Budget 2024: Ndung'u observes tradition and pageantry in march to Parliament

Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u leaves for Parliament to present 2024/2025 budget estimates. [Samson Wire, Standard]

The reading of the 2024/2025 budget statement commenced today at the Treasury building, adhering to long-standing traditions, including a series of photo opportunities and a deliberate procession to the Parliament building.

At precisely 2:08 PM, Cabinet Secretary Ndung’u exited the Treasury, the national emblem-adorned briefcase in hand, signalling the prelude to the budget’s presentation. 

Treasury Permanent Secretary Chris Kiptoo, Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge, and Kenya Revenue Authority officials were present for the occasion.

Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u (center) poses with other officials ahead of budget unveiling. [Samson Wire, Standard]

The setting was meticulously prepared, adorned with the national flag’s colours. The event’s decorum was briefly disrupted when security personnel removed an individual attempting to stage a protest by accessing the platform.

An unidentified man temporarily disrupts CS Njuguna Ndung'u photo session outside National Treasury. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Cabinet Secretary Ndung’u, holding the briefcase aloft, proceeded to a Volkswagen Passat for the journey to Parliament. 

The typically brief trip was extended to ten minutes, in step with the security detail’s measured pace.

Upon reaching Parliament at 2:25 PM, a welcoming committee, including National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge and other parliamentary leaders, greeted the Cabinet Secretary.

This was followed by another round of photographs before the Cabinet Secretary entered the chamber to deliver the Kenya Kwanza administration’s second budget.

Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u arrives at Parliament Building to read the 2024 Budget on June 13, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]