CDF - an idea after my own heart
But the implementation side of the equation is the weak link. Some might argue that with time we will get it right. But how many millions (or billions) do we have to lose in this learning process.
The little I have heard about the CDF audit procedures inspires little confidence. Though it might sound like a great idea to have MP's at the heart of the CDF, (accountability etc etc) it is a big flaw until such a time as the politics of our MP's matures to justify such responsibility. Unless we rethink the role of an MP in the CDF and inject some professionalism in the management of the fund, we will not realise the true potential of this novel idea.
If the situation goes unchecked, and with increased budgetary allocation, scandals of the past might pale in comparison. A novel idea is in danger of becoming yet another black hole and a pillar of political patronage.
Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure
I recall writing an article arguing that this is the policy prescription needed in Kenya. I've therefore been excited to see that the current government has put infrastructure at the core of its development agenda.
I also had the opportunity to experience this policy firsthand in my last trip to Jamhuri. As I turned onto that dreaded bit of road where tarmac was extinct and the potholes had long become gulleys, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself cruising at 70kph. At first I thought it was down to the brand new shock absorbers that had been fitted that morning but after a while the penny dropped and alas the road had regained some of its long lost glory.
This is a tale repeated on different roads in the country and since I am not a 'see no good' observer of our politics, I was greatly encouraged by these developments.
But this is Kenya, there is always a but. The roads in my rural area had been retarmacked to a standard that was far below most other roads in the country. The key question becomes, was the same amount of money paid to the contractor? As far as I could gather, the contractor received no less than the contractors retarmacking other roads.
If this is so then another good idea has been lost in implementation and if the matter is not addressed we will end up with massive infrastructure expenditure with little infrastructure to show for it.
Welfare
What's wrong with cushioning the very poor in society to lift their standard of life? Can't fault the gist of the idea but.....
Can this work in a country where a majority of the population could probably be defined as poor?
Can the country afford it?
How do you implement such a massive programme in a country with such poor systems, procedures and controls?
This has the hallmarks of a massive embezzlement written all over it and yet if the PM gets his way it looks set to be implemented.
Oh well, another good idea that will yield a disappointing outcome.
What can I say....
The danger of good ideas implemented through flawed frameworks is potent. Since we have had such a dearth of good ideas, we are overly excited by the proposition of a good idea and overlook the crucial implementation element. Unless we catch onto this and fast, we will be mourning yet another decade of missed opportunities.
The lesson is simple, without good and robust procedures, systems and checks; good policy ideas are more dangerous than bad ones since we can object to the latter from the outset but with the former, we are only wiser after the horse has bolted.
Who can fault the idea? Take taxpayer's money; take central government bureacracy out of the equation; spend the money on projects that are considered a priority by the constituents. What's not to like?
But the implementation side of the equation is the weak link. Some might argue that with time we will get it right. But how many millions (or billions) do we have to lose in this learning process.
The little I have heard about the CDF audit procedures inspires little confidence. Though it might sound like a great idea to have MP's at the heart of the CDF, (accountability etc etc) it is a big flaw until such a time as the politics of our MP's matures to justify such responsibility. Unless we rethink the role of an MP in the CDF and inject some professionalism in the management of the fund, we will not realise the true potential of this novel idea.
If the situation goes unchecked, and with increased budgetary allocation, scandals of the past might pale in comparison. A novel idea is in danger of becoming yet another black hole and a pillar of political patronage.
Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure
I recall writing an article arguing that this is the policy prescription needed in Kenya. I've therefore been excited to see that the current government has put infrastructure at the core of its development agenda.
I also had the opportunity to experience this policy firsthand in my last trip to Jamhuri. As I turned onto that dreaded bit of road where tarmac was extinct and the potholes had long become gulleys, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself cruising at 70kph. At first I thought it was down to the brand new shock absorbers that had been fitted that morning but after a while the penny dropped and alas the road had regained some of its long lost glory.
This is a tale repeated on different roads in the country and since I am not a 'see no good' observer of our politics, I was greatly encouraged by these developments.
But this is Kenya, there is always a but. The roads in my rural area had been retarmacked to a standard that was far below most other roads in the country. The key question becomes, was the same amount of money paid to the contractor? As far as I could gather, the contractor received no less than the contractors retarmacking other roads.
If this is so then another good idea has been lost in implementation and if the matter is not addressed we will end up with massive infrastructure expenditure with little infrastructure to show for it.
Welfare
What's wrong with cushioning the very poor in society to lift their standard of life? Can't fault the gist of the idea but.....
Can this work in a country where a majority of the population could probably be defined as poor?
Can the country afford it?
How do you implement such a massive programme in a country with such poor systems, procedures and controls?
This has the hallmarks of a massive embezzlement written all over it and yet if the PM gets his way it looks set to be implemented.
Oh well, another good idea that will yield a disappointing outcome.
What can I say....
The danger of good ideas implemented through flawed frameworks is potent. Since we have had such a dearth of good ideas, we are overly excited by the proposition of a good idea and overlook the crucial implementation element. Unless we catch onto this and fast, we will be mourning yet another decade of missed opportunities.
The lesson is simple, without good and robust procedures, systems and checks; good policy ideas are more dangerous than bad ones since we can object to the latter from the outset but with the former, we are only wiser after the horse has bolted.
