President Uhuru Kenyatta initiated plans for a national forum in 2019 to address concerns over public expenditure patterns, focusing on restructuring how national and county governments allocate funds. The initiative follows criticism of inefficient revenue distribution, with over 50% of general revenue directed to civil service salaries, 30% to recurrent costs, and 20% to development projects.
During the Sixth Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga, Kenyatta highlighted disparities in county budgeting, noting a case where a Sh9 billion revenue stream allocated Sh6 billion to personnel and only Sh3 billion to public services. "We shall invite all stakeholders to the summit to rectify this imbalance and ensure funds benefit citizens rather than a select few," he stated.
Controller of Budget data revealed counties spent Sh50.9 billion in the three months ending September 2019, with Sh47.4 billion allocated to recurrent expenses and Sh3.51 billion for development. The forum, announced without a specified date, aims to redefine expenditure frameworks to prioritize public welfare.
