Title: Political negotiations in Kenya: a costly dialogue for the country
Introduction :
Recent negotiations between the government and the opposition in Kenya have generated a certain media buzz. However, in addition to the political issues, a lesser known aspect caught our attention: the astronomical cost of these discussions. According to an article in The Nation newspaper, expenses related to this process reached more than 100 million shillings, or approximately 680,000 euros. In this article, we look at the details of this forecast budget and raise some questions about the management of public funds.
A comfortable budget for delegates:
According to the document published by The Nation, the majority of funds allocated for the negotiations are intended for the delegates involved in the dialogue. The delegation presidents, two high-ranking MPs, receive daily compensation of 50,000 shillings, or 321 euros, while the other members receive 40,000 shillings. With an estimated duration of discussion of at least 20 days, this represents a significant sum. But that’s not all, delegates also enjoy other benefits such as reimbursement for air tickets, accommodation and “refreshments”. These cumulative costs quickly increase the bill and raise questions about the transparency of these expenses.
Curiosities of the secretariat budget:
The budget of the secretariat involved in the negotiations also presents several curious points. For example, a budget of 15 million shillings is allocated for printing costs, for only 1000 copies of the final report. That’s over 96 euros per copy, a surprisingly high sum for photocopying costs. These expenses seem excessive and call for greater transparency regarding their justifications.
A lack of clarity on the management of public funds:
Despite these revelations, government bodies responsible for monitoring the use of public funds, namely the Office of the Auditor General and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, declined to comment. This opacity raises questions about the management of public funds and the absence of effective control mechanisms when allocating budgets. Especially since the report of the budget committee of the Kenyan Parliament recommended not creating new public expenditure and carrying out a systematic audit of the Treasury.
Conclusion :
Political negotiations in Kenya represent a crucial issue for the country. However, it is important to question the management of the financial resources allocated to these discussions. With a budget of over Sh100 million, it is essential that these expenditures are justified and transparent. Oversight bodies must play their role to ensure responsible use of public funds. At this time when transparency and financial accountability are paramount, it is essential that political dialogue is not tainted by questionable practices.