/oped/Editorial/-/440804/440804/-/qmuxi8z/-/index.html http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Basic-foods-too-dear/-/440804/1887202/-/11mjflf/-/index.html Although Kenya is an agricultural country, the cost of basic commodities like maize and sugar is among the highest in the world 2013-06-18T16:01:29Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Why-teachers-will-not-tire-of-going-on-strike/-/440804/1887198/-/5c576p/-/index.html Towards the end of 1997, the government struck a pay deal with striking teachers, captured in Legal Notice 534 of that year detailing progressive annual increments in salaries and benefits 2013-06-18T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Poaching-Involve-locals/-/440804/1886060/-/n1t8xb/-/index.html The public outrage over the slaughter of nearly 140 elephants in less than six months is borne out of concern about the grave threat poachers pose to the country. 2013-06-17T16:00:06Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Principals-must-come-up-with-clear-solutions/-/440804/1886056/-/mwoavvz/-/index.html The annual secondary school headteachers’ conference officially opens in Mombasa on Tuesday against a backdrop of many critical issues in the education sector. 2013-06-17T15:56:15Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Building-an-office-for-Kibaki-not-a-priority/-/440804/1884938/-/i78dvgz/-/index.html The plan to spend Sh700 million to build new office premises for retired President Kibaki is an idea whose time is yet to come 2013-06-16T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/AK-stop-killing-talent/-/440804/1884934/-/14cbla5z/-/index.html Two issues that should be addressed happened during the national team selection for the World Youth Championships 2013-06-16T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/IEBC-standing-in-the-way-of-funding-political-parties/-/440804/1884328/-/aucqno/-/index.html Nearly three months after the March 4 General Election, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is yet to publish vote tallies for all elective positions. 2013-06-15T17:48:35Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/No-room-for-power-fights/-/440804/1883206/-/23awgm/-/index.html Friday’s Court of Appeal decision that upheld the role of county commissioners has set an interesting stage in their already uneasy relationship with the 47 governors. 2013-06-14T15:35:46Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Use-whats-available-to-step-up-war-on-crime/-/440804/1883204/-/pm6269/-/index.html Even though the police have been allocated only half of what they had asked for to fight crime, this will not, in any way, lower the public’s expectations on security. 2013-06-14T15:34:29Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Budget-statement-a-tight-balancing-act/-/440804/1882106/-/m4li9b/-/index.html The first budget of the Jubilee administration unveiled on Thursday was clearly a delicate balancing act between moving to make good on some of President Kenyatta’s campaign promises while resisting the temptation to splurge. 2013-06-13T16:04:51Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Its-a-day-when-reality-must-trump-pledges/-/440804/1880834/-/fon8piz/-/index.html Today is Budget Day, and it is one with a difference. It is not just the first budget for the Jubilee coalition government of President Uhuru Kenyatta, but also the first under the new constitutional dispensation where the Executive has been separated from the Legislature 2013-06-12T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Drums-of-war-disturbing/-/440804/1880844/-/1175cxsz/-/index.html Egypt and Ethiopia are engaged in a war of words over the use of River Nile and the situation could rapidly deteriorate if the international community does not intervene 2013-06-12T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Eradicate-trade-in-drugs/-/440804/1879558/-/yhnjql/-/index.html President Kenyatta’s declaration of war on drugs must be followed by swift action. The police and other law enforcement agencies must move speedily to seize drug traffickers, charge them in court, deport the foreigners among them, and clear dens where they ply their trade. 2013-06-11T16:04:09Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Ways-must-be-found-to-resolve-House-disputes/-/440804/1879556/-/13nlrfcz/-/index.html In assenting to the contentious Division of Revenue Bill, President Kenyatta has smoothed the way for the National Treasury to proceed with the Budget Statement set to be delivered tomorrow in Parliament. 2013-06-11T16:02:22Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Tussle-over-Senates-billions-unnecessary/-/440804/1878286/-/jla3jj/-/index.html The Division of Revenue Bill that was recently passed by the National Assembly has generated a lot of heat and must be re-examined to avoid a constitutional crisis. 2013-06-10T16:18:37Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Stop-the-brinkmanship/-/440804/1878096/-/6uswrp/-/index.html Two months ago, everyone in the region heaved a sigh of relief when Sudan and Southern Sudan arrived at a rapprochement that allowed the South to start pumping oil once more and shipping it through the pipeline that traverses the North for a tidy fee. 2013-06-10T14:42:39Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Stars-need-a-fresh-start/-/440804/1877202/-/2epqq4z/-/index.html Kenya’s 0-1 loss to Nigeria and its elimination from the 2014 World Cup qualifiers despite a lot of hype from the Football Kenya Federation regarding the nation’s chances last week has generated mixed reactions 2013-06-09T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Keeping-corruption-at-bay/-/440804/1877204/-/25f6k1z/-/index.html Reports that red flags raised by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission could have led to the dropping of some nominees for the post of Principal Secretary provide a ray of hope in the war against corruption 2013-06-09T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Stiffer-penalties-welcome/-/440804/1876574/-/b8v86w/-/index.html One of the biggest factors behind the alarming rise in poaching which threatened to wipe out the country’s precious wildlife heritage was the exceedingly low fines meted out on poachers. 2013-06-08T15:55:45Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Jubilee-team-must-move-fast-and-deliver-on-pledges/-/440804/1876572/-/xtqnl4/-/index.html The nomination of Principal Secretaries means that the drawn-out process of picking the team to implement the Executive’s agenda is approaching an end. 2013-06-08T15:53:42Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Its-a-welcome-signal--on-free-maternity-care-/-/440804/1875562/-/efe9x0/-/index.html If there was still any doubt about the government’s commitment to follow through its pledge to provide free maternity services at public health centres countrywide, it must now have been cleared, and in a most emphatic way. 2013-06-07T15:31:01Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Release-cash-for-school-/-/440804/1875560/-/t2fp4wz/-/index.html The introduction of free primary education a decade ago and the subsequent subsidies to secondary schools five years later stand out as landmarks of the Kibaki presidency. 2013-06-07T15:30:39Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Locking-out-the-media-ill-advised-vengeance/-/440804/1874300/-/mo2v7yz/-/index.html The 11th Parliament, being the first elected under the new Constitution, was supposed to be the exemplar of a progressive new order 2013-06-06T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Its-ridiculous-profligacy/-/440804/1873360/-/14bdd21/-/index.html Profligacy seems to be gaining currency at a time when everyone is speaking about the need for austerity in the face of the economic crunch facing the country 2013-06-05T16:07:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/How-can-a-plane-be-a-priority-for-Judiciary/-/440804/1873358/-/7j9a6qz/-/index.html The Judiciary’s ambitious proposal to buy an aircraft to transport its officers to far-flung regions may sound logical, but it raises fundamental questions about its priorities 2013-06-05T16:05:28Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/TJRC-process-has-been-irredeemably-damaged/-/440804/1872268/-/11yh028z/-/index.html Allegations have been made that severely erode the credibility of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission 2013-06-04T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Starting-on-a-clean-slate/-/440804/1872274/-/gl27a3z/-/index.html Governors and county assemblies are beginning to settle down to execute their mandates amidst a lot of uncertainties 2013-06-04T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Wishing-the-Stars-victory/-/440804/1871656/-/vwmjgk/-/index.html The national soccer team, Harambee Stars, face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a match that the home team must win Wednesday to revive hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. 2013-06-03T19:45:28Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Confusion-reigns-over-the-role-of-DCs-DOs/-/440804/1871650/-/5o17b3/-/index.html The question about the role of the Provincial Administration in the governance structure resurfaced after President Uhuru Kenyatta recalled Provincial Commissioners and heads of departments for re-deployment to the central government. 2013-06-03T19:41:41Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/No-more-cash-for-Telkom/-/440804/1870228/-/15a38n8/-/index.html The privatization of Telkom is not working 2013-06-02T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Ask-what-you-can-do-for-Kenya/-/440804/1870230/-/g0jbng/-/index.html As Kenya marks 50 years of independence, it behoves everyone to reflect on the long journey the country has taken 2013-06-02T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/President-should-spur-his-team-to-get-down-to-work/-/440804/1869670/-/15qajs0/-/index.html President Kenyatta made all the right noises in his first Madaraka Day address to the nation. 2013-06-01T15:35:01Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Laudable-progress-despite-tough-times-/-/440804/1868752/-/gdc8by/-/index.html Kenya’s report card at 50 years may not be the most brilliant, but it is certainly not a catalogue of failures. 2013-05-31T17:18:57Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Improve-IEBCs-capacity/-/440804/1867292/-/1t1maa/-/index.html There is nothing as gratifying as having a neutral person or organisation make an observation on a bitter dispute between two parties, which is based on a careful study of the matter in contention 2013-05-30T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/More-needed-to-boost-the-delivery-of-justice/-/440804/1867288/-/mrtmoy/-/index.html The Judiciary has gone through remarkable reforms since the enactment of the Constitution nearly three years ago. It has become more open and has conducted its affairs in a fairly transparent manner 2013-05-30T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/President-should-not-allow-MPs-higher-pay/-/440804/1866330/-/123gyhw/-/index.html President Kenyatta has again waded into the controversy regarding MPs’ remuneration with a plea for consultation and sobriety 2013-05-29T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Ban-scrap-metal-exports/-/440804/1866304/-/opbhqw/-/index.html While commissioning the Sh30 billion Thika Superhighway in November last year, retired President Kibaki warned vandals that the government would take stern measures should they persist on their nefarious deeds 2013-05-29T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Curb-the-intimidation/-/440804/1865424/-/1i63aez/-/index.html People who drive around in Toyota Prados with tinted windows do not go around abducting lowly reporters and extorting money from them, so there is every indication that something is afoot in this town 2013-05-28T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/KP-must-seek-ways-to-improve-efficiencies/-/440804/1865422/-/ya8s84/-/index.html Kenya Power’s declaration that it will fix electricity connection charges at an economic price is the surest indication that the company is determined to raise tariffs despite a contrary directive from the government 2013-05-28T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/MPs-obsession-sickening/-/440804/1864484/-/15jhvokz/-/index.html The continuing battle for higher salaries and allowances is not doing any good to the image of Parliament. 2013-05-27T17:31:51Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Turf-wars-in-the-police-service-very-damaging/-/440804/1864478/-/lowp0ez/-/index.html Serious concerns have been raised about the progress of police reforms; things are not working as envisaged. 2013-05-27T17:29:39Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Contain-this-hooliganism/-/440804/1863554/-/jbt814z/-/index.html Once again the Kenya Premier League and Kenya Football Federation have failed to address the escalating hooliganism 2013-05-26T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Poaching-has-become-a-real-crisis/-/440804/1863556/-/13u8ecpz/-/index.html Poaching is increasingly becoming a menace, not just in Kenya, but also in other parts of the continent 2013-05-26T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/State-should-rein-in-spoilers/-/440804/1862862/-/11mk2d8/-/index.html The case brought before the courts in London by three dignified, humble Kenyans over the atrocities committed by British forces during their struggle against the Mau Mau was motivated by the highest ideals 2013-05-25T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Give-NLC-enough-funding/-/440804/1862860/-/m26ew1z/-/index.html The decision by the Treasury to slash the budget of the National Land Commission (NLC)by 95 per cent will most certainly cripple the operations of the body 2013-05-25T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/-/440804/1862000/-/othq1x/-/index.html The African Union Heads of State Summit takes place in Addis Ababa this weekend and coincides with the celebrations to mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary. 2013-05-24T16:16:47Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Economy-still-in-the-red-/-/440804/1861998/-/10q9sm2z/-/index.html The Kenya output last year managed to expand by 4.6 per cent, a fact that may elicit some excitement given the pre-election paralysis and terror attacks that convulsed the economy. 2013-05-24T16:16:07Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/What-we-should-learn-from-crimes-of-the-past/-/440804/1861018/-/cwxvg7z/-/index.html The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission finally submitted its report to President Kenyatta this week 2013-05-23T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Stop-this-war-over-turf/-/440804/1859914/-/ngeufaz/-/index.html The National Assembly and the Senate have been engaged in a meaningless and time-wasting superiority tussle. Articles 95 and 96 of the Constitution expressly define the functions of the two Houses 2013-05-22T16:17:59Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Level-the-playing-field-in-digital-broadcasting/-/440804/1859902/-/moalgiz/-/index.html The government’s decision to go back on its promise to award a third digital signal distribution licence to local broadcasters is unfair 2013-05-22T16:07:46Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/KMC-must-be-reformed/-/440804/1859014/-/rnms1rz/-/index.html The Kenya Meat Commission that was revived in 2003 is staring at another closure because it cannot meet its obligations 2013-05-21T16:09:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Repossess-all-grabbed-land-at-whatever-cost/-/440804/1858988/-/22xlav/-/index.html Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau has taken office with an undertaking to recover all grabbed land that had been earmarked for infrastructure 2013-05-21T16:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Disclose-HIV-status/-/440804/1858316/-/p12q6hz/-/index.html If we lived in a perfect world, disclosing our HIV status would come naturally. 2013-05-20T18:23:09Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Local-contractors-have-to-shape-up-or-lose-out/-/440804/1858308/-/r6b3cm/-/index.html The past 10 years saw massive investment in infrastructure that went a long way towards spurring economic growth. 2013-05-20T18:21:38Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Rugby-team-did-wonders/-/440804/1857284/-/rc93hn/-/index.html The Kenya Sevens rugby team finished the 2012/2013 IRB World Series on a high, reaching the semi-finals of the main Cup in London 2013-05-19T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Officials-must-avoid-extravagant-spending/-/440804/1857286/-/sexrx3z/-/index.html Though Kenya’s top leaders must engage their counterparts in the rest of Africa and find ways that Kenya can benefit from such ties, they must also keep an eye on public spending 2013-05-19T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Deliver-truth-report-now/-/440804/1856594/-/y4mafa/-/index.html The truth and reconciliation process was a central piece of the Agenda Four issues to be addressed to guarantee the nation’s long-term stability 2013-05-18T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Address-unstable-electricity-supply-/-/440804/1856596/-/1310grg/-/index.html The debate over whether Kenya Power should be allowed to raise electricity tariffs must be reopened 2013-05-18T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Deliver-on-all-promises-/-/440804/1855818/-/534pl1z/-/index.html The newly appointed cabinet secretaries should appreciate the arduous task ahead. 2013-05-17T17:07:19Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Police-must-restore-security-in-country-/-/440804/1855814/-/uhhkmaz/-/index.html President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to the police to deal with insecurity must be acted upon quickly. 2013-05-17T17:07:03Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Careful-on-procurement/-/440804/1854848/-/yospagz/-/index.html The directive by President Kenyatta that at least Sh4 billion be used annually to buy new equipment for the Police Force is welcome and laudable. 2013-05-16T17:09:17Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Arrest-those-behind-violence-in-Bungoma-/-/440804/1854844/-/ms53h6z/-/index.html Reports that politicians may be behind the vicious conflict in Bungoma and neighbouring areas are frightening, and require quick and decisive action. 2013-05-16T17:08:21Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Explain-Mathari-escape-/-/440804/1853810/-/d8ct6f/-/index.html The escape of 75 patients from Mathari Mental Hospital early this week is quite disturbing. 2013-05-15T15:39:21Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/New-Cabinet-should-now-get-down-to-work--/-/440804/1853806/-/nnnh7k/-/index.html Now that the Cabinet secretaries have been sworn in, Kenyans expect them not only to discharge their duties diligently, but also to develop a new public service culture and champion the principles enshrined in the Constitution. 2013-05-15T15:38:59Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Rid-schools-of-sex-pests/-/440804/1852764/-/pl5rkrz/-/index.html Parents are increasingly taking matters into their own hands when it comes to the welfare of their children 2013-05-14T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/MPs-deserved-all-the-ridicule-they-received/-/440804/1852766/-/d1q10i/-/index.html MPs were ridiculed on Tuesday when civil society activists brought pigs to Parliament in a grotesque protest against the legislators’ incessant demand for higher remuneration 2013-05-14T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Employers-have-a-point-/-/440804/1851404/-/7kwgnu/-/index.html Now we have heard from the horse’s mouth: Employers are increasingly unhappy about the quality of graduates that public universities are churning out every year. 2013-05-13T16:21:42Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Giving-in-to-MPs-will-send-the-wrong-signals-/-/440804/1851382/-/xyl98n/-/index.html The decision by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Monday to stand up to bullish MPs could not have come at a better time. 2013-05-13T16:18:01Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Presidents-office-should-clear-the-air/-/440804/1850324/-/teskulz/-/index.html In the last few days, different arms of government have been sending mixed signals on Kenya’s position vis-a-vis the ongoing trials at the International Criminal Court 2013-05-12T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Our-athletes-sparkling/-/440804/1850322/-/a1g5bhz/-/index.html The world athletics season started in earnest with the opening event of the Diamond League in Doha 2013-05-12T17:00:00Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Time-to-tell-Pattni-to-stop-his-judicial-circus-/-/440804/1849656/-/nyy9oq/-/index.html When the Narc government took office in January 2003, it signalled a willingness to break from the past by repossessing the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. 2013-05-11T16:35:07Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Keep-the-peace-at-derby/-/440804/1848540/-/pb5pmrz/-/index.html Most roads in Nairobi will tomorrow afternoon lead to the Nyayo National Stadium for the country’s biggest football derby. 2013-05-10T13:59:55Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/House-team-not-up-to-task-in-Cabinet-vetting/-/440804/1848534/-/o6enmhz/-/index.html The ongoing vetting of Cabinet Secretaries is a major milestone in the evolution of our democratic aspirations as spelt out in the Constitution. 2013-05-10T13:56:29Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Police-must-change-their-tactics/-/440804/1847630/-/9t0dpt/-/index.html Inspector-General David Kimaiyo on Thursday spelt out the measures to be taken to tackle insecurity in Bungoma and neighbouring counties 2013-05-09T17:22:23Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Now-lower-lending-rates/-/440804/1847628/-/xu8n91z/-/index.html Despite the numerous cuts of the benchmark rate by the Central Bank, commercial banks have failed to match the move by lowering lending rates 2013-05-09T17:22:19Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Fare-thee-well-Kilonzo-/-/440804/1846454/-/vul03bz/-/index.html Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo has been adequately eulogised by his former professional and political colleagues, family members, and government leaders. 2013-05-08T15:46:42Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/This-blackmail-over-pay-must-not-succeed-/-/440804/1846452/-/13qi9yu/-/index.html County Assembly members across Kenya Wednesday halted work, demanding higher pay. 2013-05-08T15:46:23Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Talks-on-Somalia-vital-for-Kenyas-security/-/440804/1845392/-/10j7an8/-/index.html President Kenyatta has joined leaders of many other countries in London at the Somalia Conference 2013 hosted jointly by British Prime Minister David Cameron and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud 2013-05-07T17:06:42Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Avoid-teachers-strike/-/440804/1845390/-/lkvqrxz/-/index.html The Teachers Service Commission and the main teachers union are once again embroiled in a controversy, this time over frozen promotions and hardship allowances 2013-05-07T17:06:37Z http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Editorial/Dont-shelve-truth-report-/-/440804/1844030/-/k3iddaz/-/index.html It’s a pity that the Truth team could not present its findings to President Kenyatta when scheduled because he had to travel to Addis Ababa and then to the United Kingdom for important conferences on Somalia. 2013-05-06T15:30:01Z