Summary The two leaders publicly displayed their unity last week when Mr Odinga hosted President Kenyatta for an invite-only breakfast at his Opoda Farm in western Kenya after addressing a series of rallies.
Kenyan electoral agency prioritises list of reforms
Smarting from nullification of presidential election results last year and eroding public confidence, the resignation of a half of the commissioners and graft claims, Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is to undergo reforms to fix the systemic challenges that affected its operations in past elections.
Arrest, jail for key suspects to boost Kenya graft war -VIDEO
While Kenya is taking the war on corruption a new level with the arrest and arraigning in court of senior government officials, experts say the conviction of suspects is what will determine its success. “It is a good thing we are seeing people being arrested and arraigned in court.
Corruption: Are East African leaders doing enough?
Rattled by runaway corruption, leaders in the region have instituted measures that, if implemented, would see better ratings of their countries in future corruption indices. Tanzania, where President John Magufuli started his term in office in 2015 with an anti-corruption drive, was in position 103, with Kenya at 143, Uganda 151, Burundi 157 and South Sudan 179.
East Africa: Porous Somalia Border Costing Kenya $20 Million Yearly
By Erick OduorThe closure of the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera at the height of insecurity five years ago could be costing the country at least Ksh2 billion ($20 million) annually, as smugglers have a field day sneaking substandard goods in and out the country. The Kenya Revenue Authority, immigration and Kenya Bureau of Standards offices at the border post are deserted, with the walls dotted with bullet holes.
Porous Somalia border costing Kenya $20m yearly
The closure of the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera at the height of insecurity five years ago could be costing the country at least Ksh2 billion ($20 million) annually, as smugglers have a field day sneaking substandard goods in and out the country. The Kenya Revenue Authority, immigration and Kenya Bureau of Standards offices at the border post are deserted, with the walls dotted with bullet holes.
Kenya's Uhuru, Raila parties in turmoil
Less than one year after Kenya’s last general election, the main political parties — Jubilee Party and National Super Alliance — are bogged down by internal dissent triggered by the ongoing war on corruption and the March handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. Nasa has already lost one coalition member, Ford Kenya, whose leader Moses Wetang’ula is protesting what he calls mistreatment by Mr Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in parliament.
Law review beckons for Kenya as ‘Bridge’ team starts work
Last week, Mr Odinga told his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to prepare for a constitutional review process, which, if adopted, would herald a new governance structure involving whittling down the powers of the presidency and creating the position of prime minister. “Addressing some of these issues may require changes to some of our laws and even amendments to the Constitution.
ODUOR: Lack of media policy curtails press freedom
We witnessed journalists being brutally attacked by police officers as well as politicians and their supporters. In the past year, the Kenyan media has experienced some of the most frightening events in its history. The global event, at which Kenya is represented, will highlight milestones and challenges that place countries on the global map on the status of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information.
Kenya: Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga Pledge to Build 'Bridges'
By Fred Oluoch, Erick Oduor and Allan OlingoNairobi — Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga announced a unity deal just hours before US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's arrival, promising to end the "explosive stalemate" following the contested October 2017 election.
Kenya: Media Feels the Heat As State Switches Off Top TV Stations
By Erick OduorThe Kenya government this week switched off broadcast signals for three leading television stations for airing the build-up to the "swearing-in" of opposition leader Raila Odinga as the "people's president." The three stations -- Citizen, NTV and KTN News -- were switched off on Tuesday morning, when they started airing the opposition rally at Uhuru Park in the capital.
Kenya media under siege as govt switches off TV stations
Activist Okiya Omtatah, who had gone to court seeking orders for the restoration of broadcasts was granted the prayers by High Court Judge Chacha Mwita. The judge ordered the Communication Authority, Ministries of ICT and Interior to restore the signals and not interfere with activities of the three media houses pending an ex-parte hearing on February 14.
Kenya: National Dialogue Expected Any Time Now
By Erick OduorNational dialogue to ease political tension in Kenya is expected to begin this week when the Multi Sectoral Forum, which has the backing of an international committee, meets to roll out a roadmap that is expected to end in June.
Kenya national dialogue expected any time now
National dialogue to ease political tension in Kenya is expected to begin this week when the Multi Sectoral Forum, which has the backing of an international committee, meets to roll out a roadmap that is expected to end in June.
Kenyatta, Odinga polls duel stretches into new year
President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga will be working overtime to quell the dissent ahead of the proposed national dialogue being supported by the international community to heal the country after a protracted electoral process that ended on November 28. The PAC and PIC are key watchdog committees, which are traditionally held by the opposition leaders in parliament due to their important role of auditing expenditure and investments to ensure public funds are not lost.
Kenya: After the Failed Swearing-in, What Is Next for Kenya Opposition?
By Erick OduorKenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga will now rely on the People's Assembly to push his electoral and constitutional reforms agenda, after the aborted swearing in as the "people's president" left his strategy team divided.
Kenyatta's Cabinet Secretaries headache
Succession politics and delivery of election pledges are shaping Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta’s choice of Cabinet Secretaries and other senior government officials as lobbying and intrigues delay naming of the new team. Parliament cleared the first hurdle on Thursday when it passed the motion to allow the names of Cabinet Secretary nominees to be sent straight to the Committee on Appointments without recalling parliament, which has taken a break until February.
After the failed swearing-in, what is next?
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga will now rely on the People’s Assembly to push his electoral and constitutional reforms agenda, after the aborted swearing in as the “people’s president” left his strategy team divided.
China’s $8 trillion for Africa
China targets to import goods worth $8 trillion from Africa in 2018. An import expo is scheduled to take place in the Chinese commercial city of Shanghai next year, where African companies and exporters are expected to showcase their products. Kenya, in particular, hopes to use the opportunity to expand its market for horticultural produce. “In 2019, Horticultural Expo will be held in Beijing.
Inside Kenya Nasa's parallel power plan
Pressure continued to be put on Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga to call off a plan to swear him in as “the people’s president” as it emerged that the action would put him at the helm of a parallel governance structure, which the opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) intends to use to face off with President Uhuru Kenyatta and to push for wide-ranging reforms.
Kenya: Opposition Rejects Unity Call, Pushes for Reforms
By Erick OduorPresident Uhuru Kenyatta's attempts to extend an olive branch to the opposition aimed at healing the country is proving to be an uphill task. Leaders of the main opposition coalition, National Super Alliance (Nasa) keep making fresh demands to be met before they recognise President Kenyatta's administration and pave the way for national dialogue.
What will be Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy?
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta will be walking a tightrope between building his legacy and fixing the immediate challenges the country is facing, having failed to deliver in key areas in his first term. Deep divisions along tribal lines, grand corruption and failed election promises put President Kenyatta on the spot during the campaign period, which gave the opposition ammunition to galvanise support from sections of the country to give Jubilee administration a run for its money.
Kenya's opposition rejects unity call, pushes for reforms
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s attempts to extend an olive branch to the opposition aimed at healing the country is proving to be an uphill task. Leaders of the main opposition coalition, National Super Alliance (Nasa) keep making fresh demands to be met before they recognise President Kenyatta’s administration and pave the way for national dialogue.
Kenya: Stakeholders in Kenya Urge for Talks As Uhuru Kenyatta's Second Term Begins
By Erick OduorReligious leaders and diplomats are rooting for a peaceful resolution to Kenya's political impasse even as President Uhuru Kenyatta is sworn in for his second term.
Mandela’s first house in Soweto
Tourists stream in to catch a glimpse of the place Nelson Mandela once called home. Petrol-bombed twice, Mandela House signifies the rich history of South Africa and the struggle that Africans waged to attain their freedom from the white minority, who isolated them from the rest of the population. In his book Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela acknowledges that the house was the opposite of his status because it had no running water, which left the family using bucket water in the bathroom.
Push for talks as Uhuru Kenyatta second term begins
Religious leaders and diplomats are rooting for a peaceful resolution to Kenya’s political impasse even as President Uhuru Kenyatta is sworn in for his second term.
Kenya MPs Standoff Holds Up EALA's Reopening
By Erick OduorThe opening of a fourth session of the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) will be delayed further as Kenya begins fresh nominations of its representatives. The process has already ignited a supremacy battle between the ruling Jubilee Party and the opposition. Eala is now five months behind its calendar, having been scheduled to begin the fourth session on June 5.
Kenya MPs standoff holds up Eala’s reopening
The opening of a fourth session of the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) will be delayed further as Kenya begins fresh nominations of its representatives. Eala is now five months behind its calendar, having been scheduled to begin the fourth session on June 5. Kenya’s opposition and ruling party are already preparing for a duel over the membership of parliamentary committees and parliament has gone on a three-week recess occasioned by the standoff.
Kenya: Renewed Calls for Review of Constitution
By Erick OduorKenya's opposition, religious leaders and civic society are considering a raft of constitutional amendments they say will cure perennial election-related disputes and restore confidence in the country's electoral process. The groups have started campaigning for a review of the Constitution that could see the country consider reintroducing the position of prime minister, which was held by opposition chief Raila Odinga in the Grand Coalition Government.
Renewed calls for review of Kenya’s Constitution
The groups have started campaigning for a review of the Constitution that could see the country consider reintroducing the position of prime minister, which was held by opposition chief Raila Odinga in the Grand Coalition Government.
Fresh cases challenging President Kenyatta re-election
The Supreme Court of Kenya will from November 14 begin another gruelling seven-day session to determine whether President Uhuru Kenyatta will be sworn-in. At least six judges of Kenya’s apex court will preside over a status conference where the parties to the presidential election petitions will agree on the rules of engagement to pave the way for hearing and determination of the cases.
Kenya Tells African Union Not Ready for Mediators
By Erick OduorAn attempt by the African Union to broker a political deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga has been scuttled, forcing the continental body to send only hapless election observers.
Civil society, Nasa in multifaceted approach to force fresh polls again
All eyes were last week once again on Kenya’s apex court — the Supreme Court — as civil society burnt the midnight oil working on another presidential petition, with President Uhuru Kenyatta opting to disengage until the petition is filed or he is sworn in. Options on the table for the opposition and civil society, working differently, are another battle in the Supreme Court, push for constitutional reforms to an economic boycott and the Peoples’ Assembly to force fresh elections within a year.
Kenya tells AU not ready for mediators
An attempt by the African Union to broker a political deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga has been scuttled, forcing the continental body to send only hapless election observers.
Kenya: Talks to Review Kenya Constitution Likely to Begin
opinion By Erick OduorKenya could begin another round of constitutional reforms once its election calendar comes to an end on October 31, to address political and legal challenges that the country finds itself in in every election year.
Talks to review Kenya constitution likely to begin
Kenya could begin another round of constitutional reforms once its election calendar comes to an end on October 31, to address political and legal challenges that the country finds itself in in every election year. Working under the aegis of a multisectoral forum — trade unions, civil society, religious leaders and business community — agreed that the country needs political and legal reforms to ensure that it remains stable and future elections take place in an improved political environment.
Kenya: Last Ditch Efforts for Compromise Ahead of October 26 Election
By Fred Oluoch and Erick OduorConcerted efforts are being made to prevail upon President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga to reach a compromise ahead of the October 26 election. A caucus comprising religious leaders, representatives of non-governmental organisations, senior government officials, business leaders, workers' representatives and some diplomats, has been holding meetings in Nairobi to agree on a roadmap.
Kenyans in last ditch bid to avert election chaos
The leaders are looking at two options: To ask President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga to agree on postponement of the election to guarantee a credible process; or to persuade Mr Odinga to reconsider his decision and participate in the election — with the promise that his concerns will be addressed after the poll.
Kenya: Diplomats in Efforts to Unlock Political Impasse
By Erick OduorThe standoff pitting Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta against opposition leader Raila Odinga over the repeat presidential election has rekindled the role of the international community, which has in the past brokered political deals in similar circumstances.
Kenya: Opposition Nasa's Well-Crafted Game Plan to Scuttle Election
By Erick Oduor and Fred OluochChallenging the legitimacy of President Uhuru Kenyatta after October 26 is the final card in Kenya's main opposition grouping, the National Super Alliance (Nasa) strategy, following the withdrawal of its presidential candidate Raila Odinga and running mate Kalonzo Musyoka from the fresh presidential poll.
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