MPs are urging for comprehensive public participation in the Finance Bill, separate from other bills introduced by the Executive. Assurances have been made by the majority side that the process will be transparent and inclusive, with all opinions taken into account.
Ndindi Nyoro, the Chair of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, announced that the engagement with Kenyans on the budget will commence next week, led by his committee and the Finance and Planning Committee. The Finance Bill was presented in the National Assembly by Kimani Kuria, Chairman of the Finance and National Planning Committee.
Kuria emphasized that public input will be carefully considered, refuting claims that the committee disregarded stakeholder and public feedback from last year’s Finance bill.
“We are putting an advertisement in the print media tomorrow (today) inviting members of the public to present their views to the committee starting next week,” said Kuria.
Kuria refuted claims that the committee ignored all the input provided by Kenyans last year, stating that they took into account at least 175 proposals presented during the public hearings.
“The committee carried many proposals like the one of affordable housing which the bill had proposed 3 percent tax but it was brought down to 1.5 percent following a proposal by many of those who appeared before us,” said the Molo MP.
Junet Mohammed, the minority whip, advocated for widespread public participation as opposed to what happened the previous year, when Kenyans’ opinions were all disregarded and the Finance Act was passed in accordance with the executive’s objectives.
“This time round we will be keen to see how the Finance Committee will treat people’s views. We don’t want a cosmetic process where Kenyans are called to rubber stamp the executive agenda,” warned Junet.
Speaking at a fundraiser in Narok Town at the PCEA Church, Nyoro, and allayed fears on the 2024-2025 budget estimates saying whatever was published were only proposals subject to changes.
“The Finance Bill is the proposal from the National Treasury; when the proposal is brought to Parliament that is when the process begins,” said Nyoro.
Nyoro said the National Treasury has proposed a budget of Sh3.913 trillion for the 2024/25 financial year.
“As from next week, we will as the committee traverse in different counties engaging the public on the budget making process and we shall consider all the views presented,” added Nyoro.
He added, “I want to assure you that the views you will give will be considered before the bill is passed into law.”
Nyoro added that Kenya is a democratic country, and that is why Kenyans are in the forefront in the budget making process through public participation.
