So whereas we recognise that numerous positive steps have been taken in the
constitution reform process, we note that the next 12 months constitute the
most delicate stage of the implementation process. We urge all responsible institutions to rise to the occasion and not fail Kenyans at this critical time.
7.1 Cost of Counties:
7.1.1 There is a need for the Task Force on Devolved Government
(TFDG) to rationalise the proposed County institutions under the
proposed county structure.
7.1.2 There is an urgent need to rationalise salaries to ensure all public
and state officers pay tax, and adhere to existing public service
guidelines. The Commission on Implementation of the Constitution
(CIC) should lead by example and accept the proposed salaries
as a service to their country. Those not interested in serving
the country within the provided government rates should not take
up these positions. Once the Salaries and Revenue Commission
comes into force it should rationalise the exorbitant parliamentary
salaries to make sure parliamentary salaries and allowances from
2012 onwards conform with public service standards.
7.1.3 The constitution provides for no more than 20 ministries. The government
needs to give a plan to rationalise its ministries immediately.
7.1.4 National Philosophy Kenya lacks a national philosophy upon which
to base its reform agenda and craft its public service institutions. The embrace of neo-liberal policies has also introduced unfettered capitalism in the public service mindset. There is urgent need to borrow from growing economies such as those of South East Asia and South America who have embraced government directed growth and directed capitalism to successfully put their countries on a path of growth. There is a need to refocus Vision 2030 within a strong ideological framework.
7.2 Staff redeployment by the Ministry of Public Service:
It is not clear when the Ministry of Public Service will embark on the process
of staff redeployment if it has not already started. All staff transfers need to be
done within a framework that allows a headcount of the existing staff and their
skills, the number of staff needed by counties and the skills needed. Capacity
building and reorientation needs of staff and lastly the vetting of staff for adherence
with chapter 13 of the Constitution on public service values. We therefore
request that the Ministry of Public Service give an indication of how the staff
and assets process will be managed and how it will be made open to stakeholder
participation. We look forward to the establishment of a County Transition
Authority to manage the County transition process and hope the Cabinet and
Parliament will prioritise the passage of the County Transition Bill as the key to
a successful transition.
7.3 Good governance is the Responsibility of all Kenyans:
Lastly, good governance is the business of all Kenyans. In August 2010, we gave
ourselves a new Constitution-the product of the relentless effort of national
activism since the early 1990’s. It is the responsibility of every Kenyan to ensure
the constitution is implemented in accordance with the provisions provided
within it. It is the civic duty of all Kenyans to get involved in the job of sensitization
and civic education first by understanding what the constitution says and
by sharing the same with others. So if you haven’t already, make sure that you
read and understand the constitution with those close to you.
God bless Kenya!
