This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
Published on July 20, 2019, the current state of Kenya's leadership is a far cry from what the country needs. Amidst the government's efforts to address gambling addiction and tax evasion, internal divisions and corruption allegations have taken center stage.
Recent reports have highlighted deep-seated tensions between Cabinet Secretaries, with some denying and others fuelling speculation of a rift. The long-simmering feud between State House and the Deputy President's section of Harambee House has also come to the forefront, with the latter linked to leaking a controversial letter.
Meanwhile, the national government and county governments are locked in a bitter dispute over revenue sharing, with governors taking to the streets of Nairobi to protest. The battle for supremacy between the two Houses of Parliament has also intensified, with the Senate suing the National Assembly for allegedly overlooking it in the passing of several Bills.
The consequences of these power struggles are far-reaching and devastating for citizens. The stalemate over allocations to county governments has left them unable to access funds for vital services like healthcare, education, and rural development.
The Council of Governors, backed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the Senate, is demanding Sh335 billion, a figure that is Sh21 billion more than what the Treasury and the National Assembly are offering. The leaked letter attributed to the President's budget adviser has been disowned by State House and is under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Another controversy has emerged, with a leaked letter allegedly linking four Cabinet Secretaries and senior government officials to meetings at a Nairobi hotel, where the assassination of the Deputy President was discussed. The pissing contest between State House and Karen raises serious concerns about the impact on citizens.
When the political temperatures in the country rise and the fight against corruption stalls, citizens become the casualties. It is time for Kenya's leaders to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal: the betterment of the country and its people.
