Parliament’s scrutiny of overlapping mandates between the NCIC and the Directorate of Cohesion and Values exposes a long-standing governance problem: duplication of roles that strains public resources while weakening service delivery.
Members of the National Assembly have raised concern that the two institutions carry out similar cohesion and peace-building functions, leading to unnecessary public spending at a time of fiscal pressure.
When agencies duplicate work, the result is higher costs, fragmented programmes and reduced efficiency.
This is not just an administrative issue but a service delivery problem. Resources are spread across parallel structures instead of strengthening essential sectors such as health, education and security.
Every shilling spent on duplication is a shilling lost to public needs.
While the Executive insists the mandates are clearly defined under existing legal frameworks, lawmakers argue that efficiency must matter more than structure.
Citizens judge government by results, not by institutional design.
The debate is therefore about whether both institutions are necessary or whether their functions should be merged into one streamlined body to cut costs and improve coordination.
Kenya’s public sector has expanded over time, often creating overlapping agencies in response to past challenges.
But past needs cannot justify present inefficiency. Government must constantly review its structure to remain lean and effective.
If national cohesion is a priority, it must be delivered through simplified systems, clear accountability and measurable impact.
Streamlining duplication is essential for better service delivery and responsible use of public funds.
Quote of the Day: "Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." —American industrialist and founder of Standard Oil John D. Rockefeller died on May 23, 1937
