• Majority have urged the government to prioritize basic commodities.
• Maundu said the budget should balance the budgetary allocation so that the price for basic commodities are lowered.
Image: FREDERICK OMONDI
Kenyans have urged the government to prioritize essential goods in the 2022/2023 budget.
In an interview with the star on Thursday, Joseph Maundu said that he acknowledged that the government has priorities like sectors like health which has been allocated Sh121.1 billion, defence (Sh29.4 billion) and education (Sh202.8 billion).
He said the budget should balance the budgetary allocation so that the price of basic commodities is lowered.
"Some people are suffering from lack of sufficient water and food. The government ought to provide water and food to such people, especially those in dry regions," Maundu said.
Further, he said it was good that the government has made efforts in ensuring that the defence gets Sh29.4 billion as that security is paramount.
"Let the government also ensure that there is medicine and other essentials in hospitals," Maundu added.
Richard, a resident of Kajiado county and an aspirant for a Member of County Assembly seat, said the government should consider the pastoralist communities.
He urged the government to ensure that the funds allocated should consider the youth since most of them are unemployed.
Livingstone Kakai said the government should consider the private sectors like security, agriculture and hospitality.
"The government ought to look into matters agriculture by ensuring that there are sufficient fertilizers and at an affordable price," he said.
Kakai said that defence should not be prioritized, according to him, it is not crucial.
Further, he said that youths had been left behind ad the government ought to focus on creating job opportunities.
"Most people are employed on a contract basis which comes with a lot of uncertainties," Kakai said.
He said that it is currently impossible to sustain himself as a youth.
Moden Owi said he was disappointed with the current situation as prices for commodities have hiked.
He said he did not have any expectations on the budgetary allocation since he feels that life has been the same, especially for jua kali people like himself.
"We from the jua kali industry and the sector has not seen any change. Maybe the rich people have, but for us, we are suffering. You have to work so hard to earn a living," Owi, a cab driver, said.
He complained about the fuel shortage and the rising prices.
The Budget will be announced today at 3 pm by the Treasury CS Ukur Yatani.
The 2021/22 budget theme was ‘Building Back Better: Strategy for Resilient and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth.’
CS Yatani had implemented ways to help grow the economic activities and mitigate the adverse impact of the pandemic on Kenyans and their businesses.
They included the creation of over 100,000 job opportunities for the youth under the “Kazi Mtaani” initiative, recruiting 5,000 diploma and certificate level healthcare workers.