PAC has failed in its mandate to Kenyans

The suspension of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) following allegations of bribery and corruption raises pertinent and serious questions. First is the magnitude of high level corruption and two, the issue of ethics and integrity.

The misuse of power by political leaders and its adverse effect on development cannot be overemphasised. The oversight role of the PAC is to ensure value for taxpayers’ money.

The PAC must be seen to represent the interests of all Kenyans by fulfilling its mandate, which is critical in enforcing financial accountability, combating fraud and corruption, as well as promoting good governance.

The allegations of bribery and corruption against PAC set a dangerous precedent. Corruption is a real obstacle to development and a key driver of poverty and inequality. It distorts economic growth and threatens democracy, the rule of law, human rights, peace, and security.

PAC must be beyond reproach in its oversight jurisdiction on public resource management. When it fails to execute its mandate impartially and instead gets mired in allegations of corruption and bribery, its credibility is eroded.

Leaders at all levels must live up to their sworn duty to serve the country diligently. Four years ago, Kenyans overwhelmingly voted for a new constitutional order in the hope that there would be a paradigm shift in the way things are done in public institutions.

Our Constitution has been described as one of the most progressive in the world. We cannot afford to degrade it in its infant strides.

PEGGED ON LEADERSHIP

A society’s prosperity is pegged on its leadership. We cannot realise our development goals in an atmosphere of bad governance where corruption and abuse of office thrive. Key strategies of preventing corruption must be fast-tracked at all levels.

All possible avenues must be explored to address this. These include preventive measures, strengthening governance through wider public participation, dialogue, and operational activities.
The Constitution’s transition window period is less than a year away.

It is high time the Constitution was actualised by laying down a strong framework for establishing specific political institutions with clearly defined functions and powers.

The role of politics is to produce agreement, decisions, and collective action, with an intersection between politics and methods dedicated to the solution of practical economic, social, and political problems to achieve equitable development. Most of our leaders misinterpret this role and designate politics as an arena for self-enrichment.

Good leadership and governance are vital for the Constitution to work. Effective and democratic governance of local institutions can advance the government’s development agenda and help improve the wellbeing of the people.

A constitution that protects minorities and offers hope for the future inspires the respect and loyalty of the people. The success of a constitution can be measured by how it reconciles opposing interests.

If it fulfils these conditions, a constitution can be a catalyst for social and economic change and attract wise leaders who are ready to be true servants of the people. For Kenya to achieve this, we must fight corruption.

Mr Kihu is a gender and development consultant at Kenya Basic Support Foundation. [email protected]