Editor's Review

“We are surprised by the exorbitant increase in the Work Permit Charges paid for Missionaries, from Kshs 15,000 to Kshs 150,000." 

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has decried the government’s move to increase work permit charges for missionaries from Sh 15,000 to Sh 150,000.

Addressing the media on Thursday, April 11, the bishops said it was unethical and lack of gratitude to revise the work permit charges for the missionaries.

KCCB noted that the country should instead be showing gratitude to missionaries adding that their sacrifice for Kenyans deserves great respect and recognition.

“We are surprised by the exorbitant increase in the Work Permit Charges paid for Missionaries, from Kshs 15,000 to Kshs 150,000. This is absolutely unethical and shows lack of gratitude to people dedicating their lives to the good of society,” the bishops stated.

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KCCB called on the government to zero rate the work permit charges for missionaries saying their work deserves waivers.

File image of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“We as a country, in fact, should be showing gratitude and appreciation through giving waivers to priests, religious men and women, and other social missionary volunteers who come to complement our social engagement. We request that their work permit be zero-rated,” the religious leaders urged the government.

At the same time, the Catholic bishops demanded the government to clear Sh 2 billion owed to Catholic hospitals.

They noted that catholic hospital are struggling as a result of the unpaid amount by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“We demand from the government to promptly clear the NHIF debts owed to all facilities that have provided medical services under the NHIF scheme before the transition to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF),” the bishops stated.

Further, the religious leaders urged the government and health workers to seek a working arrangement and end the ongoing doctors’ strike.

The bishops noted that the situation has worsened mission hospitals' ability to fully respond to patients who are seeking treatment.

“The situation is deplorable and we continue witnessing the misery of the sick. Many have died and many are deteriorating in their sickness because of the current standoff,” the Catholic bishops added.