Columnists

We must step up efforts to eradicate hate speech

rally

A recent political rally in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | nmg

Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of any democratic society. However, it does not take precedence over other rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution.

Kenya’s history proves that hate speech propagated by politicians has led to distrust and disunity and consequently ethnic warfare. The extreme levels of impunity where political leaders always get away with their hateful crimes worsen the situation.

Failure to regulate hate speech ultimately implies that such expression is acceptable. History has taught us that hate speech comes with a great cost.

Article 33(2) subsection (c) of the Constitution states that the right to freedom of expression does not extend to hate speech. Section 13 of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Act forms the basis of a more formidable explanation for hate speech laws.

What I know is the commission was borne out of the realisation that long lasting peace, sustainable development and harmonious coexistence among Kenyans requires deliberate normative, institutional and attitudinal processes of constructing nationhood, national cohesion and integration.

This commission’s mandate is to develop and sustain processes that alleviate all forms of ethnic discrimination and promote diversity through knowledge creation, capacity building, advocacy and pertinent policy development. I have not seen anywhere where it stated that the commission has to be a police station.

READ: Gap in Kenyan law stokes hate speech on social media

The commission must follow all the outlined processes before calling for the arrest or prosecution of any hate monger. Though the commission has been working in a cohesive way.

Again what many may not be aware of is that there no day the commission can work on the basis of hearsay in prosecuting anyone all the guidelines must be followed as per law.

Also there is need for the public to recognise the malignant effect of inflammatory speech and how leaders can incite violence.

Time has come for all government agencies to step up and support the fight against hate speech.

Kibet Benard, via email

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Achieving set targets a key factor in staff bonus payments

Arecent headline in the Business Daily sparked interest after it revealed that Centum #ticker:ICDC CEO James Mworia had received a sizeable boost in his annual salary.

This raised the executive’s annual income by 87 per cent to an incredible Sh375.6 million, solidifying his spot as Kenya’s highest earning chief executive.

While these figures are genuinely impressive, it is important to note that the 39 year old’s actual annual salary is Sh24 million, six per cent of what he actually earns. A bulk of the remainder is sourced from the firm’s bonus scheme.

Centum had previously stated a hard hurdle rate of 20 per cent, which means that employees are entitled to 20 per cent of returns above a given benchmark.

It is important for firms to set targets for their employees and arrange reward schemes for firm-wide as well as individual performance.

While it may seem an unnecessary cost, positive reinforcement is a great motivator for employees.

Last year, Centum announced a Sh1 billion bonus payment. As a result, the company and its employees have met their core objective to shareholders by “delivering above promise”, consistently meeting target returns.

Wakibia Chege, via email