Compact fluorescent bulbs are better, but they are not as good as the best solution- LED bulbs. 

Mainly that snake, screwdrivers to remove dead air conditioners, replacing fluorescent lights and that kind of thing. 

@Phillip Rosin I'd do a lot of what you already suggested - paint the cabinets, add new hardware, lose the fluorescent and put in recessed lights, add some molding to the tops of the cabinets.

Just repair the drywall at the fluorescent fixture  and add some electrical wire between each of these recessed lights.

To look at that issue further, you can see the fluorescent light bulb box/package in the kitchen and in several rooms you can see the light fixtures attached to the ceiling with dangling cords.