Why Governor Kihika’s Call for PPPs Misses the Mark on Accountability
Read Time:2 Minute, 17 Second
In her recent Facebook post, Governor Susan Kihika attempts to rally public support for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a solution to Kenya’s pressing infrastructure challenges.
While her intention may be to spark constructive dialogue, her message raises serious concerns about government accountability, transparency, and priorities.
Kihika’s assertion that PPPs can address infrastructure deficits is not without merit. International examples such as JFK and Heathrow demonstrate the potential benefits of these partnerships.
However, the comparisons are misleading. These countries have established robust systems to ensure transparency and minimize corruption—an aspect sorely lacking in Kenya.
How can we trust that PPPs won’t become just another avenue for waste and mismanagement, especially when our track record of completed projects is riddled with scandal and inefficiency?
Moreover, the Governor’s dismissal of public frustration as mere “negativity” overlooks the reality that Kenyans are fed up with empty promises and unfulfilled commitments.
When citizens demand accountability for rising taxes and stagnant infrastructure improvements, it reflects a genuine concern that should not be brushed aside.
It is hard to rally support for new initiatives when the government has repeatedly failed to deliver on past promises.
Kihika’s call for enhanced local resource mobilization without addressing the fundamental issue of accountability raises eyebrows. Each year, billions in public funds go unaccounted for, and the rampant mismanagement of major projects has become a hallmark of our governance.
Instead of focusing solely on PPPs, the emphasis should be on auditing existing projects and ensuring those responsible for past failures are held accountable. Without such measures, new partnerships risk becoming another scheme for a select few to benefit while taxpayers bear the financial burden.
Additionally, Kihika’s portrayal of the public’s criticism as “cynical” highlights a troubling disconnect. The frustrations expressed by many Kenyans stem from a realistic assessment of the government’s performance.
They are not being cynical; they are being justified in their concerns. Years of unfulfilled promises and misallocated funds have led to a deep sense of disillusionment among citizens.
Dismissing valid criticisms as unpatriotic is a deflection that does little to address the underlying issues and only serves to alienate the very people whose support Kihika seeks.
While PPPs may offer potential pathways for infrastructure development, real progress will not be achieved by sidestepping the pervasive issues of corruption and mismanagement that have eroded public trust.
Governor Kihika would do well to acknowledge these concerns and focus on implementing meaningful accountability measures before asking Kenyans to support yet another ambitious project. Only by addressing these foundational issues can we hope to foster a more productive and engaged public discourse around the future of our infrastructure and governance.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
0
0
Average Rating