Makali Mulu Calls for Stronger Debt Controls as Okoa Uchumi Releases New Audit Report
By Peace Muthoka
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu issued a bold call for stronger debt controls as he addressed the Okoa Uchumi Audit Report Launch. He said Kenya must fix gaps in public finance laws to stop rising debt risks that threaten future generations.
Mulu said he attended the event because he values open conversations on public debt and economic governance. He also represented his party leader, who could not attend. He promised to share the full report with him and provide a detailed briefing.
He said Parliament has studied public debt for years and understands the depth of the crisis. He praised the country’s legal framework but said Kenya still fails to apply it well. He warned that many economic challenges have political roots and urged leaders to take responsibility.
Mulu said Parliament approves a single lump-sum deficit every year, a system that allows government to borrow without clear scrutiny. He urged MPs to approve borrowing based on clear thresholds. He said any loan above one billion shillings should require specific parliamentary approval so that lawmakers can question the purpose and value of each loan.
He also supported project-linked borrowing, saying Kenya should borrow only for specific, well-defined projects with clear monitoring frameworks. He said this would help the public track results and reduce waste.
Mulu warned that Parliament cannot enforce accountability when it is captured by the Executive. He said this capture has weakened democratic checks and created frustration among leaders who want transparency. He added that minority voices struggle to influence key decisions even when they raise valid concerns.
He called for an independent Public Debt Management Office that does not sit under the National Treasury. He said the current office lacks the power to challenge questionable borrowing decisions. An independent office, he said, would allow technical experts to approve or reject loans based on economic merit.
Mulu raised concern about rising contingent liabilities. He said many state corporations have collapsed financially and are unable to pay loans, forcing the government to absorb their debt. He questioned why the government appears willing to take over Kenya Airways’ debt even as the airline reports profits. He said Kenyans deserve clear answers.
He called for full disclosure of Kenya’s public debt data. He said secrecy around borrowing denies citizens the right to understand how much debt the country carries, who borrowed it, and how it will be repaid. He warned that young people will suffer most if current borrowing continues without discipline.
Mulu admitted that Parliament has not met expectations, especially in protecting small traders who struggle under harsh economic conditions. He said MPs must work harder to defend public interest and push for reforms that restore trust in public finance management.
He ended by urging greater transparency, stronger oversight, and responsible borrowing so that Kenya protects both the present and future generations from unsustainable debt.
