WHERE ARE ELECTIONS CAMPAIGN FUNDS ON THE GROUND?

 WHERE ARE ELECTIONS CAMPAIGN FUNDS ON THE GROUND?

The Election Campaign Financing Act, which also sought to ban contributions by foreign governments, was passed in 2013 with a rider that it would take effect in 2017.A Presidential candidate is allowed to spend up to a maximum of KES 5.2 billion ($44.3m), while governors, senators and female representatives get a limit of KES 433 million ($3.69m). By comparison, the monthly minimum wage in Kenya is KES 15,201 ($131).These funds can pay salaries for employees for many months.
Kenya has 47 counties, implying that successful senators will spend a total of 1.8 billion shillings (US$18 million) to win their seats.To successfully run for the Woman Representative seat, an aspirant needs US$240,000 this year 4.8% higher than the US$228,000 that a successful candidate spent five years ago. Kenya’s parliament has 47 such representatives, implying total spending in excess of US$11 million by the successful candidates.An MP will require an average of US$222,000 to win in the August polls, up from $182,000 in 2017. The parliament has 290 elected MPs, implying a collective US$64.4 million (KSh6.4 billion) to fill the seats.The least expensive political seat in Kenya is that of Member of County Assembly, at US$31,000 this year, or a total of US$45 million (KSh4.5bn) for the 1,450 electable seats.
The surprising element, is that despite the Governor's,Senators,MP's,MCA's being allowed to spend the billions in campaign funds, kenyans are poorer and broke despite there being billions being spent.There are​ 16,000​ total number of people contesting these elections.When you multiply all their campaign funds you will notice the amount being spent in the elections? The cost of fuel,food and transport have shot up drastically, whereby campaign funds would have caution Kenyans​ a lot,against high prices.These funds which we have not seen on the ground,should have been used to dig boreholes,pay school fees,add classrooms,pay medication,help the poor buy food,build cheap houses and roads as campaign funds.Look at what the funds are being used for. Politicians are putting up life size billboards as if the electorate will not be given a ballot paper with the candidates photos on them.Some of the billboards cost over 300,000/- which can help a community in buying food or paying school fees.The electorate can see the television,hear the radio and see campaign posters,therefore why put very many huge posters in the same area.ln a nutshell,Kenyans have not seen what the campaign funds have done in the whole country.
Many people especially the young, are attending the campaigns rallies using their time and money,neglecting their jobs,school, making Kenya lose man working hours.There has been a spike in the number of helicopters owned or leased by politicians during election cycles, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
In March,there were 67 registered helicopters, most of which were owned by politicians.​ Data from the​ South African Revenue Service also revealed that Kenya imported 325 helicopters for lease from South Africa in 2020 alone.This is a sign of opulence while poverty is at its highest peak.lt will be a sign of relief when the campaign days end on on 6th August.There is anecdotal evidence that as we edge close to the elections there is increased money supply in the economy leading to high price of commodities.This should be checked by the government.The elections campaign has started experiencing violence,tribalism,harsh words,abuses, and lawlessness which are not healthy or good for the Country.
Let politician make better use of the funds they are allocated for campaign to benefit the people they want to represent.
By
Veronica onjoro
Director Career Organisation
onjoroveronica@yahoo.com

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