Civil Society Officials Urge Accountability in Public Projects to Combat Corruption
“Japheth Ojijo from Homa Bay expressed concern over the number of flagship projects launched by leaders that fail to meet basic standards despite the significant amounts of money spent on them“
By Jessica Nyaboke
Leaders occupying high offices must be held accountable for the projects they propose, particularly to curb the corruption that has caused many initiatives to stall, a Civil Society official has emphasized.
Japheth Ojijo from Homa Bay expressed concern over the number of flagship projects launched by leaders that fail to meet basic standards despite the significant amounts of money spent on them. “We see many projects that simply don’t measure up, yet they drain huge sums of public funds,” Ojijo stated.
Speaking at an engagement forum that brought together members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Uasin Gishu and Baringo, Ojijo stressed the importance of conducting feasibility studies before implementing any project. “In these tough economic times, it’s crucial to avoid waste by ensuring projects are necessary and beneficial before they even begin,” he added.
Ojijo also urged the public to play an active role in holding leaders accountable. “We need to question who the real beneficiaries of these projects are. Only then can we put an end to corruption and achieve meaningful development,” he said.
He encouraged CSO members to utilize the social accountability tools they have acquired to monitor and challenge leaders, reminding them that they are the watchdogs of society.
Sonia Auma, a facilitator at the forum, raised concerns about the ongoing ICT hub program initiated by the Kenya Kwanza government. “Is this really a priority?” Auma questioned, urging Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to visit wards and assess the actual needs of the communities.
“In some remote areas, women are more concerned about finding water than using an ICT hub, especially where there is no electricity to power such facilities. These projects, in the end, may not be beneficial to the community,” Auma argued.
She further called on citizens not to remain silent when they witness leaders engaging in corrupt practices. “We must not shy away from speaking out against corruption if we want to see real progress,” Auma concluded.
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