Senate devolution committee members:-Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli(R) is a member of the committee.
Nairobi,Kenya.
By I.P. reporter.
The Senate Devolution Committee is currently reviewing a petition filed by civil rights activist Laban Omusundi, which seeks to curb the use of governors’ and MCAs’ names and images on public-funded projects and vehicles.
The petition proposes an amendment to the County Government Act of 2012, advocating for standardized labeling that attributes all public projects to the “Taxpayers of Kenya.”
Phillip Wanyonyi Wekesa, Director of the Center for Human Rights Watch, has backed the petition, arguing that branding public projects with leaders’ names and images misrepresents the role of taxpayers in financing such initiatives.
Speaking to I.P. today Wekesa emphasized that public resources should not be used for personal glorification but should reflect collective responsibility and accountability.
“This is a misuse of public funds and a blatant form of self-promotion. It sends the wrong message to the public by suggesting that these projects are gifts from individuals rather than investments by taxpayers,” Wekesa remarked.
Wekesa also highlighted that the practice is not unique to Kenya, pointing out similar trends in neighboring African countries such as Uganda and Tanzania, where public infrastructure is frequently emblazoned with images and names of politicians.
However, he noted that other jurisdictions, like Nigeria, are increasingly addressing the issue through public advocacy and proposed legislative reforms.
In countries like the United States and India, Wekesa explained, public projects are typically branded with neutral government or institutional logos.
This approach ensures that the focus remains on the service delivered rather than the individual leaders in office, thereby promoting continuity and transparency in governance.
When asked how governors and MCAs could maintain their legacy without personal branding, Wekesa suggested that leaders focus on leaving tangible, impactful achievements.
“Their work should speak for itself through comprehensive public records, state recognition, and the visible benefits felt by communities,” he said.
The petition has sparked widespread debate on the ethical use of public resources, with the Senate committee expected to deliberate further.
If adopted, the proposed amendment could redefine public accountability and governance practices in Kenya, setting a potential benchmark for other countries in the region.
Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli is a member of the devolution committee deliberating on the matter.
Ends.
