Stung by public criticism over his social life, Cupboard Secretary for Roads Kipchumba Murkomen has referred to as for the enactment of a legislation to information way of life audits of public servants.
Mr Murkomen mentioned that as issues stood, the method to way of life audits was boring and other people have been making wild accusations towards these in public workplace, which have been gaining floor and there was no channel for them to rectify the state of affairs.
The SC mentioned the continued dialog on way of life auditing within the nation was good, nevertheless it was time to anchor it in legislation to forestall mob lynchings of public officers.
“According to the continued Nationwide Dialog and to handle considerations that state and public servants live past their means, I suggest that Parliament urgently introduce and move the Way of life Audit Invoice to offer the parameters for auditing state and public servants and investigating their dwelling requirements to find out consistency with their authorized revenue,” Mr Murkomen later wrote on his X account.
“The invoice ought to, amongst different issues, set the utmost price of non-public clothes, vehicles, and so forth.,” Murkomen mentioned.
At present, public officers should declare their wealth each two years or face prosecution, below legal guidelines enacted by the parliament wherein Mr Murkomen served as a senator for Elgeyo Marakwet for 2 years.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Fee (EACC) and the Directorate of Prison Investigations (DCI) have been utilizing the declaration types to analyze and prosecute those that have acquired wealth by doubtful means, making the most of the positions they maintain.
“As a substitute of taking a look at cupboard secretaries and others and discussing what sneakers, shirts and homes they’ve purchased, why don't we move an audit legislation on those that maintain public workplace in order that Kipchumba will not be the one one specializing in what he wears?” Murkomen mentioned.
Mr Murkomen has not too long ago come below fireplace for the watches and sneakers he wears, the donations he makes at harambees and his mode of journey, which has currently been by helicopter, like most cupboard secretaries.
President William Ruto has banned public officers from attending spiritual gatherings within the nation till Lawyer-Basic Justin Muturi points pointers on their contribution.
Mr Murkomen was talking on the grounds of Kapkatet Major Faculty in Kericho County throughout the funeral of former Everlasting Secretary for Lands, Joseah Kimutai Sang, the daddy of former Bureti MP Japeth Kiptergech Mutai.
The SC prompt nationwide tackle on improvement tasks and programmes ought to be held yearly in order that Kenyans can perceive the state of the federal government.
“Cupboard secretaries and their ministries ought to be held accountable at an annual discussion board – a nationwide dialogue – the place they are often accountable to Kenyans on the efficiency of their respective ministries,” Murkomen mentioned.
He mentioned the State of the Ministries discussion board ought to be held yearly in order that Kenyans can perceive how their authorities has carried out and maintain these in workplace accountable.
“Because the Ministry of Roads and Transport, we’ve got performed a incredible job over the previous two years. I can attest to what we’ve got performed over the previous two years. It ought to be a practice within the authorities,” Murkomen mentioned.
“It is necessary for the individuals of Kenya to know the state of affairs of their nation. When President William Ruto took over (from former President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 13, 2023), there was a debt of Sh165 billion to highway contractors that had not been paid for 2 years,” Murkomen mentioned.
Mr Murkomen mentioned it was regrettable that many contractors had gone bankrupt because of their money owed to the federal government.
Mr Murkomen mentioned the money owed have been nonetheless excellent and the federal government was struggling to pay them whereas pursuing different improvement tasks.
“We've actually needed to sit down with contractors to debate the best way to cope with the excellent debt and get them again on web site to start the tasks they've been engaged on,” Murkomen mentioned.
Mr Murkomen mentioned that to show the efficiency of his ministry, he was prepared to interact Kenyans on a public platform on the launch of the Kenya Kwanza improvement agenda.
“I’m prepared to interact with Kenyans in X and in any obtainable house on points affecting my ministry and the progress we’ve got made. I’m prepared to interact in dialogue even tomorrow in order that we cease the misinformation that’s being unfold.”
He mentioned: “I’m prepared to present an account of the efficiency of my ministry within the final two years and I can provide an account of the time from 6am once I arrive on the workplace to 10pm once I depart to serve the nation.”
The SC mentioned that those that maintain public workplace are topic to a lot criticism, however they sacrifice so much for the nation in order that the individuals can benefit from the fruits of their taxes.
“Public servants sacrifice so much for the nation on the expense of household unity. They stand up early, come house late (due to their duties). Then they’re insulted… When all the things is over, the one factor left is the household. Mr. Sang's household unity is an instance for all of us,” mentioned Mr. Murkomen.
Vitality Cupboard Secretary Davis Chirchir, Senate Majority Chief Aaron Cheruiyot, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, Members of Parliament Mr Kibet Komingoi (Bureti), Nelson Koech (Belgut), Mr Hillary Koskei (Kipkelion West), Mr Brighton Yegon (OKonoin) and Mr Johana Ngeno (Emmurua Dikirr) amongst others attended the ceremony.