This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
As the Kenyan government prepares to present its spending plan for the 2020/2021 financial year, experts are calling for increased allocation to the health sector to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published on June 11, 2020, the proposed Sh111.70bn for the health sector may not be sufficient, according to Genghis Capital's Head of Research, Churchill Ogutu.
“One of the government’s priority should be ideally towards the health sector and in particularly to combat the coronavirus pandemic, this may not be enough,” Ogutu said.
The government has received funds from international donors, well-wishers, and corporate firms to cushion Kenyans against the pandemic's impacts, but lacks an oversight body to monitor and account for the spending.
Experts have also called for a long-term plan to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) affected by the pandemic, with President Uhuru unveiling a Sh53.7 billion economic rescue package in May, including Sh3 billion for SMEs.
Ernest and Young Tax Expert Simon Njoroge warned that the current funds for SMEs may not be sustainable, given the rising cases of coronavirus in the country.
“We do expect more measures to be introduced but frankly we think that as far as COVID-19 is concerned, things will get worse so the money we currently have for SME’s will not be sustainable,” Njoroge said.
