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Kenya: How Can Such House Watchdogs Bite?
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The Nation (Nairobi)
EDITORIAL
7 May 2008
Posted to the web 7 May 2008
Nairobi
As key parliamentary committees elected their chairmen Tuesday, questions were being raised about the credibility of some of its members.
As watchdogs working on behalf of taxpayers, the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Investments Committee (PIC) are expected to be above reproach. Their members are supposed to be people of high moral standing in society.
Through the committees, the Legislature actualises its role as a check to the Executive and the Judiciary, the other two arms of government. Traditionally, the PAC chairman has been the Leader of the Official Opposition, while a similar high-profile backbencher has been elected to head the PIC. But this was not possible this year after the crafting of a coalition Government that dramatically changed the political equation in and outside Parliament. The result is that the doors were left open for any backbencher to be picked to lead the committees. And herein lies the dilemma. People with questionable pasts were named to the committees, casting doubts about their ability to deliver on their mandates.
Some have been adversely mentioned in past PAC or PIC reports. Others have pending court cases, or have been blacklisted over questionable deals. When such people sit in committees that vet public procurement and processes, then questions of integrity automatically come to mind. Would they have the moral courage to tackle corruption cases?
Would they be in a position to judge others?
Second, there have been concerns about delays in auditing Government books, rendering the committees' work merely academic. What is the value of scrutinising account books that were closed four or five years ago?
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Third, very little action is ever taken on the committees' recommendations. This is why those with dubious pasts can still be appointed to Government. Unless the rules and practices are changed to provide for credible leadership, timely auditing of Government accounts, and implementation of the recommendations, the committees will labour in vain.
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