In a strategic move poised to reshape Kenya’s economic landscape, President William Ruto has given the nod to a comprehensive supplementary budget, unlocking a wave of transformative initiatives. Notably, a substantial portion of the budget realignment focuses on bolstering food production, promising positive ripples across the agricultural sector.
One of the standout features of the supplementary budget is the infusion of KSh 8.25 Billion into subsidizing fertilizers. This injection is poised to revitalize food production, potentially elevating yields and ensuring food security.
In a nuanced approach, the budget revises allocations for various departments. Infrastructure-heavy sectors like roads, energy, and housing experience budget reductions, while service-centric departments such as education, crop production, and health witness an upward budget revision. The recalibration reflects a responsive strategy to navigate the evolving global economic landscape and counteract the challenges posed by a weakening shilling.
A notable highlight within the supplementary appropriation is the commitment of KSh 2.1 Billion to post-harvest management, a move aimed at curbing losses and stabilizing maize prices. This encompasses strategic measures like acquiring dryers, establishing bulk storage facilities, and purchasing excess maize from farmers at a fixed rate of KSh 4,000 per 90-kilogram bag.
Further, the supplementary budget allocates KSh 1.7 billion towards ongoing sugar reforms, emphasizing the settlement of farmers’ arrears and improvements in sucrose levels. Additionally, the coffee sector undergoes a significant boost with an infusion of KSh 4 billion for revitalization.
Addressing challenges faced by the dairy sector during the rainy season, KSh 400 million has been earmarked for the New KCC to absorb excess milk supply, safeguarding farmers from potential losses.
Education emerges as a focal point, with a commendable KSh 65 Billion injection. This includes KSh 5.4 billion for Junior Secondary School capitation, KSh 3.4 Billion for infrastructure enhancement, and a substantial KSh 25 billion for higher education scholarships and loans.
In a bid to address the issue of non-school-going children in Nairobi, KSh 1 Billion has been allocated to the City County for constructing additional classrooms across its 17 constituencies. This move aligns with the broader vision of ensuring accessible education for all children in the city.
As Chairperson Ndindi Nyoro aptly puts it, “We want all children to go to school; Nairobi has a big number of school-going children who are not accessing education.” This supplementary budget unfolds as a pivotal instrument, weaving together diverse strands of economic revitalization and social development, setting the stage for a promising future.
