The National Assembly will resume its sittings on Tuesday afternoon after a month-long recess.
Even as lawmakers were on a break, Parliamentary committees continued with scheduled business under their consideration.
During the period, MPs considered the Budget Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the 2023/2024 Financial Year.
Members of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning were also busy as they conducted public hearings on the Finance Bill, 2023 during recess.
The Finance Bill 2023 now heads to Parliament for Second Reading, following the conclusion of the public participation session
Citizens called for either the repealing or amendment of the Bill-which outlines President William Ruto’s taxation plans- citing tough economic times.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee chaired by Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) met with National Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u who shed light on Financial Year 2023/24 Budget Estimates.
Budget Estimates for the 2023/2024 Financial Year, which will be tabled in the House next week, have put Ruto’s expenditure plans at Sh3.599 trillion.
“The figures are indicative since there may be some variation though minimal with what will be read,” Nyoro said.
During the meeting with Ndung’u, members tasked the CS to explain the Government's plans to meet the debt obligations in FY 2023/24 including the repayment of the Eurobond.
The government is projecting to spend Sh475 billion to service debt in the next financial year, the committee learnt.
This will be an increment from Sh242.1 billion used for the same in the 2022-23 financial year.
Ndung’u told the committee a Eurobond worth US$2 billion (approximately Sh241.8 billion) will be maturing on June 24, 2024.
In addition, the committee sought to understand the specific strategies that will be used to revamp exports.
Upon resumption, the House is expected to consider the Finance Bill (2023) which provides for the ways and means of financing the 2023/2024 Budget.
The House is also expected to consider the committee reports on the suitability of the National Intelligence Service Director General nominee Noordin Haji and Central Bank Governor nominee Kamau Thugge.
The reports will be tabled by the chairperson Departmental Committee on Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Nelson Koech (Belgut) and the chairperson Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning Kimani Kuria (Molo) respectively.
In addition, the National Assembly will consider a report by the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on the suitability of Isaac Ruto and Caroline Nzilani who were nominated by the President to the 11-member Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
House will also debate the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes (Amendment) Bill (2023) which seeks to repeal certain provisions of the Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Act (2003).
The Act governs the investigation, prosecution, and punishment of corruption and economic crimes.
Leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung’wah is expected to notify Members of the Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the Plenary and the questions they will respond to.
