Education Sector Wins in Sh4tr Budget.
The Kenyan Parliament’s recent approval of a Sh4 trillion budget for the 2024/2025 financial year has unveiled the focal areas of President William Ruto’s administration. In a late-night session, the National Assembly endorsed the revenue budget estimates, paving the way for the Appropriations Bill’s consideration next week.
Out of the Sh4 trillion budget, the Executive branch received a substantial Sh2.39 trillion, marking an increase from the previous year’s Sh2.1 trillion. This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering executive operations. Parliament received Sh44.6 billion, while the Judiciary and Judicial Service Commission were allocated Sh24.64 billion. Additionally, the budget includes Sh1.21 trillion for Consolidated Fund Services and Sh400 billion for equitable distribution among the 47 counties.
Executive Budget Breakdown
- Office of the President: Allocated Sh5.1 billion, up from Sh4.3 billion.
- Deputy President’s Office: Received Sh4.8 billion, increased from Sh3.73 billion.
- State House: Allocated Sh9.5 billion, with an additional Sh275 million for the Cabinet Affairs Office.
- Prime Cabinet Secretary’s Office: Allocated Sh1.1 billion, slightly reduced from Sh1.2 billion in the previous year.
Strategic Goals of the Budget
The budget aims to address several macroeconomic challenges by focusing on:
- Lowering the cost of living
- Creating employment opportunities
- Enhancing food security
- Improving the fiscal space
- Increasing foreign exchange earnings
- Promoting inclusive growth
Sectoral Allocations and Priorities
Education Sector:
The education sector emerged as a top priority, receiving the largest share of Sh654 billion. This includes:
- Teachers Service Commission: Sh351 billion for teacher resource management.
- Free-Day Secondary School Program: Sh63.8 billion.
- Junior Secondary School Capitation: Sh30.6 billion.
- Scholarships and Loans for University and TVET Students: Sh55 billion.
Energy, Infrastructure, and ICT:
A combined allocation of Sh462.8 billion was made for these sectors, including:
- Roads: Sh178 billion.
- Transport: Sh42 billion.
- Energy and Electrification: Sh64.2 billion.
- Rural Electrification: Sh18 billion, with Sh14.5 billion distributed equally among constituencies for new transformer installations and maximizing existing ones.
Health Sector:
The health sector received Sh126.8 billion, highlighting the administration’s focus on improving healthcare:
- Community Health Promoters: Sh2.5 billion.
- Medical Interns: Sh3.7 billion, addressing the absorption of interns post-strike.
- Linda Mama Program: Sh3.7 billion.
- Primary Health Care Fund and Emergency and Critical Illness Fund: Allocations included.
Agriculture and Rural Development:
This sector was allocated Sh79.8 billion to enhance food security and reduce living costs. Key allocations include:
- Fertilizer Programs: Sh10 billion.
- Value Chains (Cotton, Leather, Dairy, Edible Oils): Sh12 billion.
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Additional Allocations
Parliamentary Staff and MP Constituency Funds:
Parliamentary staff will benefit from a 10% salary increase, marking the first review since 2016. Additionally, the National Government Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF) were increased from Sh40 billion to Sh62.9 billion, enhancing bursary allocations for Kenyan parents.
Anti-Corruption Efforts:
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) received Sh4 billion, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was allocated Sh6.3 billion, reinforcing the fight against graft.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC):
Allocated Sh3.7 billion, with Sh2.7 billion earmarked for settling pending legal fees.
Treasury and Parliamentary Affairs:
The National Treasury received an additional Sh2 billion, and the State Department of Parliamentary Affairs was allocated Sh458.2 million.
Education Sector Detailed Breakdown:
- Primary Education: Sh29.9 billion.
- Secondary Education: Sh103.3 billion.
- State Department for Technical, Vocational Education: Sh30.69 billion.
- State Department for Higher Education and Research: Sh127.99 billion.
- State Department for Basic Education: Sh142.26 billion.
- Teachers Service Commission: Sh358.23 billion for management and governance.
Health Sector Continued Focus:
The health sector’s Sh131.02 billion allocation emphasizes upgrading facilities, procuring supplies, advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and enhancing reproductive and maternal health services. This budget reflects a slight increase from the previous year’s Sh122.6 billion, aligning with post-COVID-19 recovery efforts and ongoing healthcare improvements.
In conclusion, Kenya’s Sh4 trillion budget for 2024/2025 highlights President William Ruto’s administration’s strategic priorities. By focusing on education, health, infrastructure, and rural electrification, the budget aims to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and promote inclusive development. As the nation awaits the Appropriations Bill and subsequent budget address by Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u, these allocations set the stage for significant national advancements in the coming fiscal year.
Education Sector Wins in Sh4tr Budget.
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