Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi has come out in strong defense of government borrowing, stating that it is a necessary tool for national development.
He noted debt is part and parcel of the economy and that all other developed countries are surviving because of debt.
“Even in our households, debt plays a big role, so as an economy we are going to borrow so that we can do development projects,” he said.
This, as he assured the public that the borrowed money would be managed responsibly to fund key infrastructure and service delivery initiatives.
Atandi who is the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee chairperson, however, noted that the borrowing shall be prudent ensuring the country’s debt remains within sustainable limits.
Speaking in Nairobi, Atandi stated that as they borrow they will strive to maintain the fiscal deficit below five percent of the GDP.
“As we prepare the budget we are looking at all the economic fundamentals to determine whether the country is on the right path or wrong path,” he said.
He also criticised a section of leaders especially those in the ODM party for blaming President William Ruto for the challenges facing the country.
Atandi said since they are part of the government, there was need for all leaders to work together to address these challenges.
"As a country, we are on the right path, the era of blaming all problems on the president is long gone. We are in it all of us, we are participating in budget making process and governance. So don't blame the president alone, blame everybody,” he said.
While particularly lashing out at ODM senator Edwin Sifuna over his constant attacks, the legislator urged him to take responsibility beyond criticism.
"Ruto is not the one writing budget, Ruto is not the minister for Treasury, he is not the minister of Health...so I want to urge all Kenyans including some of the members of my party who have taken the advantage of putting blame or empty criticism on the president as a way of politics that the country now belongs to all of us," he said.
