In a bold move aimed at streamlining government operations and reducing expenditure, religious leaders under the Ufungamano-Joint Forum of Religious Organizations (U-JFRO) have called on President William Ruto to appoint a Cabinet comprising no more than 16 Cabinet Secretaries. This call comes amidst growing concerns over the size and efficiency of the current government structure.
Recommendations for Cabinet Structure
The religious leaders have proposed a significant restructuring of the Cabinet and related government positions. In a statement issued on Friday, they recommended the appointment of two Cabinet Secretaries per region and one Principal Secretary per ministry. The statement reads:
“Appointment of two CSs per region is ideal. In terms of management, a ministry does not require more than one Principal Secretary. A Cabinet Secretary (CS) should be in charge of one Principal Secretary, who should be in charge of departmental heads.”
This recommendation aims to create a more manageable and efficient government structure, ensuring that each region is adequately represented while maintaining a streamlined administration.
Proposed Salary Cuts for State Officers
In addition to the recommendations on Cabinet appointments, the religious leaders have also called for salary cuts for all state officers, including Members of Parliament (MPs), Senators, Governors, Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), and other senior public servants. They suggested a reduction of at least 40% in salaries to help reduce government expenditure.
Reduction of Constituencies and Elected Representatives
The U-JFRO has also proposed a reduction in the number of constituencies and elected members of the National Assembly. They argue that the current number of 290 constituencies and MPs is excessive. The leaders recommend reducing this number to 150, citing examples from other countries where MPs represent much larger constituencies while providing a higher level of service. They stated:
“In many countries, MPs not only represent a much larger constituency but also provide a very high level of service. On the other hand, according to recent surveys and Hansard reports, some MPs attend Parliament but contribute very little to the debates.”
Clustering Counties into Economic Blocs
The religious leaders further suggested clustering counties into viable economic blocs, reducing the current 47 counties to 16. Under this proposal, the existing counties would become sub-counties. This restructuring could be achieved by splitting the previous provinces into two counties each, with the Rift Valley being split into three due to its larger size and Nairobi retained as one county.
The leaders explained that reviewing the number of counties would reduce the number of Senators from the current 67 to 32, with each county electing one male and one female senator to promote gender balance. They proposed a model similar to that of the United States, where each state elects two senators.
Gender Balance in Senate Representation
The U-JFRO emphasized the importance of gender balance in representation. They proposed that in the next General Elections, senators should be elected in the new, reduced number of counties, with each county electing one male and one female senator. This approach aims to ensure equal representation of men and women in the Senate, thereby promoting gender equality.
Context of the Proposals
These proposals by the religious leaders come at a time of significant political changes and challenges in Kenya. Just a day prior to the release of their statement, President Ruto dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General, except for Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi. This move has set the stage for potential restructuring and reforms within the government.
Potential Impact and Reactions
The recommendations by the U-JFRO are expected to spark widespread debate and reactions from various stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public. While some may view these proposals as necessary steps towards a more efficient and accountable government, others may argue against the feasibility and implications of such drastic changes.
The call for salary cuts, in particular, may face resistance from state officers who are directly affected. However, the emphasis on reducing government expenditure and enhancing service delivery is likely to resonate with many Kenyans who are concerned about the cost of governance and the effectiveness of their leaders.
The call by the U-JFRO for President Ruto to cap the Cabinet at 16 and implement other structural reforms represents a significant push towards a leaner and more efficient government. As Kenya navigates this period of political change, the proposals from religious leaders provide a framework for potential reforms that could enhance representation, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. The coming weeks and months will reveal how these recommendations are received and whether they will influence the future direction of Kenya’s governance.
