Billy Mijungu

Billy Mijungu

2/12/2025, 5:49:03 AM

Raila’s Purpose for Afrika is Served Before It Really Began Raila Odinga’s entry into the race for African Union Commission Chairperson has done more than just introduce a new contender; it has redefined the seat itself. Before his candidacy, the AUC chairmanship was a bureaucratic position, one that many Africans barely recognized. But with Raila’s name attached to it, the seat has gained unprecedented attention, turning it into the most anticipated political contest on the continent. President Yoweri Museveni even likened it to a preacher’s seat, a role that will require relentless lobbying, persuasion, and strategic maneuvering across all 54 African nations. Today, for the first time, the AUC seat is a topic of conversation in villages, boardrooms, and presidential palaces alike. And this shift is not just about one election. It is a sign of a deeper transformation in Africa’s governance. The dream of a unified African government, once dismissed as mere idealism, now feels like a tangible reality. Raila Odinga’s candidacy has become the vehicle pushing the continent toward greater integration, a moment that will shape the future of Pan Africanism. But this is not a farewell to Raila Odinga from Kenyan politics. If anything, his new role will tie him even more deeply to the affairs of his homeland. From Addis Ababa, he will not just be an observer of Kenyan politics. He will be an architect of Africa’s broader political, economic, and infrastructural future. His vision extends far beyond borders. Trans African highways, rail networks, sea routes, a shared satellite system, common defense strategies, open airspace for African airlines, and unrestricted movement of goods and people. These are not just dreams. They are blueprints for a new Africa, one in which Kenya remains at the heart of continental progress. In many ways, Raila Odinga will finally begin the presidency that eluded him in Kenya, only this time on a grander stage. When he visits Nairobi, he will not do so as a mere statesman but as a leader with presidential stature, a figure of continental significance. His influence will shift the balance of politics, reshaping both Kenya’s local dynamics and Africa’s global standing. Africans, more than ever, need a leader who will champion their resources, ensuring that the wealth beneath their soil becomes a blessing rather than a curse. The world order is shifting, and Africa must stand firm, dictating its own terms. Raila Odinga’s leadership at the AUC could be the force that redirects Africa’s destiny toward prosperity, unity, and self determination. Good luck, Raila Odinga. May your mission for Africa bear fruit before it even truly begins. Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #TusongeMbele

Billy Mijungu

2/13/2025, 4:47:59 AM

Raila’s Purpose for Afrika is Served Before It Really Began Raila Odinga’s entry into the race for African Union Commission Chairperson has done more than just introduce a new contender; it has redefined the seat itself. Before his candidacy, the AUC chairmanship was a bureaucratic position, one that many Africans barely recognized. But with Raila’s name attached to it, the seat has gained unprecedented attention, turning it into the most anticipated political contest on the continent. President Yoweri Museveni even likened it to a preacher’s seat, a role that will require relentless lobbying, persuasion, and strategic maneuvering across all 54 African nations. Today, for the first time, the AUC seat is a topic of conversation in villages, boardrooms, and presidential palaces alike. And this shift is not just about one election. It is a sign of a deeper transformation in Africa’s governance. The dream of a unified African government, once dismissed as mere idealism, now feels like a tangible reality. Raila Odinga’s candidacy has become the vehicle pushing the continent toward greater integration, a moment that will shape the future of Pan Africanism. But this is not a farewell to Raila Odinga from Kenyan politics. If anything, his new role will tie him even more deeply to the affairs of his homeland. From Addis Ababa, he will not just be an observer of Kenyan politics. He will be an architect of Africa’s broader political, economic, and infrastructural future. His vision extends far beyond borders. Trans African highways, rail networks, sea routes, a shared satellite system, common defense strategies, open airspace for African airlines, and unrestricted movement of goods and people. These are not just dreams. They are blueprints for a new Africa, one in which Kenya remains at the heart of continental progress. In many ways, Raila Odinga will finally begin the presidency that eluded him in Kenya, only this time on a grander stage. When he visits Nairobi, he will not do so as a mere statesman but as a leader with presidential stature, a figure of continental significance. His influence will shift the balance of politics, reshaping both Kenya’s local dynamics and Africa’s global standing. Africans, more than ever, need a leader who will champion their resources, ensuring that the wealth beneath their soil becomes a blessing rather than a curse. The world order is shifting, and Africa must stand firm, dictating its own terms. Raila Odinga’s leadership at the AUC could be the force that redirects Africa’s destiny toward prosperity, unity, and self determination. Good luck, Raila Odinga. May your mission for Africa bear fruit before it even truly begins. Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #TusongeMbele

Billy Mijungu

2/8/2025, 7:55:38 PM

Parliament must have the last word on vetting for citizenship. By Billy Mijungu The removal of vetting for citizenship is a decision that carries significant implications for national security trust in identity documentation and the integrity of statehood itself. While the announcement may seem like a move toward inclusivity it begins to dismantle a critical process that has long been in place to safeguard the nation from infiltration manipulation and security threats. The President’s directive issued from the heart of Northern Kenya was made against a backdrop of escalating insecurity including the recent abduction of five chiefs by Al Shabaab. It is a paradox that even as the nation tightens its security measures by restricting entry from Somalia and Libya it simultaneously loosens the internal processes that have long served as the first line of defense against those who seek to exploit our systems.The President’s decision to ban Somalia and Libya from using the Electronic Travel Authorization while granting other Africans the right to enter Kenya freely was a clear signal of the security concerns the country faces. The fact that he addressed residents of Northern Kenya from a high grade armoured vehicle only a day after the abduction of local leaders underscores the severity of the threat. If even the head of state must take such extreme precautions in this region how can it be justified to remove a vetting process that ensures those seeking citizenship are properly scrutinized. His own actions send a message of fear and caution yet the policy change suggests a dangerous contradiction. Vetting did not exist without reason. It was a mechanism put in place to ensure that citizenship was granted to individuals with verifiable identities clear loyalties and an untainted history. In a region plagued by cross border movements of militants arms and illegal trade it was an indispensable safeguard. History has shown that states that lose control over their citizenship processes inevitably suffer the consequences in ways that extend beyond their borders. The fear that Kenyan passports could one day be used to facilitate acts of terror in foreign lands is not unfounded. Once a country's identification documents lose credibility its citizens especially those from regions previously under scrutiny will find themselves facing suspicion and discrimination on a global scale. It is often those who demand the removal of vetting who will suffer the most from its absence. The international community does not operate on goodwill alone. Passports and national identity cards are not mere travel documents but representations of a country’s commitment to law order and due diligence. The ranking of passports on the global stage is determined not just by diplomatic relations but by the level of trust a nation inspires in its ability to regulate who carries its documentation. A sudden relaxation of security procedures will send a clear message to the world that Kenyan citizenship is now more accessible possibly to individuals whose affiliations and intentions are not properly vetted. The repercussions will be swift with visa restrictions increased scrutiny at international borders and potential blacklisting of certain passport holders. The argument that vetting is an oppressive tool does not hold when examined closely. Vetting has always been conducted by local authorities individuals from the very communities affected including chiefs elders intelligence officers and security personnel who understand the historical social and security dynamics of their regions. It is not an external imposition but a structured process aimed at ensuring that citizenship is granted on a legitimate and secure basis. To remove it is to open floodgates that will be nearly impossible to close once exploited.Statehood is built on the foundation of controlled identity structured governance and the ability to distinguish between friend and foe. When nations in the past have relaxed their vetting procedures under political or populist pressure the consequences have been severe. Terror networks thrive on weak identification systems fraudulent citizenship claims and easy access to documentation that grants them unregulated movement. The cost of reversing such damage is always exponentially higher than the cost of maintaining security measures in the first place. It is not just about Northern Kenya nor is it about a particular community. It is about national security and the credibility of the Kenyan state. No Kenyan outside the affected regions is at ease with this decision and it would be a grave mistake to allow such a critical matter to be settled by executive pronouncement alone. Parliament must have the final say. If anything the vetting process ecure its documents retain their value and its citizens are protected from the far reaching consequences of weakened national security. The pursuit of inclusivity must never come at the expense of security for a nation that fails to protect its identity ultimately risks losing its sovereignty. Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #TusongeMbele

Billy Mijungu

2/11/2025, 7:40:32 AM

Government Must Give Foreign or Mature Learners a Pathway in CBC, Starting with KJSEA 2025 By Billy Mijungu Kenya’s education system has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). While CBC emphasizes inclusivity and continuous assessment, a critical gap threatens to sideline a crucial group—mature learners seeking a second chance at education. As the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) 2025 approaches, the government must act urgently to establish a structured pathway for mature learners. Those who already hold Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) or Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) qualifications must be granted automatic entry into Grade 9 without unnecessary obstacles. Why This Matters 1. Education is a Right, Not a Privilege Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to education for all. Mature learners eager to re-enter the education system should not be locked out simply because they missed earlier assessments such as the Kenya Early Years Assessment (KEYA) at Grade 3 or the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) at Grade 6—which were nonexistent during their schooling years. 2. Recognizing Prior Learning Individuals with KCPE and KCSE have already undergone formal assessments that prove their academic capabilities. It is illogical to require them to restart their education at lower levels. Granting them direct Grade 9 placement ensures fairness and efficiency, allowing them to progress based on their existing knowledge and competencies. 3. Supporting Adult and Alternative Learners Not all students follow a linear academic journey. Some left school due to financial hardships, early parenthood, or personal circumstances. Others have been part of informal education systems and now seek to transition into CBC. The government must create a seamless re-entry mechanism that supports lifelong learning and second-chance education. Call to Action The Ministry of Education and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) must: ✅ Grant automatic Grade 9 placement for those with KCPE or KCSE qualifications. ✅ Introduce a Qualifying Test (QT) under KJSEA for mature learners without prior formal assessments. ✅ Develop a structured CBC pathway for alternative education learners, ensuring inclusivity. ✅ Ensure KCPE holders automatically qualify for Grade 9 class placement and KJSEA registration. ✅ Allow KCSE holders to be assessed under CBC, with or without class attendance. Education should not be a one-chance opportunity. If CBC is truly competency-based, then mature learners deserve recognition and a fair transition. The government must act now, starting with KJSEA 2025, to ensure no willing learner is left behind.

Billy Mijungu

2/9/2025, 7:03:09 AM

Everyone is Blackmailing the President, It Needs to Stop By Billy Mijungu The last seven months have been the toughest for a head of state facing an impending election where youth under the Gen Z banner have certainly lost hope in him. The President is held down by Gen Z on issues of accountability, held down by the community of the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, also held down by an opposition that has propped his government after the mass protests now christened broad-based government. The latest blackmail is by the Somali community in the north who care less about the security of the nation and have demanded open access to citizenship documentation without due regard for the existing law and regardless of the insecurity consequences at the porous border region stretching two thousand kilometers. The nightmare for the President continues unabated. Who will stop first? But we can all choose to stop blackmailing the President and making his term as hard as it seems. Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #TusongeMbele

Billy Mijungu

2/6/2025, 4:40:55 AM

Kill Corruption in Procurement by adopting Public Tender Evaluation And Open Suppliers Portals By Billy Mijungu Tired of corruption in procurement? The time for change is now. The government must move with urgency and build a public portal, a grand and open registry of suppliers, where every company that trades and pays taxes to KRA can proudly list what they offer, from the heaviest machinery to the smallest needle. No more hidden deals, no more secret handshakes in dark corridors, no more faceless suppliers reaping where they never sowed. Let the marketplace be seen by all, let transparency breathe life into our public procurement system. Beyond this, let the process of tender evaluation step into the light, let it be as public as the tender opening itself, let the people watch, let the people know. For too long, public procurement has been a web of deceit, a playground for the cunning and the corrupt, a place where losses are calculated before projects begin, where pockets bulge while roads remain undone, where bribes dictate prices and where the public purse bleeds dry. We are losing more than a third of our budgets to this madness, and what do we have to show for it? Stalled projects dotting the land, ghost developments that exist only in paper, and a broken trust between the people and their government. This must end. Let us build not just a portal but a bidding system that speaks fairness, a space where government entities wishing to procure can find every supplier on an equal plane. No gatekeepers, no brokers, no inflated figures whispered in hushed tones, just open trade where competence, quality, and price dictate the winners. This is the moment to break the chains of private-public collusion, to dismantle the networks that have turned procurement into a marketplace of fraud, a business where the highest briber wins and the people always lose. Public procurement officers must understand their role. They are not gatekeepers to a cartel economy, they are not middlemen for the corrupt, they are facilitators of a decision, neutral hands that guide the process, not steer it for personal gain. And when the projects are done, let the public be the final judge. Let a local voluntary project evaluation team, a jury of the people, rise to the occasion. Let them walk the roads, inspect the buildings, see the bridges, touch the work, and declare it worthy or unworthy before any payment is made. Public money must never be wasted again, not when the citizens have eyes to see and voices to speak. With this system, even government employees who have the means and ability to supply goods and services can do so without fear, for there will be no backdoors, no secret favors, just a level ground where merit and integrity win the day. And when we do this, when we finally open the doors of procurement to the bright light of accountability, will we not kill mega corruption? Will we not reclaim the billions lost to theft? Will we not restore the faith of the people in their government? The hour has come. The call is clear. Let us rise and build a system that serves all, not just the few who have mastered the art of deception. Let us, once and for all, close the taps of corruption and let public money serve the public good. Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #TusongeMbele

Billy Mijungu

2/13/2025, 4:48:02 AM

The Future of Politics With Raila Winning or Losing at the AUC Elections By Billy Mijungu As Raila Odinga vies for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, Kenya’s political landscape hangs in the balance. His victory or loss will determine the future of the ODM party and the broader realignment of power. The stakes are high, and the consequences profound. With a broad-based government already in place, ODM’s internal dynamics are shifting rapidly. Many of its leaders, once staunch opposition figures, have aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration. The likes of Gladys Wanga, whose influence within the party is undeniable, have strategically positioned themselves, leveraging their ties with Ruto’s government for personal and political gain. Her husband’s appointment as a parastatal chair is just one example of how ODM figures are benefiting from the arrangement. This shift exposes a deep rift within ODM. Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo represent a faction reluctant to blindly endorse the government’s policies. They recognize the pitfalls of their 2022 strategy, where overt support for Uhuru Kenyatta ultimately cost them the presidency. Now, they are carefully navigating their opposition role, wary of repeating past mistakes. Meanwhile, the broader political class is positioning itself for 2027. The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has complicated matters, with ODM hesitant to take a definitive stance. Some see it as a tactical move to weaken Ruto’s support in Central Kenya, while others argue it signals deeper fragmentation within UDA—something ODM could exploit. Cracks within the Azimio coalition are also becoming more pronounced. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) from Northern Kenya and Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper party are contemplating alternative alliances. UDM appears inclined toward Ruto, while Wiper sees an opportunity in Gachagua’s potential resurgence. These shifts further weaken the opposition coalition, jeopardizing ODM’s position. Despite these changes, ODM remains Kenya’s strongest party. However, its identity and future direction are uncertain. Sifuna and other loyalists are working to ensure the party is not tainted by the failures of the Ruto administration. Their goal is clear—to keep ODM relevant and maintain momentum toward the presidency. If Raila Odinga loses the AUC race, he will return to Kenya with renewed political vigor. His loyalists, many of whom have lost touch with the electorate’s shifting aspirations, will see his return as their saving grace, securing them a fresh lease on political life. His presence would also solidify ODM’s grip on opposition politics. Even if not actively running for office, Raila’s political brand remains unmatched. His strategic appearances, framed as AUC development initiatives, would maintain his influence and keep his political base engaged. The key challenge for ODM, however, will be its ability to reinvent itself. If Raila remains the undisputed leader, the party risks stagnation, unable to adapt to the evolving political landscape. The electorate is increasingly seeking change, and ODM must balance its reliance on Raila’s influence with a fresh, dynamic approach. Regardless of Raila’s fate at the AUC, Kenya’s political future remains fluid. ODM’s internal struggles, shifting alliances, and strategic realignments will define the next chapter. Whether Raila secures a continental role or returns to domestic politics, his influence will continue shaping Kenya’s political narrative. One thing remains clear, Kenyan politics is driven more by personalities than ideology. And for now, Raila Odinga remains a central figure, win or lose.

Billy Mijungu

2/5/2025, 4:51:53 AM

Mr. PRESIDENT, Citizenship Vetting Is a Must for National Security and Integrity Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #Tusonge

Billy Mijungu

2/5/2025, 4:53:50 AM

Mr. PRESIDENT, Citizenship Vetting Is a Must for National Security and Integrity By Billy Mijungu As Kenya awaits the signing and implementation of the Presidential Executive Order on citizenship vetting, we must reflect on pros and cons, The debate surrounding this issue is riddled with political correctness, yet the numbers tell a story that cannot be ignored. Between 1999 and 2009, the Somali ethnic population in Kenya surged from 962,143 to 2.3 million—a staggering annual growth rate of 9.11%, an anomaly by any demographic standard. This outlier was largely due to the laxity of the government after President Moi left office. Curiously, between 2009 and 2019, the growth rate dropped to 2.35%, another statistical outlier. How does such a dramatic shift occur in just one decade? For context, Somalia itself—a country with similar demographic patterns—has maintained a consistent 2.9% growth rate over the years. If our growth rate fluctuates so erratically while Somalia’s remains stable, one must ask: Who is fooling who? This is not just about numbers. It is about national security. The years between 1999 and 2013 marked the deadliest period of Al-Shabaab attacks in Kenya’s history. Interestingly, as population growth slowed, terrorist attacks decreased. Is this purely coincidental, or is there a link between unchecked migration and security threats? Data also shows that between 1999 and 2011, Kenya experienced the highest influx of migrants from Somalia. The notion that vetting is discriminatory is simply false. Countries worldwide enforce strict vetting processes for citizenship. Kenya must do the same. It is not just about who becomes a citizen—it is about ensuring that only those with a legitimate claim to citizenship are granted such a privilege. Mr. President, you must not bow to pressure to suspend this process. If anything, the vetting framework should be more robust. We need risk assessment protocols that go beyond basic identity verification. Right now, there are individuals in Kenya who cannot even speak basic Swahili, yet they hold national identity cards. How did they get them? There is also a false narrative that vetting is currently ongoing. A simple spot check reveals otherwise. I was recently in Migori to authorize my son’s ID registration through fingerprint verification. While he was vetted, I witnessed foreigners of all ages walking in and out of registration centers without being vetted. If Kenyans must go through this process, why are others exempt? This issue does not end with the current administration. Any serious future President must conduct a comprehensive audit of all registrations after 1999. If Kenya is to safeguard its sovereignty, its government must clean up the national database and ensure every citizenship claim is legitimate. And if Somalia’s citizens are so eager to be Kenyans, perhaps it is time to consider a bold solution—annex Somalia as Kenya’s 48th County and solve this problem once and for all. This numbers explains the Stattistical wars over Census figures. While many are pushing for legitimacy many are doubg politics. Census are done after Estimations and Mapping, if there is an outlier, the KNBS has a duty to engineer corrections, this explains why they had to go back to 2009. Mr. PRESIDENT we have a problem here, we must take our time and figure it out or else we will have a systemic problem in years to come of unimaginable proportions. Parliament has a role in this and that is where ther should be a final say on vetting or no vetting, on annexation or no annexation ! Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #TusongeMbele

Billy Mijungu

2/9/2025, 7:32:33 AM

Everyone is Blackmailing the President, It Needs to Stop Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn @BillyMijungu #Forward #TusongeMbele