OKIYA OMTATAH OKOITI : Forget sacking ministers; just give us a lean, clean Cabinet

Even if President Kibaki and Premier Odinga fire errant ministers, it will not do much for the country beyond its political symbolism.

Nothing short of radically downsizing the Cabinet and totally separating the Legislature and the Executive will serve our interests.

The two principals should lead our MPs to amend the Constitution to kick both the President and Cabinet out of Parliament.

Since MPs will be locked out of the Cabinet, we can then have a lean government.

The President (supported by the Economic; the Environment; Domestic Policy; Foreign Policy; Security and Administration; National Budget Committee; National Health; Innovation, Science and Technology; Commerce; Intelligence; Human Rights; and Military Affairs committees), and the Vice-President will run the presidency, supported by a lean professional Cabinet of only 12 ministries.

Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (merging Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries Development, Livestock Development, Forestry and Wildlife, the Environment and Natural Resources, Water and Irrigation, and Northern Kenya and other Arid Lands) will develop and execute Government policy on conservation, food, and manage and conserve trust land.

Ministry of Commerce (merging Trade, Industrialisation, Co-operatives Development, and Tourism) will promote economic growth and job-creation. It will also gather economic and demographic data for business and government decision-making, issue patents and trademarks.

Ministry of Infrastructure (merging Information and Communication, Transport, Roads, and Energy) will ensure a modern, fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation and communication system that meets Kenya’s vital national interests and enhances the citizens’ quality of life. It will also be responsible for the nation’s energy production and distribution, conservation, and energy-related research.

Ministry of Defence will co-ordinate and supervise all agencies and functions of government relating directly to national security and the military.

Ministry of Education (merging Basic Education, and Higher Education, Science and Technology) will formulate national funding programmes and enforce national educational laws.

Ministry of Health and Human Services (merging Medical Services, and Public Health and Sanitation) will protect and improve the health, safety, and well-being of all Kenyans.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (merging Housing, Local Government, Public Works, and Nairobi Metropolitan Development will be responsible for developing and executing policy on housing and cities.

Ministry of the Interior (merging the Provincial Administration and Internal Security, Home Affairs, National Heritage and Culture, Immigration & Registration of Persons, Special Programmes, Youth and Sports, Gender and Children Affairs, and Regional Development Authorities will be responsible for protecting the territory of Kenya internally from crime, terrorist attacks and natural disasters. It has to prepare for, prevent, and respond to domestic emergencies.

Ministry of Justice (merging the Attorney-General’s office with the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs) will be headed by the AG. It will enforce the law and defend the interests of Kenya according to the law and to ensure a timely, efficient, fair and impartial administration of justice.

Ministry of Labour (merging Labour and Public Service) will be responsible for occupational safety, wage and workplace standards, unemployment insurance, re-employment services, and some economic statistics related to employment.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (merging Foreign Affairs with East African Community) will be the foreign affairs agency of the Government of Kenya.

The Treasury (merging Finance with Planning, National Development and Vision 2030) will manage government revenue.

With 12 ministries headed by professionals who have been cleared both by their professional bodies and by the National Assembly, we will not only make savings, we will also restore constitutional controls, checks and balances between the Executive and the Legislature.

Mr Okoiti is a human rights activist.