Kenyan Senators Reject Bill to Regulate Harambee Fundraisers

• Nov 25, 2024

Kenyan senators have rejected President William Ruto's proposed Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024, which sought to regulate the popular harambee tradition. The overwhelming opposition reflects strong support for the long-standing practice, which has brought communities together for decades to support education, healthcare, and development projects.

“Harambees have created cohesion in this country. Most of the students today, as well as many professionals, went for scholarships outside the country through harambees,” said Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed during a heated Senate debate.

The term "harambee," meaning "all pull together" in Kiswahili, embodies Kenya’s community spirit and is a tradition deeply woven into the nation’s culture. For years, harambees have been used to raise funds for pressing needs such as school fees, medical bills, and building projects.

Despite its noble origins, harambee fundraising has faced criticism for being exploited by politicians. Some leaders have been accused of using lavish contributions to garner public support, raising concerns about the sources of their wealth. Instances like Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi’s Ksh 20 million donation to a church harambee, despite government claims of financial strain, have sparked public outcry.

The rejected Bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot on behalf of President Ruto, aimed to address these concerns. It proposed strict regulations, including:

Barring political aspirants from participating in harambees three years before a general election.

Prohibiting public officers from engaging in fundraisers while in office.

Requiring permits for organizers, transparency in fundraising goals, and quarterly financial reports.

The Bill also sought to exempt religious tithes, offerings, and private family fundraisers.

Senators argued that the proposed regulations would harm ordinary Kenyans who rely on harambees to meet urgent needs. “The Bill only serves to cut off the dreams and punish many distressed Kenyans who rely on fundraisers,” said one senator.

Public backlash has also been strong, with critics accusing the government of attempting to curtail grassroots efforts while failing to address corruption and mismanagement within its ranks.

The rejection of the Bill highlights the enduring significance of harambees in Kenya’s social fabric and underscores the challenges of balancing community traditions with the need for accountability and transparency.