At the Okoa Uchumi event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), issued a powerful call to action, addressing Kenya’s escalating public debt crisis. Her remarks highlighted the urgent legal and moral responsibilities the government must honor in the face of mounting financial challenges.
Odhiambo emphasized the grave consequences of neglecting transparency and accountability in managing public finances. “If you think that once you hold positions of power, they will remember you as an important person, life will teach you otherwise,” she warned, setting the tone for a sobering discussion on reform, responsibility, and the future of Kenya’s economy.
At this critical juncture in the country’s history, Odhiambo stressed the LSK’s role in guiding both the government and citizens through the complexities of public debt. “Public debt is a binding commitment, a promise made by the government to borrow today with a pledge to repay tomorrow,” she explained, cautioning that excessive borrowing risks severing the social contract between the state and its citizens, with future generations bearing the consequences.
Though Kenya is equipped with a robust legal framework to manage public finances, Odhiambo questioned why the country finds itself in such a precarious situation. She raised concerns about potential legal breaches contributing to the crisis and urged urgent reforms to address these challenges. “The Constitution and public finance laws empower the government to act in the best interest of the nation,” she reminded attendees.
Odhiambo drew attention to the risks posed by Kenya’s growing debt, comparing it to giving a teenager an unlimited credit card. She stressed that unsustainable economic policies threaten the nation’s survival. “Our public debt has ballooned at an alarming rate. This isn’t about popularity; it’s about survival—of our economy and the well-being of our citizens,” she declared passionately, urging for immediate reforms to secure the future.
Calling for greater transparency and accountability, Odhiambo emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in addressing public debt and corruption. “It is imperative that we hold those responsible to account and push for reforms to prevent these issues from recurring,” she said.
Odhiambo advocated for the establishment of a citizen assembly to tackle the intertwined crises of debt and corruption, pushing for a practical overhaul of public finance management systems. She proposed key actions such as a transparent public review of public debt finance laws, led by the Office of the Auditor General, and stricter penalties for those who misuse public funds.
As the Okoa Uchumi event provided a collaborative platform for civil society, government, and the private sector, Odhiambo’s message resonated as a rallying cry for a collective effort to restore integrity in public finance. She emphasized that the road ahead requires unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of all Kenyans.
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