By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Devolution Civil Society Group (KDCWG) has urged for a stop to budgeting corruption and is promoting the transfer of devolved responsibilities.
Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi, Cornelius Oduor, the Deputy Executive Director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, highlighted that Kenya’s recent greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) — attributed to shortcomings in addressing money laundering and terrorist financing — underscores the severity of the corruption crisis and its detrimental effects on the nation’s economic and social progress.
The greylisting has profound consequences for international trade, investment, and economic development, exacerbating the ongoing challenges associated with devolution in Kenya.
Oduor pointed out, “We are observing a troubling rise in ‘budgeted corruption’ across all levels of government. This covert practice, wherein funds designated for public services are misappropriated through inflated contracts, fictitious projects, and direct theft, is severely hampering service delivery and distorting the fundamental principles of devolution.”
In a statement released on 30th January, the civil society organizations (CSOs) emphasized that “the disastrous effects of rampant corruption are evident. Roads are in disrepair, healthcare facilities are deprived of necessary equipment and medications, and schools are lacking essential resources. These shortcomings are not just minor logistical errors; they stem from the misallocation of public funds that were meant to enhance the social and economic well-being of our communities.”
Further, the organization voiced serious concern regarding the apparent selective approach taken by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Kenya National Audit Office (KENAO) in their investigations and prosecutions.
Reports indicate that some counties are seemingly protected from oversight, fostering a perception of selective justice that erodes public confidence and hampers anti-corruption initiatives.
“In order to tackle these issues, we propose that the EACC be granted prosecutorial authority and that collaboration between the EACC, KENAO, and civil society organizations be strengthened to improve citizen oversight and forensic auditing,” the statement reads.
The agencies have been urged to remain neutral and to expedite legal actions against all individuals involved in corruption, regardless of their political connections.
The civil society organizations (CSOs) called for the immediate removal and investigation of any public official who fails to uphold the ethical standards specified in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
They emphasized the necessity for proper funding and reinforcement of all public institutions tasked with maintaining accountability and justice, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (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), to ensure they can perform their duties effectively.
Read More : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/kenya-export-agency-take-part-in-kick-off-of-the-2025-wrc-safari-rally/
The civil society organizations (CSOs) insist that Governors and Speakers of county assemblies should be held accountable for inadequate governance practices. This includes financial mismanagement, delays in the payment of overdue bills that affect citizens’ livelihoods, and non-compliance with constitutional standards regarding public service recruitment.
“We call for the prompt release of the national debt register for public examination. The national debt must undergo an audit, and anyone responsible for its mismanagement should be prosecuted without exception,” Oduor said.
“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.” noted 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.
Read More Stories At: https://africawatchnews.co.ke/
