Control borrowing to ease citizens' debt burden: bishop

A Catholic bishop has asked the government to tame its huge appetite for borrowing money, saying the public will be forced to pay through taxes.

Murang'a Diocese Bishop James Maria Wainaina noted that many experts have raised concern about the heavy debt burden and that the economy has been unfavourable to Kenyans.

The government should, therefore, look into a debt management system, he said on Thursday.

“The government should exercise a lot of caution in managing this situation and only borrow when absolutely necessary. The debt may have far-reaching implications in the future,” he said.

CORRUPTION

The bishop asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to intensify and expedite the war on corruption, citing its effects on sectors such as health.

“The Church continues to support President Kenyatta in the war on corruption since patients have not been receiving quality and affordable medical services," he said.

"The Catholic church has been in the forefront in sensitising faithful against the vice through ''breaking the chains of corruption'' movement. The campaign has yielded fruit; congregants now understand the vice and support efforts to eradicate it."

HOSPITALS UPGRADE

The clergyman also urged public hospitals to upgrade their services and handle patients with love and humility.

He promised an upgrade at Kiria-ini Mission Hospital, when he launched a CT scan machine.

Since acquiring the machine three months ago, the hospital has examined at least 56 patients from Nyeri, Murang'a and Kirinyaga counties.

Residents of these counties travel to Murang'a for the services.