In Kenya, the Catholic Church has always been more than just a religious institution. Like a trusted friend who speaks the truth when others won’t, the Church has consistently stood up for what’s right. Recently, our Catholic Bishops have done just that by pointing out some worrying issues in how our country is being run. They’ve highlighted something that many Kenyans have been feeling – there’s a growing gap between what our leaders say and what they do.
“The voice of the Church is the voice of conscience,” – Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Bishops’ Key Concerns
Let’s talk about what’s bothering our religious leaders. They’re worried about how public money is being spent (or rather, misspent). It’s like watching someone handle their household budget poorly – except this affects all of us. The bishops have pointed out several issues:
- Young people still can’t find jobs
- Our education system needs fixing
- We’re paying too many taxes
- Important positions, like IEBC members, remain unfilled
- National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Debt to Faith-Based Organizations
Here’s something that hits close to home: many of our hospitals run by faith-based groups haven’t been paid what they’re owed. Think about it – these hospitals help countless Kenyans every day, yet they’re struggling because of unpaid bills. It’s like promising to pay your neighbor back but never doing it.
Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Education Challenges
The CBC system has become a real headache for parents, teachers, and students alike. The bishops have noticed what many parents are experiencing – confusion about the new system, extra costs, and stress on our children. They’re also concerned about university students struggling to get loans for their education.
Economic Mismanagement: Over-Taxation and Misuse of Funds
The 2024 Finance Bill has raised many eyebrows, but not in a good way. It feels like we’re being asked to empty our pockets more and more while seeing less and less in return. The bishops are saying what many of us are thinking – these taxes are too much, especially when times are already tough.
Leadership Integrity and Governance Issues
Let’s be honest – the bishops have used strong words like “culture of lies” because they’re seeing a pattern. It’s like when someone keeps making promises they don’t intend to keep. They’re calling out the difference between what our leaders say and what they do.
Calls for Unity and Genuine Dialogue
The bishops are asking for something simple but important – real conversations about fixing our problems. They want everyone to sit down together, talk honestly, and find solutions that work for all Kenyans.
The Role of the Church as a Watchdog
The Catholic Church in Kenya has always been like that friend who tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. They’ve stood up for ordinary Kenyans during tough times, and they’re doing it again now.
“The Church’s role is to be the conscience of society” – Historical statement from Catholic social teaching
The Path Forward
The bishops have laid out what needs to be done:
- Leaders need to start being honest with citizens
- We need real solutions for unemployment and unfair taxes
- Everyone needs to work together to fix these problems
They’re reminding us that Kenya can only move forward when our leaders act with honesty and when all Kenyans work together for the good of our country.