Stop cartels from exploiting economy

 

The disheartening truth unravelling before our eyes is that a burgeoning colony of cartels, poised to siphon taxpayers’ funds, has begun testing the waters in Kenya.

In recent months, the unfolding dramas including notable ones like Kemsa, edible oil, and dubious sale of petroleum products hint at a larger, more subtle problem that may be the tip of the iceberg.

In a situation where the Kenya Kwanza government has little headroom for development projects, and the economy teeters on the brink of depletion, the gravity of the situation becomes apparent.

The revenue influx, crucial for funding projects and alleviating the burdens of a rising cost of living, is under relentless siege by these cartels who are now gobbling up the little available money.

It is important to recall that among the top promises of the government upon assuming power was the eradication of corruption and cartels. Despite stern warnings from the Head of State, this promise remains unfulfilled. This now raises fundamental questions about the government’s intent and Kenya’s growth aspirations in the face of this new normal.

Sixty years since we achieved our independence, the country has come a long way to allow a few elements within us to rock the boat, the tragedy is that cartels have learned how to cling to the ruling class making it more difficult for law enforcement officers.

Suffice it to say, superficial measures such as transferring Kemsa executives and reshuffling Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries amid such scandals are inadequate.

Failure to take action against high-ranking officials fingered in ongoing audit trails and those implicated companies further compound the issue, spelling doom for those making a case out of investigations. With a diminishing tax base and an escalating debt portfolio, seizing loopholes exploited by such tenderpreneurs and other cartels is imperative to alleviate fiscal pressures.

The time has come for all security agencies to execute their duties impartially, leaving no stone unturned. Patriots within the civil service must stand up and be counted, ensuring that the right and noble path is taken to safeguard the nation’s interests, without fear or favour.

BY PD.CO.KE