Matiang’i slams govt spending over new police uniform rollout

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has voiced his concerns over the Kenyan government's expenditure on the acquisition of new police uniforms. In an open statement on his social media platform on Monday, Matiang’i questioned whether the state was deriving the maximum value from the funds allocated for the initiative.

He advocated for a shift from external procurement to utilizing the existing capabilities within public institutions. Matiang’i highlighted his own decision during his tenure as CS Interior, where the government opted for a strategy that leveraged skills and resources within public institutions like the National Youth Service, instead of always resorting to external purchasing.

This approach, he stated, aided in cost management, enhanced local capability, and created employment opportunities for Kenyans. The new police uniform design, unveiled by President William Ruto, reverts to the classic sky-blue shirt and dark-blue trousers, replacing the predominantly blue uniform adopted in 2018. The change, claimed the police service, was a result of consultations with officers and public members, aiming to boost morale and professionalism.

However, this shift has sparked discussions regarding the costs and procurement procedures, with opposition figures demanding more transparency. Matiang’i argued that the debate shouldn't solely revolve around the uniform's appearance but should also delve into broader issues of institutional capacity and public spending. He posed a larger question to the audience, asking if they are receiving the best possible value from the resources at their disposal.

According to Matiang’i, good governance should be about strengthening institutions, leveraging public funds for tangible benefits, and ensuring each shilling spent yields significant returns for the Kenyan populace. He emphasized that the true measure of government effectiveness is not the amount spent but the outcomes achieved.

He urged for a focus on what the government accomplishes with its expenditure rather than merely the spending itself.