Kenyan Government Emphasizes Inclusion in Budget Planning Process

KAKAMEGA: The Kenyan government is actively integrating public recommendations into the 2024-2025 and 2026-2027 Medium Term Budget planning, signaling a participatory approach in national development agendas.

According to Kenya News Agency, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Micro, Medium, and Small Enterprises (MMSE), the ongoing public consultations across the country are instrumental in aligning government priorities with the populace’s expectations. In Kakamega town at Magharibi Hall, the Western Regional Commissioner, Irungu Macharia, presented a speech on behalf of the PS during a public participation forum. The dialogue was described as central to fostering homegrown solutions for local issues and enhancing community ownership of identified projects and programs.

The public’s role in holding the government accountable and ensuring transparent use of funds was also underscored. Inputs from various sectors, including agriculture, health, and technology, were solicited, with health sector participants highlighting challenges such as drug shortages and inadequate medical equipment in county health facilities. The residents appealed for increased national government funding for essential drugs and the procurement of necessary hospital equipment and qualified staff. Additionally, they advocated for the expansion of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) coverage to include all medical tests in both public and private hospitals, with regulated charges.

The Regional Commissioner called on residents to support government efforts by fulfilling their tax obligations, underlining the reciprocal nature of public services and civic responsibility.