YVONNE'S TAKE: The overzealous Cabinet

The new cabinet has come in with much gusto. And this is much appreciated, for there is no time to waste and there is a lot that needs to be done in this country.

However, perhaps a word of caution about the eagerness with which some have issued public statements. Statements that have heavy public import, some of which they have had to walk back.

Let’s start with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa who, on the 1st of November, announced an increase in salaries for civil servants, just days after she took office. She said: “I will initiate the plan to increase salaries of the public servants.” Never mind that the president, right after his inauguration announced austerity measures, asking all government ministries and departments to cut a total Ksh.300 billion. Never mind also that there has been a freeze on hiring in the civil service for more than 2 years now, following years of concerns over the bloated public wage bill.

Exactly one day later, she acknowledged that we are in the middle of an economic crisis. She added: “If the money will allow, things will be done, if not, we will shelve and wait for the opportune time.”

Then we have the new Education Cabinet Secretary, who riled education stakeholders when he said, “A number of our universities are faced with a number of problems, particularly finance. They must generate their own revenue because the exchequer as it is now, is not going to be able to continue funding them. In kenya, education takes 25.9% so we have to find other ways of creating and generating revenue.”

Educationists were quick to register their concerns with this statement saying that it would make education, which is a basic right, out of reach for the citizens of Kenya. He later walked back this statement and said he was misquoted. He said that the education funds that have been allocated are ring fenced.

Then just a few days ago, the Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary said that he would ban mitumba trade. But then later added that he would seek alternatives first. Not to mention the fact that there was a rather heated, unnecessary exchange with a female investor. Which, in my view need not have gone as far as it did.

Then the newly minted cabinet secretary in charge of health Susan Nakhumicha, in an interview on JKLive, right here on Citizen TV said intern doctors earn Ksh.200,000 while those fully employed earn Ksh.104,000. The doctors and medical practitioners union officials shot back terming her claim not factual. Citizen Digital in fact established that intern doctors are paid a stipend of Ksh.42,970 and other allowances applicable to the internship offer for a period of one year.

Please note that all of these statements were made even before the first cabinet meeting which took place today (Thursday), where national matters are discussed and firm positions on policy and direction of government are made.

I appreciate the vigour of the new cabinet secretaries to execute their duties. Indeed, there is work to be done. But perhaps a little caution with categorical public statements that take us back to the old KANU era of roadside declarations. Perhaps a little more time to learn the ropes, speak with those in their departments. Understand how things work. Hold back for now. Speak later.

They will surely not be judged for taking some time away from the media and the public glare to get better acquainted with their dockets. Sometimes silence is the best statement.