Just how much does public safety cost? In light of the recent threats from Al Shabaab extremists and rampant Pirates off the coast of Mombasa, the government has decided to beef up security in the country. The cost of public safety alone has hit the KES 10 billion mark years ago and is still climbing.
The Kenyan government plans to spend an additional KES 78 billion on police reforms over the next two years. Despite isolated attacks across the country, the government has set up regular patrols along areas that are most likely to be targeted by extremists. There are security guards posted on every major building in the city. Metal detectors are literally beeping every minute. Not to mention Magal Security Systems (MAGS), an Israeli firm, that is about to complete a KES 1.7 billion security operation in Mombasa.
This is all well and good but the fact remains that our leaders have to account for where exactly the money goes. Earlier last month teachers in Kenya lost the chance to increase their pay-grade when KES 6.7 billion was diverted to pay for promotions in the Department of Defense. Amid all the chaos in Somalia, it is Kenyan tax-payers who are left to foot the bill. If you’re paying for your own safety, shouldn’t you decide how that money is spent?