Nod for Bill to regulate harambees

What you need to know:

  • Prof Nyong’o said there should be a way to identify those who contribute beyond their means while a proper mechanism to monitor projects funded through harambees should be put in place.
  • Senator Kiraitu Murungi (Meru, APK) said people were harassing colleagues and friends in the name of harambees.
  • Mr James Orengo (Siaya, ODM) said people should declare the sources of funds they donate at fundraisers to promote transparency and accountability.

Senators have concluded debate on a Bill that will regulate fundraising.

It is grounded in the fear that funds drives are used to buy political support or enrich individuals.

The proposed law will go to Parliament and then sent to President Uhuru Kenyatta for assent.

The Bill was the handiwork of Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu, ODM). It seeks to ensure that harambees, are not conducted to fund projects catered for in county and national budgets.
Harambees should only be held for funerals and medical bills.

“People should not contribute money for a school, hospital or road as there are county or national government funds for these projects,” he said.

Prof Nyong’o said there should be a way to identify those who contribute beyond their means while a proper mechanism to monitor projects funded through harambees should be put in place.

Senator Kiraitu Murungi (Meru, APK) said people were harassing colleagues and friends in the name of harambees.

He said some people had swindled the public by collecting money but only surrender a fraction of it for the intended purpose. Mr James Orengo (Siaya, ODM) said people should declare the sources of funds they donate at fundraisers to promote transparency and accountability.

He accused some senior public officials of coercing their staff and the public seeking their services to contribute towards harambees first.