“Government is Present Through Regulators” — Kindiki Calls for Stronger Accountability in Agencies
News Updated: 06 May 2026 21:31 EAT
Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki speaking during the The 3rd Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies Conference, South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) Main Campus, Kwa Vonza, Kitui County
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has called for a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred regulatory system, saying regulators must directly translate government policy into tangible benefits for Kenyans.
Speaking during the 3rd Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies Conference at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kwa Vonza, Kitui County, Kindiki expressed appreciation to the institution for hosting the forum.
“Let me start by thanking this great institution, SEKU, for hosting this very important forum,” he said, noting his personal attachment to academic environments.
He reflected on his background in academia, saying, “I am very emotional whenever I have the occasion to visit an academic institution because I spent quite a big chunk of my working life early on in this kind of a setting.”
He humorously added that he often wonders how he left academia, saying, “Sometimes I wonder how I ended up leaving a wonderful place like this one.”
The Deputy President acknowledged the presence of senior government officials, including the Head of Public Service, Principal Secretaries, regulators, university leadership, and other dignitaries.
He officially stated that he was pleased to attend the conference, noting its importance in strengthening Kenya’s regulatory framework.
Kindiki praised the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service for coordinating structured engagements with regulators.
“I commend the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service for steering the continuous structured engagements with regulators,” he said.
He specifically thanked Felix Koskei for fostering alignment with national priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“Thank you very much, Felix, for fostering candid reflections, strengthened and sharpened alignment with our national priorities,” he added.
Kindiki said the government continues to receive consistent demands from citizens across the country regarding service delivery and fairness.
He gave examples, stating that in Kisumu, citizens demand clean and pollution-free water for fishing and trade activities.
In Eldoret, he noted, farmers and transporters are calling for affordable and predictable fuel prices.
He said in Mombasa, businesses are demanding fair standards and equal competition in markets.
In the northern regions such as Garissa and Turkana, he said citizens are seeking safe access to water and environmental protection.
In Nairobi, he noted, residents expect safe buildings, reliable services, and orderly urban systems.
He added that even in Kitui, similar expectations for a responsive regulatory system are clearly visible.
“The message is clear and consistent: Kenyans want a government that delivers,” he said.
Kindiki emphasized that regulators represent the most direct face of government to citizens.
“In many respects, the government that citizens encounter is you, the regulators,” he stated.
He explained that regulatory agencies exercise statutory powers to license, set standards, enforce compliance, and inspect operations.
He noted that they also approve activities and take corrective actions that shape markets and protect livelihoods.
The Deputy President said Kenya has 127 regulatory authorities and agencies spread across different sectors of the economy.
He emphasized that millions of daily interactions between citizens and government occur through these institutions.
“Government is present wherever rules are set, standards enforced, safety assured, and fairness is upheld,” he said.
Kindiki warned that weak or inconsistent regulation undermines public trust in government.
“When regulatory action is weak, inconsistent, or compromised, government itself appears weak,” he said.
He added that opaque or unfair processes lead to perceptions of injustice.
“When regulatory processes are opaque or unfair, government is perceived as unjust,” he noted.
However, he said firm and predictable regulation strengthens trust and legitimacy.
“But when regulation is firm, fair, and predictable, government earns trust, credibility, and legitimacy,” he stated.
He warned that regulatory failures often have direct and visible consequences for citizens.
“When buildings collapse, when water bodies are polluted, or when businesses shut down due to multiple taxation, these reflect a breakdown,” he said.
Kindiki cited Article 232 of the Constitution, which outlines principles of public service including responsiveness, accountability, transparency, and efficiency.
He said regulators must embody these constitutional values in their daily operations.
The Deputy President emphasized that the conference theme calls for measuring real impact rather than just reporting activities.
“This demands a decisive shift from reporting activities to delivering results; from process to outcomes; and from intention to measurable impact,” he said.
He urged regulators to demonstrate through evidence that their work reduces risks and improves compliance.
He said agencies must show that regulation enhances markets, lowers business costs, and improves quality of life.
Kindiki also warned against duplication and inefficiency caused by overlapping mandates among regulators.
He called for coordination that produces clarity, efficiency, and stronger institutional performance.
He urged a culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous performance monitoring.
He said success should not be measured by the number of regulations or inspections conducted.
“Ultimately, our success will not be measured by the number of regulations issued or inspections conducted,” he said.
Instead, he said success must be measured by safer products, fair markets, reduced costs, and public trust.
He concluded by officially declaring the conference open.
“I think I can stop there and declare the Third Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies Conference officially open,” he said.
He explained that he wanted to listen to presentations and learn from the forum.
“I want to maximize this rare occasion,” he added.
Kindiki also acknowledged former colleagues in academia, including Prof. Makau Mutua, who was present at the event.
He jokingly praised Makau Mutua, saying, “In five minutes he can write a book.”
He concluded by conveying greetings from President William Ruto.
“I bring you greetings and good wishes from our leader, President William Samoei Ruto,” he said.
The event ended with applause for the Deputy President as the conference officially commenced.
Tags: Article Edit Government Of Kenya Kindiki Kithure Kithure Kindiki Kitui County News Article Political Parties Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya Goverment Of Kenya KBB KBB Kumi Bila Break National Government Tutam Two Term
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD