President William Ruto’s third supplementary budget has shed light on the current government’s priorities.
The increasing frequency of these supplementary budgets has raised concerns within the legislative branch, prompting members of Parliament to advocate for more rigorous regulations.
The most recent supplementary budget reveals a KES 187.3 billion increase, bringing the national government’s total spending to Kshs 3.9 trillion. A significant portion of this augmentation is allocated to servicing interest on external debts. This shift underscores the challenges arising from the weakening shilling, which has placed significant pressure on the country’s fiscal responsibilities.
Additionally, this budget prioritizes the education, internal security, agriculture, and tourism sectors. The reallocation of funds from sectors such as road transport, housing, and the Hustler fund signifies a recalibration of the government’s priorities. While infrastructure and housing have historically been central agendas for previous administrations, Ruto’s decision to reduce allocations to these areas in favor of others appears to be a tactical response to immediate concerns.
These concerns include the economic challenges, the aftermath of a global pandemic, and increasing security breaches, particularly in West Pokot and Baringo regions.
The concerns of the Parliamentary Budget Committee regarding the recurrent nature of these supplementary budgets cannot be underestimated. With three such budgets in just over a year, the frequency is unprecedented.
Article 223 of the Kenyan constitution allows for these supplementary budgets, but the committee retains the authority to propose amendments to safeguard public funds from potential misuse. These concerns underscore the delicate balance between budgetary flexibility in a dynamic economy and the imperative of transparency and accountability.
As Kenya navigates its fiscal landscape under the Ruto administration, the unveiling of supplementary budgets offers insights into the evolving priorities of the government. However, the frequent adjustments emphasize the importance of preventing their misuse.
The tension between the executive’s need for flexibility and the legislative branch’s push for accountability will be a significant narrative to monitor in the coming months.
