It’s time for drastic reforms in parastatals, says President Uhuru Kenyatta

By PSCU

NAIROBI; KENYA: The Government has embarked on the most drastic restructuring of parastatals in the country’s history to boost their efficiency and effectiveness, President Uhuru has said.

The President said parastatals must avoid duplication of roles and deliver effective services. He said Kenya has more than 200 State corporations and they must play an effective role in national and county governments.

“We are focusing on widespread reforms that will infuse new life to our parastatals,” he indicated.

President Uhuru was speaking yesterday at State House Nairobi when he launched the 10-member taskforce on Parastatal sector.

“We expect the taskforce to propose the best practices that will ensure that parastatals serve the purpose of promoting the economic agenda of the country,” the President said.

He disclosed that nearly half of the parastatals rely on the National Treasury for salaries and operations, a situation President Uhuru said is unsustainable.

Make recommendations

He urged the taskforce to make recommendations that would transform state corporations and give them the momentum to achieve their huge potential.

The President appointed the taskforce early this week to review parastatal policies, identify challenges and propose a new policy direction for State corporations. It comprises members of the private and public sector. They are: Abdikadir H Mohamed (Executive Office of the President), Dr Kamau Thugge (National Treasury), Mr Mugo Kibati (Vision 2030),  Korir

Sing’oei (Deputy President’s Office), Stella Kilonzo (Private Sector), Angalie Mediratta (Private Sector), Isaac Awuondo (Commercial Bank of Africa), Nelson Kuria (CIC Group), Carole Kariuki (KEPSA) and Edward Burbidge (Burbidge Capital Ltd).

 Later on, Uhuru chaired a consultative meeting between officials of the National Government and Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero and his County Executive Committee.

The three-hour meeting emphasised a collaborative approach between the national Government and the County Government on development and maintenance of roads. The meeting agreed that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) would continue to implement the existing programme of construction works.

Projects include the completion of the missing links on Ngong Road through Otiende and Langata Road.

The Nairobi County agreed to work with KURA on new projects and capitalise on institutional strength built over time to benefit capacity building and skills transfer to the county. The meeting also discussed a comprehensive plan for renewal of targeted housing estates within the city including Maringo, Kaloleni, Shauri Moyo, Bahati, Mbotela, Makongeni, Gorofani/Bondeni, Starehe, Ofafa Kunguni and Ziwani.

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