NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan President William Ruto’s attempt to introduce tighter regulations on harambees—the country’s iconic community fundraising events—has faced a resounding rejection in the Senate.
Senators dismissed the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024, arguing it would erode the spirit of communal support and solidarity that harambees embody.
In near-unanimity, lawmakers criticized the proposed legislation, which sought to bar political aspirants and public officials from participating in harambees during their terms or within three years of an election.
They argued the Bill would deprive struggling Kenyans of critical financial lifelines, from paying school fees to covering medical bills.
“Harambees have created cohesion in this country,” said Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed. “Most of the students today, as well as many of our professionals, went for scholarships outside the country through harambees.”
Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the Bill aimed to address public outcry over politicians’ extravagant contributions at harambees—sometimes as much as KSh 20 million—raising suspicions of corruption and money laundering.
The proposed law also sought to curb the misuse of harambees as platforms for political campaigning.
Supporters of the Bill highlighted its provisions for transparency, such as requiring organisers to obtain permits, disclose intended fundraising amounts, and report collected funds to authorities.
It also mandated contributors to declare the sources of their donations.
However, senators contended that the legislation unfairly targeted a cultural cornerstone of Kenyan society.
“This Bill is not the right way to respond to this problem,” said Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who called it an indictment of anti-corruption agencies like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). “You cannot legislate against bad behaviour by politicians.”
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale credited harambees with enabling his own education, saying, “If it had not been for the Sh100 someone gave me in 1976, I would not have finished school.”
Harambee, a Kiswahili word meaning “all pull together,” is more than a fundraising mechanism; it is a national ethos enshrined in Kenya’s coat of arms.
The tradition has played a crucial role in building schools, churches, and community infrastructure while fostering unity.
Despite its noble roots, harambees have faced criticism for being exploited by politicians seeking to curry favor with constituents or launder illicit funds.
Critics say this has tarnished an otherwise honorable practice.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola emphasized that harambees have helped transform Kenyan society.
“The harambee spirit is a spirit of our forefathers,” she said. “When we were growing up, there were even schools referred to as harambee schools.”
The Bill, which also proposed exempting tithes, offerings, and private family fundraisers from regulation, failed to gain traction as senators urged alternative approaches to address corruption.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina warned the law could condemn future generations to poverty.
“Regulating this kind of fundraising is misguided,” he said.
Senators dismissed the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024, arguing it would erode the spirit of communal support and solidarity that harambees embody.
In near-unanimity, lawmakers criticized the proposed legislation, which sought to bar political aspirants and public officials from participating in harambees during their terms or within three years of an election.
They argued the Bill would deprive struggling Kenyans of critical financial lifelines, from paying school fees to covering medical bills.
“Harambees have created cohesion in this country,” said Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed. “Most of the students today, as well as many of our professionals, went for scholarships outside the country through harambees.”
Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the Bill aimed to address public outcry over politicians’ extravagant contributions at harambees—sometimes as much as KSh 20 million—raising suspicions of corruption and money laundering.
The proposed law also sought to curb the misuse of harambees as platforms for political campaigning.
Supporters of the Bill highlighted its provisions for transparency, such as requiring organisers to obtain permits, disclose intended fundraising amounts, and report collected funds to authorities.
It also mandated contributors to declare the sources of their donations.
However, senators contended that the legislation unfairly targeted a cultural cornerstone of Kenyan society.
“This Bill is not the right way to respond to this problem,” said Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who called it an indictment of anti-corruption agencies like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). “You cannot legislate against bad behaviour by politicians.”
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale credited harambees with enabling his own education, saying, “If it had not been for the Sh100 someone gave me in 1976, I would not have finished school.”
Harambee, a Kiswahili word meaning “all pull together,” is more than a fundraising mechanism; it is a national ethos enshrined in Kenya’s coat of arms.
The tradition has played a crucial role in building schools, churches, and community infrastructure while fostering unity.
Despite its noble roots, harambees have faced criticism for being exploited by politicians seeking to curry favor with constituents or launder illicit funds.
Critics say this has tarnished an otherwise honorable practice.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola emphasized that harambees have helped transform Kenyan society.
“The harambee spirit is a spirit of our forefathers,” she said. “When we were growing up, there were even schools referred to as harambee schools.”
The Bill, which also proposed exempting tithes, offerings, and private family fundraisers from regulation, failed to gain traction as senators urged alternative approaches to address corruption.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina warned the law could condemn future generations to poverty.
“Regulating this kind of fundraising is misguided,” he said.
