By Billy Mijungu
Kenya urgently needs a strong legal framework to guide the implementation of ongoing development projects by both the National and County Governments. Once funds are drawn from the Exchequer, every project must be completed as conceived, without deviation, delay, or abandonment.
We must also create firm accountability mechanisms for contractors. Those who deliver poor quality work or take public projects for granted should face serious consequences. The burden of responsibility must be placed squarely on contractors to ensure they complete projects or be held liable for delays and failure.
Projects, once initiated, must be prioritized and supported with a clear budget line before any similar new projects are approved. This legal safeguard will help avoid duplication and disruption of the overall development agenda.
If a project needs to change direction or target, Parliament must be involved in approving the change.Equity must also guide how projects are distributed. The law should enforce regional balance and fairness in project allocation. Budgets must meet the principle of equal opportunity and equal development across all areas.
The Controller of Budget must be legally supported with a project tracking and evaluation unit ensuring monitoring compliance, timelines, and value for money across all government projects.To prevent excessive control by a few entities, no single company or a group of companies with the same beneficial owners should be allowed to receive a large share of public contracts.
Applications from such entities should raise red flags and could lead to blacklisting, ensuring fairness and promoting wider participation.Finally, every government must plan to leave office without any pending bills.
If such bills remain, the Accounting Officer in charge must take personal responsibility. Accountability must be direct and enforced.This is one way we can restore public trust, enforce proper use of public resources, and accelerate meaningful development.
