The National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u, yesterday presented the maiden Budget of the Kenya Kwanza Government to the National Assembly. 

This year's Budget highlighted a strategic roadmap for the country's economic development and emphasizes key sectors that promote shared prosperity and growth.

Prof. Ndung'u, made his entrance at 2:30 pm accompanied by the Permanent Secretary State Department for National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo and the Permanent Secretary, State Department for Economic Planning, Mr. James Muhati. 

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula, warmly welcomed Prof. Ndung'u before the commencement of the Ksh.3.67 trillion Budget presentation. The Cabinet Secretary articulated the budget's key provisions, outlining strategic investments and prudent fiscal policies aimed at driving the nation's growth and development.

During his speech, Prof. Ndung'u highlighted policies aimed at revitalizing crucial sectors, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and advancing infrastructure development. The Speech highlighted investments in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure forming the cornerstone of the nation's growth.

The education sector received a substantial allocation of Kshs630 billion, representing 27.4 percent of the budget, with increased funding for Junior Secondary School (JSS) capitation and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).  While the healthcare sector  received Kshs141B allocated to National Government health services with additional funds earmarked for counties.

Infrastructure development remained a priority, with Ksh 250B allocated to road construction, prioritizing the completion of stalled and ongoing projects. 

The Fertilizer Subsidy Program was allocated Kshs5 billion, while conditional grants of Kshs4.7billion were provided to counties for establishing aggregation and industrial parks.

In addition, the Budget highlights emphasized strategic alignment with identified value chains, such as leather, livestock, apparel and textiles, crops (edible oils, rice, tea, and coffee), the blue economy, mining, and industrial production.

Following the Cabinet Secretary's pronouncements in which he proposed several revenue raising measures, the House is scheduled to resume the consideration of the Finance Bill on Tuesday next.