State seeks authority to withdraw Sh19b from fund

By ALLAN KISIA

Kenya: The Government is seeking the authority of Parliament to withdraw Sh19 billion from the Consolidated Fund to cover unforeseen expenses.

Leader of Majority Adan Duale said the money is needed to curb rising insecurity, completion of the Economic Stimulus Programme markets, flood mitigation and expenses incurred during assumption of office programme among others.

He said security operations both at home and in neighbouring countries require Sh5.2 billion, subsidised fertiliser Sh2.7 billion, Sh0.95 billion for the by-election in Makueni and three others in Homa Bay, Kajiado and Murang’a.

He added that Sh0.65 billion is needed for the stalled ESP projects, Sh0.6 billion for free maternal healthcare and Sh0.15 for relief activities in flood-hit areas.

“The Government considered several options of raising funds. Taxing Kenyans more will not help,” he added.He said the options include deferring of expenditure of some projects, re-allocation of the Budget and additional borrowing.

Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito, while seconding the Motion, said weak global economy also affected tax collection.

“We are seeking authority of the House to allow the Executive to look for ways of meeting unexpected expenditure,” he stated.

Duale said the global economy has remained weak and that Kenya went through a period of uncertainty during the electioneering period.

“There was a huge fall in revenue targets and expenditures are persistent,” he added.

House Speaker Justin Muturi referred the matter to the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which will come up with a report on Tuesday.

The Constitution established the Consolidated Fund into which shall be paid all money raised or received by or on behalf of the national government, except money that is reasonably excluded from the Fund by an Act of Parliament and payable into another public fund established for a specific purpose.

Money may be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund by an Act of Parliament.