The National Assembly is currently in the midst of considering Budget Estimates for various State Departments and Agencies in the Committee of Supply for the period 2023/24 Budget, a crucial phase during which supply measures for funding various government programs and undertakings are considered. This period, which began with the examination of the Estimates, will conclude with the enactment of an Appropriation Act.

In addition to the supply measures, the House is also reviewing the Revenue-Raising Measures proposed to support the appropriation made by the House, otherwise referred to as the 'Ways and Means' of supporting the Budget. These measures will culminate with the enactment of the Finance Act.

At the same time, as per parliamentary practice, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning is this week on Thursday expected to make a public pronouncement of the Budget Policy Highlights and Revenue-Raising Measures for the National Government. This pronouncement is in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.

"The Cabinet Secretary is scheduled to present the Budget highlights for the 2023/2024 Financial Year on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in the National Assembly Chamber, starting at 3:00 p.m. This announcement will provide valuable insights into the government's fiscal priorities and strategies for the upcoming financial year," said the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Moses Wetang'ula while addressing the House.

Speaker Wetang'ula added that the House  during the Supply and Ways & Means period, priority will be prioritize business related to the consideration of the Budget Estimates, Finance Bill 2023, Appropriation Bill 2023, and other legislation relating to the budget. 

He informed the lawmakers that as per practice, such business is typically uninterrupted, except for Special Motions with constitutional or statutory timelines. Notably, appearances by Cabinet Secretaries to respond to Questions in plenary have been deferred to next week's session on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

This follows a decision by the House Business Committee which resolved that the consideration of supply measures in the Committee of Supply will commence today, Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

 Additionally, the examination of Ways & Means Measures, including the Finance Bill 2023, will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, during the morning sitting, contingent upon the tabling of the Report on the Finance Bill in today's session.