Homa Bay County Senator, Moses Kajwang’, wants President William Ruto to declare corruption a national emergency, warning that billions of shillings are lost annually through graft and government inefficiency.

Speaking in Homa Bay, Mr Kajwang’ said Kenya losses approximately Ksh900 billion every year to corruption, which he noted is equivalent to a third of the national budget. He raised alarm over the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), which he said more than half of it is stolen.

“We are collecting Ksh120 billion from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, but we are still losing billions through corruption. President William Ruto, please crackdown on corruption from the counties to the national level. Please crack down on wastage,” he pleaded.

The senator further criticised what he described as excessive government spending and inefficiency, citing the use of multiple helicopters for public events by leaders as an example of wasteful expenditure.

“There is no reason why you should have 10 helicopters coming to an event. Cut down on inefficiency and improve procurement standards,” he said.

Kajwang argued that tackling corruption and reducing wastage would create enough savings to lower taxes and levies while still supporting national development projects. He said that, if the road revenue is managed well, it would be possible to reduce taxes, reduce levies and have enough resources to fuel the development of the country.

The Senator also acknowledged recent government action on fuel prices, congratulating President Ruto for directing a reduction in diesel prices by Ksh10 per litre. However, he maintained that the move was insufficient given the rising cost of living facing ordinary Kenyans.

“Life is still too expensive. When you increase fuel prices, it does not affect ‘one-term or two-term’ supporters only; it affects all of us. It does not affect ODM or UDA or DCP.  

“It affects everyone,” Kajwang said, reiterating that the issues affect the country’s economy and cost of living.

Kajwang urged leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement to remain focused on the concerns of ordinary citizens despite supporting the government.

“As ODM, we must continue talking the language of the people. Some of us are too comfortable having helicopters and big offices that we have forgotten to talk about issues affecting the people,” he said.

The senator also highlighted concerns raised by teachers regarding the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and education funding.

He said the government must increase capitation, improve school infrastructure, facilitate teacher promotions and provide adequate allowances for teachers serving in acting positions.

“The teachers have told us that there’s a problem with the implementation of CBC that we need to fix. We must ensure that education is properly funded and that teachers are supported,” Kajwang said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sitna Omar