Budget and Appropriations Committee Apprised on National Government’s Budget Implementation
This represents a 19% absorption rate, a slight improvement over the 18% (Kshs. 784.19 billion) recorded during the same period in the 2023/24 fiscal year.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), held an important meeting with the Deputy Controller of Budget (DCoB), Mr. Stephen Masha, to discuss the national government's budget implementation for the first quarter of the Financial Year 2024/25. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), held an important meeting with the Deputy Controller of Budget (DCoB), Mr. Stephen Masha, to discuss the national government’s budget implementation for the first quarter of the Financial Year 2024/25.
During the session, Mr. Masha provided an overview of the national government’s performance, revealing that the total expenditure for the first three months of the financial year amounted to Kshs. 823.50 billion.
This represents a 19% absorption rate, a slight improvement over the 18% (Kshs. 784.19 billion) recorded during the same period in the 2023/24 fiscal year.
The expenditure breakdown included Kshs. 106.39 billion allocated to Ministerial development, Kshs. 358.50 billion for recurrent expenditure, and Kshs. 358.61 billion for Consolidated Fund Services.
Mr. Masha also reported the national government’s pending bills as of September 30, 2024, which stood at Kshs. 528.36 billion.
This represents an increase from the Kshs. 516.27 billion reported on June 30, 2024, but a decrease from the Kshs. 794.18 billion recorded on September 30, 2023.
The pending bills were largely attributed to State Corporations/State-owned Enterprises and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), accounting for Kshs. 410.69 billion (78%), while Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) contributed Kshs. 117.67 billion (22%).
The Committee members expressed their appreciation for the Controller of Budget’s thorough execution of its mandate.
Hon. Nyoro sought the DCoB’s perspective on the overall implementation of this year’s budget, asking for a comparative view based on years of experience.
Mr. Masha noted that both national revenue and budget absorption were on an upward trajectory in comparison to previous years.
However, he highlighted challenges due to some supplementary budget allocations being zeroed out, which could potentially hinder ongoing projects.
The session also turned to the issue of county governments issuing bursaries, with Hon. Babu Owino (Embakasi East) asking Mr. Masha to weigh in on a recent court ruling.
The ruling suspended a deal allowing county governments to continue issuing bursaries, with the Court asserting that bursaries fall under the national government’s purview.
Hon. Owino sought clarification on the Controller of Budget’s stance on the matter, given the constitutional context.
In response, Mr. Masha assured the committee that his office would abide by the court’s ruling.
“The bursary function is clearly outlined in Schedule 4 of the Constitution, and as an office, we will ensure compliance with the court’s decision,” he stated.
The discussion underscored the continued efforts to ensure fiscal accountability and proper governance in the budget execution process.
About Author
