Peter Opiyo
10 May 2008
Nairobi — President Kibaki kicked off the first Grand Coalition Government bonding meeting with a call for unity and an end to corruption.
The President, who officially opened the two-day induction workshop for Cabinet ministers, Assistant ministers and permanent secretaries, said the country was in dire need of service delivery. He told the officials not to fail in their duties.
He took particular exception to grumbling in public by ministers, saying it undermined the very principles of the Grand Coalition Government and sent bad signals.
"We are members of one Government and colleagues in Cabinet. As such, we should always feel free to reach out to one another for consultations, instead of commenting on important national issues through the mass media," said the Head of State.
The one voice, he said, should also be reflected in transaction of Government business with development partners, especially on public policies.
Kenyans have high expectations and want to see an end to poverty, ignorance and disease, he said.
"Insecurity, inequality and negative tribalism are top on the public's agenda. I therefore urge integrity and passion for excellence among the ministers in handling public affairs," he said.
The President said ministers and other public officers implicated in corruption would be required to resign to allow investigation.
"You will be expected to treat Kenyans equally and ensure corruption and misuse of public resources does not take place under your watch.
"In this regard, you would also be expected to step aside to allow for investigations should your names be mentioned adversely in corruption or other unethical conduct."
All ministers, their assistants and PSs, he said, should familiarise themselves with the Public Officers Act and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, to give better services to the public.
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