Make economic sense or mortgage the new law

By Charles Kanjama
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Of course Kenya’s public sector wage bill is too high. And of course our new Constitution is partly to blame. Obviously also, the 2008 coalition government’s hiring spree which doubled public sector wages is a big culprit. And the general greed and wastage in government. And the unhealthy splurge on allowances for full-time employees. And the “I’m special” mentality of several state organs and constitutional commissions. Also to blame is the money grab by each of the three arms of government. So naturally we need to do something about it. But I’m not sure the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has the moral authority to lead the campaign, since their leadership seems as thirsty for public largesse as the rest. Neither do I think restructuring Government by rolling back devolution and organising a Sh10 billion referendum with another Sh20 billion wasted on campaigns and civic ‘mis-education’ is the way to go.  I’ll be honest and state this. In the midst of the 2010 pre-referendum campaign, several persons approached me to ask: “Can Kenya honestly afford the cost of the proposed Constitution?” I had studied the Constitution back to back, but never felt happy giving a straight answer to that particular question.