Treasury CS Rotich, MPs differ on budget process

Parliament on Thursday clashed with Treasury over the role of members of the public in the country’s budget making process.

Whereas Parliament proposes public participation be held in October, Treasury opposes the move maintaining that the current schedule works well to incorporate all that is needed in developing the budget.

Appearing before the Committee on Implementation, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich was at pains to explain why the public hearings on national budget should be held in December, as opposed to October and November, dates suggested by Budget Committee.

“The law has clarified the process and therefore there is no need to change it. October is too early in the year…,” said CS Rotich.

“We do that because we follow a calendar already in the law…,”

“Concern was not all Kenyans participate, why you want this to go on… Are you saying as it is now, things cannot be implemented?” queried MPs.

“But we are saying right now there is sufficient time. October will be…too early in the year and there will be no reports by then…,” said CS Rotich.

The budget making process in Kenya begins in August, where Treasury releases budget review and outlook papers by end of September.

The two are then tabled before Parliament in October.

In February, Budget policy statement is approved by Parliament and by April 30th, the national budget proposal is submitted to parliament.

In May, this is when Treasury holds public hearings on budget estimates.

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parliament budget National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich

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