259 300
Under the leadership of Chairperson Hon. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), the Budget and Appropriations Committee convened to establish the framework for public hearings on the priorities for the Financial Year 2024/25. The hearings, scheduled from May 15 to May 18, 2024, aim to engage citizens directly in shaping government policies and interventions, particularly regarding the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) priorities.
Key highlights from the meeting reveal a notable increase in allocation for public participation priority projects, with Kshs. 2.5 billion earmarked for FY 2024/25, representing a Kshs. 500 million increment from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the Committee plans to extend its reach, intending to visit 20 counties, up from 16, to ensure broader coverage and inclusivity.
The upcoming public hearings are poised to address crucial sectors such as agriculture, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), affordable housing, digital and creative economy, as well as social services. These forums serve as platforms for citizens to provide valuable feedback on government initiatives, ensuring that policies resonate with the needs and aspirations of the people.
Emphasizing the constitutional mandate for public participation in budgetary processes, Hon. Nyoro highlighted the significance of citizen engagement in shaping expenditure and revenue priorities. However, concerns were raised regarding delays in exchequer releases, hindering the timely implementation of approved projects.
Hon. Nyoro acknowledged the challenges, noting that while there have been consistent fund releases since February, delays primarily affected road development projects due to escalating costs. As a resolution, the Committee proposed a proactive approach, suggesting that unutilized exchequer funds be re-budgeted in subsequent fiscal years to mitigate delays and ensure efficient resource allocation.
In the coming days, the Committee anticipates receiving submissions from Departmental Committees on annual estimates for FY 2024/25, as well as Supplementary Estimates No. 2 for FY 2023/24. These submissions will undergo scrutiny and be tabled in the House, reflecting the collaborative efforts of parliamentary committees in driving fiscal accountability and transparency.
As Kenya navigates its economic trajectory, the commitment to robust public participation mechanisms underscores a collective endeavor towards inclusive and equitable development, anchored in the aspirations of its citizens