Uhuru urged to appoint agency chiefs
What you need to know:
- Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) secretary-general Stephen Mutoro said that prudent use of public resources hangs in the balance when key institutions are run without boards and chief executive officers.
- He said reports that over 70 parastatals are operating without boards while more than 100 have crucial vacant positions point to severe foul governance and public audit loopholes, which must be addressed.
- Mr Mutoro wondered why the government was reluctant to fill the positions yet a taskforce in the president’s office had concluded the matter and advised on the parastatals that should be scrapped and those to be merged.
A consumer lobby has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to ignore those against parastatal reforms and appoint the agencies’ chiefs and boards to seal graft loopholes.
Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) secretary-general Stephen Mutoro said that prudent use of public resources hangs in the balance when key institutions are run without boards and chief executive officers.
“It is unacceptable for management to raise budgets, approve procurements and oversight themselves. This is rogue governance,” Mr Mutoro said in a letter to the President.
AUDIT LOOPHOLES
He said reports that over 70 parastatals are operating without boards while more than 100 have crucial vacant positions point to severe foul governance and public audit loopholes, which must be addressed.
Mr Mutoro wondered why the government was reluctant to fill the positions yet a taskforce in the president’s office had concluded the matter and advised on the parastatals that should be scrapped and those to be merged.
“As you work hard to realize an African Criminal Court, allow Cofek to address you on the earlier promising but, now stalled parastatal reforms in the country. Indeed this is a matter of urgent justice to the people of Kenya,” Mr Mutoro said.
The Cofek boss challenged the President to push the House Speakers to move with speed and pass necessary legislation to speed implementation of the taskforce report.
