Jan 24, (TopNews) — In a candid public address on Wednesday, Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions-Kenya (COTU-K), pointed fingers at crucial government entities for what he perceives as a failure to address the growing crises afflicting the nation.
Expressing deep concern for the escalating struggles faced by Kenyan workers, Atwoli criticized the apparent silence of institutions tasked with resolving these issues. He called on the government to proactively address pressing concerns, including the high cost of living, surmounting debt, elevated unemployment rates, exorbitant taxations, and pervasive corruption impeding the nation’s progress.
In a scathing critique, Atwoli singled out the National Treasury, the Directorate of Debt Management, and the Directorate of Budget, Fiscal, and Economic Affairs, accusing them of inadequately managing the escalating debt crisis, rising costs of living, and the devaluation of the Kenyan shilling.
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With a pointed query, Atwoli asked, “Where is the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) when corruption is rampant in Kenya?”
He similarly questioned the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s efficacy in addressing unemployment and the increasing prevalence of redundancy.
Atwoli asserted that these institutions, among others, should be held accountable, and any failure to fulfill their mandates should result in their disbandment.
Proposing a comprehensive five-point strategy to rejuvenate the nation’s struggling economy, Atwoli urged the government to foster effective stakeholder engagements, emphasizing that such interactions promote trust and transparency in decision-making.
Additionally, he recommended a robust strategy to build, restore, and sustain investor confidence, attracting more investments to bolster economic growth across sectors. Atwoli emphasized the importance of establishing strong, effective, and inclusive institutions to align with the nation’s Vision 2030.
Advocating for research integration in the development process, Atwoli emphasized collaboration between public and private entities to identify sustainable avenues for a stable and enduring economy.
Lastly, the firebrand leader called for a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, a pervasive issue that he argued has plagued the nation for the past six decades.
Atwoli’s impassioned plea underscores the urgent need for a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges facing Kenya’s economic and social landscape.