Kigame Urges Ruto: Trim Foreign Trips, Revamp Government, and Decentralize Ministries
Reuben Kigame, a gospel singer and 2022 presidential candidate. Has compiled a list of 28 things he believes President William Ruto should do. To reduce the economic burden on Kenyans, combat corruption, and increase government efficiency.
Mr. Kigame desires that President Ruto begin reshaping the government by hiring only “competent professionals with integrity.”
“Reduce the size of government and government spending by removing all redundant and ghost employees and departments.”
Mr. Kigame’s aspiration to run for president in 2022 was thwarted by the electoral commission. Because he did not meet the requirements. “Only hire relevant professionals with impeccable character and track records of success,” he said.
He stated in a statement that the government should prioritize the gradual reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT). To 10% in four years and ensure that no tax. Including Pay as You Earn, which is currently between 30% and 35%, exceeds 10%.
The reduction in taxation, which would, according to him. Improve the performance of economic sectors that collect more taxes. Should be accompanied by renegotiation and rescheduling of public debt service.
In addition, he wants the government to eliminate all commercial loans. Which he claims are favored by the corrupt in the treasury and political leadership. Due to the enormous personal benefits associated with the facility.
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“I would also recommend negotiating for the possible cancellation of debts with development partners as part of a give-and-take pact that will see the country give out investment priorities such as the construction of manufacturing industries and friendly service provisions for the debtors to recover their credits to us,” he said.
To ensure that all regions flourish, he suggests distributing ministries according to the principle of relevance.
“For example, fisheries and all aquatic matters should be distributed between Kisumu and Mombasa, dairy ministries should be in the central region of Nyeri, while livestock affairs will have offices in the nomadic regions… agriculture matters should be handled in the Rift Valley,” he said.
Mr. Kigame also desires that the President collaborate with Interpol. To repatriate project funds stashed in offshore accounts by a cabal of Kenyans. To prevent the national government from stealing money. He proposes increasing the equitable sharing base from the current 15% to 50%.
Mr. Kigame also desires a leaner Cabinet that reduces expenditures by eliminating all redundant and ghost personnel and departments.
Must report their assets
In this reorganization, Mr. Kigame wants the President to be more conscientious about hiring only qualified professionals with impeccable character and a proven track record.
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“Those who make it into the new government must declare their wealth and be willing to have those details subject to independent scrutiny,” he said.
They should also consent to have their offices and residences monitored to deter them from engaging in corrupt behavior.
In addition, he desires that President Ruto retract his grand pre-election pledges and suspend all megaprojects for at least two years to allow for a forensic audit, evaluation, and restructuring.
“The newly reconstituted government should immediately suspend all unnecessary foreign travel and use virtual alternatives to reduce the number of delegates attending mandatory international conferences,” he said.
Regarding the housing levy that has put President Ruto in a difficult position, Mr. Kigame proposes that the National Housing Finance and other private investors be tasked with building low-cost housing, thereby keeping the government “out of the housing business.”
He urged President Ruto to make a public statement criminalizing any association with corrupt government dealings and suspending anyone involved in corruption immediately.
He added that all efforts should be focused on recovering the proceeds of corruption and imprisoning all those who have been accused and convicted of corruption.
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Regarding this, Mr. Kigame stated that the President must announce a comprehensive plan to reward those who expose corruption.
He stated that President Ruto must close all procurement loopholes that foster corruption and waste.
Mr. Kigame added that he should also introduce a Covid-19 bailout package for failing companies to save jobs and taxes.
To assist Kenyans in recovering from the effects of the harsh economic climate, he suggests implementing a two-shift working model.
“The first shift should run Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the second shift should run from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” he said.
He stated that weekends should be devoted to the social welfare of workers to accommodate their lifestyle and enjoyment.
To attract diaspora remittances, Mr. Kigame suggested offering enticing interest rates of at least 10% per annum on amounts they lend to the government.
“At the same time, diaspora partners should enjoy zero-rated facilities on their investments in the manufacturing and service sectors,” he explained.
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In addition to implementing body cameras for the police to discourage corruption and the harassment of innocent Kenyans, Mr. Kigame advocated for a review of the salaries of the lowest cadres of the civil service.
“I would also work with churches, temples, and mosques to provide social services such as rehabilitation of street children and their families, feeding of the poor, and care for the elderly… through government funding and a partnership program,” he said.
Mr. Kigame concluded that the private sector should be encouraged to assume responsibility for financing the education sector, with a particular emphasis on research loans, grants, and other support funding for higher education affordable and free at the primary and secondary levels.
Kigame Urges Ruto: Trim Foreign Trips, Revamp Government, and Decentralize Ministries
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