Institutions, the private sector, NGOs
and individuals have until December
30 to submit proposals for consideration
in the 2017-18 financial year
budgetary allocation.
The National Treasury has unveiled
a draft budget policy statement for the
2017-18 financial year for public scrutiny,
before it is tabled before Cabinet
for approval.
It has given priority to agriculture,
energy, infrastructure, ICT, health and
education, among other sectors.
Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich
plans to spend Sh2.275 trillion ( 27.5
per cent of gross domestic product)
in 2017-18 financial year commencing July 1. The budget is an 11.1 per
cent increase from this financial year’s
Sh2.048 trillion that ends on June 30
next year.
“The proposal should take into account
measures that will spur and or
sustain economic growth, strengthen
devolution, create wealth and employment
opportunities, and reduce poverty
in line with Vision 2030,” Treasury
PS Kamau Thugge said in a notice
yesterday.
He said the proposals should outline
ways to create a conducive business
environment, how to attract investments
in agriculture, modernise
seaports, airports, rail, road and oil
sectors.
The proposals should also provide
guidelines to reform tax systems and
streamline revenue administration.
“The submissions should be specific,
supported with a brief statement of
the issue to be addressed and the rationale
for the proposal,” Thugge said.
Article 201 (a) of the constitution
provides for openness, accountability
and public participation in the country’s
financial matters.
In its draft budget policy statement
for the 2017-18 financial year, the
National Treasury has allocated agriculture
rural and urban development
Sh46.6 billion, a slight increase from
the current Sh46.5 billion.
Energy, infrastructure and ICT budget
has been cut to Sh509.4 billion
from Sh529.2 billion.
The education
sector will receive Sh371.8 billion up
from Sh339.9 billion.
Health budget has been increased
to Sh60.9 billion from Sh60.2 billion.
Counties will get Sh307.9 billion up
from Sh284.8 billion.
