This archive report was first published on 21 July 2021.
As the country gears up for the 2022 General Elections, the National Treasury has moved to fast-track the budget process to ensure smooth government operations. In a public notice issued on July 21, 2021, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani invited the public to give proposals on next year's Budget by August 30, 2021, ahead of the usual November 30 deadline.
Yatani stated that the early start is necessary to ensure that the Finance Bill, 2022 is enacted before Parliament breaks in preparation for the polls. 'Cognisant that 2022 is an election year, there is a need to fast-track the National Fiscal Budget process to ensure smooth government operations,' Yatani said.
The notice comes less than a month after the State started implementing the Budget for the 2021/2022 financial year. It is set to pile pressure on ministries, State departments, and counties to fast-track their planned operations for the fiscal year.
Normally, ministries, State departments, and agencies have until November 25th to draft and present the budget proposals for public participation. National Treasury usually has until February 15th to present the Draft Policy Statement to Parliament for debate.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to dissolve Parliament at least three months to the General Elections scheduled for August 9, 2022, giving the government a tight calendar to conclude operations for the current financial year.
As part of the fast-tracked process, the Treasury has set aside Sh23.1 billion to cushion businesses and vulnerable citizens from the effects of Covid-19, Sh10 billion for VAT refunds, and Sh13.1 billion to clear pending bills to enhance liquidity in the private sector.
