This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
As the country grapples with the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is imperative that the government's budget reflects the new reality. The recent move by the Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) to reduce legislators' foreign and domestic travel expenses by Sh2.8 billion for next year is a commendable step towards transparency.
According to a report by the BAC, the decision was made in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, which has taken a toll not only on families and communities but also on government budgets. The report estimated parliamentary revenue and expenditure for the 2020-21 financial year.
Historically, the National Assembly and Senate have been allocated billions of shillings for their travel expenses. However, reports of elected representatives splashing millions of shillings on accommodation in fancy hotels abroad at the expense of the taxpayer are all too common. This is corruption, plain and simple.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, who took over the position after his predecessor Henry Rotich was arrested and charged with suspected corruption, presented a commendable budget proposal in Parliament last week. The proposal balanced the books under the current circumstances, and Yatani seems to be a perfect fit for the job.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to fire Rotich sent a clear message that no one is immune to the anti-corruption purge, not least the person entrusted with the country's coffers. Proper oversight over budgetary allocations is crucial, and it is not a problem unique to Kenya.
As we all know, corruption is part of our everyday life in Kenya. However, it does not have to be that way. Taking small steps, it is possible to overcome this stain on Kenya's political fabric. The anti-corruption crusade has to spread to the common mwananchi as well as the private and public sectors.
