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Kenya Devolution Civil Society  Group (KDCWG) Calls For An End To Budgeted Corruption

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Kenya Devolution Civil Society  Group (KDCWG) Calls For An End To Budgeted Corruption
Kenya Devolution Civil Society  Group (KDCWG) Calls For An End To Budgeted Corruption

Kenya Devolution Civil Society  Group (KDCWG) Calls For An End To Budgeted Corruption

The Kenya Devolution Civil Society Group (KDCWG) has called for an end to budgeting corruption while advocating for the transfer of devolved  functions.

Adressing the press in Nairobi led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission Deputy Executive Director Cornelius Oduor, the organization notes that Kenya’s recent greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing highlights the seriousness of the corruption crisis and its impact on the country’s economic and social development.

This greylisting has significant implications for international trade, investment, and economic growth.

This has further compounded the challenges devolution in Kenya continues to face.

“We have witnessed the escalating trend of “budgeted corruption” within both levels of government. This insidious practice, where funds allocated for public services are siphoned off through inflated contracts, ghost projects, and outright theft, is crippling service delivery and undermining the very essence of devolution.” Noted Oduor

Kenya Devolution Civil Society  Group (KDCWG) Calls For An End To Budgeted Corruption

Kenya Devolution Civil Society  Group (KDCWG) Calls For An End To Budgeted Corruption

In a joint statement, the CSOs noted that
“The devastating consequences of this rampant corruption are all too clear. Roads remain impassable, healthcare facilities lack essential equipment and medication, and schools operate without adequate resources. These failures are not merely logistical oversights; they result from misappropriating public funds intended to improve our communities’ social and economic welfare.”

Addionally, rhe organization expressed deep concern over the perceived selective nature of investigations and prosecutions by the EACC and the Kenya National Audit Office (KENAO).

Reports suggest that certain counties are shielded from scrutiny, creating a perception of selective justice that undermines public trust and weakens anti-corruption efforts.

“To address these concerns, we recommend granting the EACC prosecutorial powers and strengthening collaboration between EACC, KENAO, and civil society organizations to enhance citizen oversight and forensic audits.”

The agencies have been asked to act impartially and expedite cases against all individuals implicated in corruption, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The CSOs demanded that any individual serving in public office who does not meet the ethical standards outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya should be immediately relieved of their duties and subjected to investigation.

They cited that all public institutions responsible for enforcing accountability and justice including the EACC, the judiciary, the Auditor General’s Office, the Office of the Controller of Budget, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), and the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC)-must be adequately funded and strengthened to ensure optimal performance.

According to the CSOs, the Governors and Speakers of county assemblies must be held accountable for poor governance, including financial mismanagement, delays in settling pending bills that negatively impact citizens’ livelihoods, and failure to adhere to constitutional provisions on public service recruitment.

“We demand the immediate publication of the national debt register for public scrutiny. The national debt must be audited, and those found responsible for mismanagement must face prosecution without exception”, Said Oduor.

Emphasizing on public participation, the organization demanded for the abolishment of NG-CDF and NGAAF.

“We urge MPs and MCAs to strictly adhere to their constitutional roles of legislation, oversight, and representation. Additionally, unconstitutional funds such as the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) must be abolished immediately.” Added Oduor

The CSO has demanded that these resources be redirected to county governments to improve service delivery and strengthen devolution.

The organization  has urged the Kenyan government to take immediate and decisive steps to address these critical issues.

They ssy, accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law are non-negotiable principles in ensuring a just and equitable society.

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