### **Senate Takes a Stand Against Misuse of Public Funds for Personal Branding**
The **Senate** has issued a strong directive to the **Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)**, the **Auditor-General**, and the **Controller of Budget** to **swiftly tackle** governors and Members of County Assemblies (**MCAs**) misusing public funds for personal branding. This decisive action comes amidst rampant **brand misappropriation**, prompting a serious ethical discourse about the integrity of public service.
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### **The Distortion of Public Service**
Senators have called this ongoing trend both **illegal and unethical**, emphasizing its potential to warp the very essence of public service. The concern was ignited by a petition from **Laban Omusundi**, Executive Director of the **Grassroots Civilian Oversight Initiative**, who resides in **Nakuru County**.
Omusundi raised a **disturbing issue**: the **excessive branding** of public assets—including projects and vehicles—with the names, images, and campaign slogans of governors and MCAs. This practice, he argues, undermines trust in the system and deceives citizens into believing that these projects are funded by individual politicians rather than the collective resources of taxpayers.
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### **Legal Implications and Historical Context**
Under **Senate Standing Orders**, this petition was rightfully referred to the **Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations**, which must respond within **60 days**. The committee’s report aligns with Omusundi’s concerns, advocating for **urgent legislative interventions** to address this malpractice.
#### **Misleading Citizens**
Omusundi pointed out that this rampant **self-branding** is a form of **political self-promotion** at taxpayers’ expense, equating it to a **misrepresentation of funding sources**. He cited **Article 231(4)** of the Constitution, which prohibits personal portraits on Kenyan currency, suggesting that individual branding should similarly be outlawed from public property.
“Historically, monarchs used portraits to assert divinity. But Kenya is a republic; leaders are servants, not deities,” he stated, urging the Senate to consider amendments to the **County Governments Act, 2012**. He proposes public projects be marked simply: “**Courtesy of the Taxpayers of Kenya**.”
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### **Demand for Accountability**
Despite attempts to engage the **Council of Governors** and the **Attorney General’s Office**, Omusundi reported a lack of official response, which ultimately led him to seek help from the Senate.
#### **Unconstitutional Branding Practices**
The Senate Committee, chaired by **Wajir Senator Sheikh Mohamed**, condemned the practice, labeling it as both **unconstitutional and unethical**. Their report asserts, “**Branding public property with individual names and images is not only unethical but unconstitutional, representing a misuse of public funds.**”
Legal frameworks that have been breached include **Chapter Six** of the Constitution (2010), which mandates service based on integrity and selflessness, alongside **Article 75**, which requires state officers to avoid conflicts of interest. Other relevant laws include the **Public Officer Ethics Act (Cap 183)** and the **Leadership and Integrity Act (Cap 185C)**, all of which bolster the case for ethical public service.
### **Advocating Responsible Use of Public Funds**
The **Public Finance Management Act (2012)** further underscores the principles of **transparency**, **accountability**, and the **prudent use of public funds**—ideals significantly undermined by these branding practices.
Senator Sheikh has urged oversight bodies to act swiftly. He directed the EACC, Auditor-General, and the Controller of Budget to ensure compliance within **30 days** by conducting audits and monitoring public spending used for branding.
“Public officers, including Governors and MCAs, must stop using taxpayer funds for **self-promotion**. They are servants of the people, not **demigods**,” he proclaimed, placing the emphasis squarely on accountability.
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### **Transforming Government Vehicles**
The committee’s recommendations extend beyond mere scrutiny of branding. They advocate that all government vehicles clearly display **official registration numbers** according to the **Traffic Act** and embrace national flag colors, to discourage personal use and promote collective identity.
The implication is clear: public infrastructure should reflect the **collective efforts** of taxpayers, rather than individual political aspirations.
### **Next Steps for Compliance and Integrity**
The EACC is now tasked with submitting a comprehensive report to the Senate within **30 days**, detailing their actions against the personal branding of public assets. Meanwhile, the Auditor-General and the Controller of Budget will conduct special audits to identify any unauthorized expense related to branding.
This decisive Senate action is a response to **growing public outcry** about the misuse of public resources for political gain. It aims to **restore integrity** and **accountability** in public service—a mission vital for the health of Kenya’s democratic framework.
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