Dr. Chris Kiptoo’s Opening Remarks: A Deeper Dive
On December 13th, 2023, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary/National Treasury, addressed the Public Sector Hearings for the FY 2024/25 and Medium Term Sector Budget Proposals. His opening remarks offered a comprehensive overview of the budget development process, implementation challenges, and future plans.
Budget Development:
Dr. Kiptoo lauded the Sector Working Groups for crafting the initial budget proposals, highlighting their critical role in ensuring the budget reflects national priorities. He emphasized the importance of the Public Sector Hearings as a platform for stakeholders to validate and provide feedback on these proposals, ensuring transparency and citizen participation in shaping the final budget.
Budget Implementation:
Dr. Kiptoo acknowledged the challenges faced during FY 2023/24 implementation, including revenue shortfalls, currency devaluation, and rising debt service costs. He outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to address these issues and mitigate the impact of recent El Nino rains. This includes ensuring efficient resource allocation, prioritizing critical infrastructure restoration, and providing humanitarian aid.
Addressing Legacy Issues:
Dr. Kiptoo addressed two significant legacy issues: pending bills and stalled projects. He acknowledged the substantial burden of pending bills, estimated at 640 billion shillings, and highlighted the crucial role of the newly established Pending Bills Verification Committee in verifying and resolving these outstanding liabilities. Additionally, he addressed the issue of stalled projects, exceeding 1.3 trillion shillings in value, and emphasized the government’s commitment to identifying solutions and facilitating their completion.
Emphasis on Public Participation:
Dr. Kiptoo underscored the importance of public participation in the budget process. He acknowledged the valuable insights gained from the Country-Wide Public Participation held earlier in the year and encouraged stakeholders to actively engage in the ongoing Public Sector Hearings. This open communication and collaboration are essential for ensuring the final budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the Kenyan people.
Looking Ahead:
Dr. Kiptoo concluded by expressing confidence in the government’s ability to overcome budget challenges and achieve its fiscal goals. He emphasized the government’s commitment to efficient resource allocation, transparency, and accountability. By collaborating with stakeholders and addressing legacy issues, Dr. Kiptoo expressed his belief that the government can effectively deliver on its promises to the Kenyan people and create a more prosperous future for all.
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