President Kibaki commissioned Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s new-look offices after months of renovation.
Raila’s office now overlooks that of the President’s, only a few metres away from Harambee House, symbolically signaling closer working relations the two are currently enjoying.
And to show how close and easily they are engaging, Kibaki shed off his official limousines and motorcade of outriders and took a walk across Harambee Avenue, before touring the facility acquired and refurbished at Sh1billion.
Sandwiched by his bodyguards, the President planted a tree in the compound, which has enjoyed a touch of fine blending with state-of-the-art remodeling by the Ministry of Public Works and Buildmore Construction Company.
The President warned errant contractors and corrupt civil servants against corruption, saying their days are numbered.
"We will firmly and systematically deal with corruption. All Government departments have been instructed to speedily conclude any pending cases of corruption," said Kibaki.
Kibaki took a swipe at contractors awarded tenders by the Government after inflating prices and carrying out substandard work. He warned they would be prosecuted.
Required specifications
"The Government has money, but it will only pay for jobs that meet required specifications. Inflating costs will not be accepted. We know when we are being cheated and when we get value for money," said the President.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Kenneth Marende, Attorney General, Amos Wako, 15 Cabinet ministers, and Assistant Ministers joined Kibaki.
"I wish to restate the Government’s commitment to accountability in the use and allocation of tax-payers’ money," said the Head of State.
He added that the new office of the Prime Minister was in line with the Government’s policy of changing from the traditional single closed-door offices to an open plan system to curb corruption.
President Kibaki officially opened the Office of the Prime Minister Wednesday. Prime Minister Raila Odinga accompanied him. [PHOTO: Martin Mukangu/STANDARD]
"This is meant to minimise opportunities for corruption and encourage strong work ethics. It is a model for future Government office buildings," said the Head of State.
On opening the office, Kibaki said it was another step in upholding the National Accord that created the office of the Prime Minister in 2008, after post-election violence.
"It underscores the determination of the Grand Coalition Government to respect the provisions and principles of the National Accord," said the President.
The Head of State said he was encouraged by the substantial progress made in addressing issues critical to national development and unity.
The issues Kibaki noted had attained substantial progress, included constitutional, legal, and institutional reforms, tackling poverty, social inequalities, and land reforms.
Addressing transparency
Others are tackling of unemployment, particularly among the youth, addressing transparency, accountability, impunity, and consolidating national cohesion.
Kibaki said a firm foundation for future stability and development had been set with the enactment of the new Constitution.
Raila said lack of commitment among civil servants had made the Government to lose a lot of money through over-quoting of costs for implementation of public projects.
The PM explained most Government departments were still being housed in rented premises. He said the new office would accommodate more ministries.
"This office does not belong to the Prime Minister alone, but to the Government and will house various departments that are renting premises," said Raila.
He called on contractors to accept competition from foreign firms, especially from China, instead of complaining of low quotations by foreigner firms.
"The day when people would give low quotations for tenders advertised by the Government are long gone. The job is evaluated and the best suited contractor awarded," the PM assured local contractors.
The Office of the Prime Minister will be phased out after the 2012 General Election, as the new Constitution does not recognise the institution.
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