A request by the State Department for Culture, Arts, and Heritage for Kshs. 150 million to relocate staff at Bomas of Kenya, in preparation for a facelift of the facility, has been rejected by the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture.
During the presentation of the 2025 Budget Policy Statement, Principal Secretary Ms. Ummi Bashir explained that the funds were needed to move staff to temporary offices while the reconstruction of Bomas of Kenya, funded by a donor, takes place. She requested the Committee’s support in securing the Kshs. 150 million for the relocation process.
However, the Committee, chaired by Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), found the request concerning. Hon. Wanyama questioned the allocation, suggesting that the amount was excessive and that there had been no clear breakdown of the costs. He also raised concerns about potential misuse of public funds, asking, "What is the breakdown of the relocation exercise?"
Other Committee members, including Suba South MP Hon. Caroli Omondi, suggested that the construction company tasked with the facelift should cover the cost of relocating the staff. "Whoever won the tender for reconstructing Bomas of Kenya should undertake relocation of staff at their expense," he remarked.
The Department had requested Kshs. 5.98 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year, but the allocated amount was only Kshs. 3.54 billion, with Kshs. 90 million set aside for development. This allocation led to further criticism from Committee members, including Hon. Mary Emaase, who questioned the Department’s priorities, particularly with such a small portion of the budget directed toward development. “Why allocate Kshs. 90 million out of more than Kshs. 300 million for development?” she asked.
Ms. Bashir also revealed that the Department had requested Kshs. 50 million from the Treasury for the establishment of a Heroes Fund to honor national heroes, such as the late broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela. However, the request was denied.
In related matters, PS Peter Tum of the State Department for Sports informed the Committee that his Department’s budget had been increased from Kshs. 1.46 billion to Kshs. 1.58 billion, with additional allocations for the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya and the Kenya Academy of Sports. Meanwhile, PS Ismail Madey of the State Department of Youth and Creative Economy shared that the Film Services Programme had been allocated Kshs. 738.7 million for the financial year 2025/26.
The Committee’s rejection of the Kshs. 150 million request raises questions about the management and priorities within the State Department for Culture, Arts, and Heritage. Further deliberations and clarifications are expected as the budget process continues.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.