The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) budgetary allocation has been increased to Ksh369.94 billion, part of which will be used to pay and promote 26,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers and employ more in the next Financial Year (FY).
This was revealed as the National Assembly begins debate on the 2024 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) that has outlined a Ksh4.188 trillion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
The BPS Report that was recently tabled by the Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, highlights policy and financial resolutions aimed at addressing various challenges across key sectors of the economy.
The report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee further directs the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) to set guidelines for disbursing infrastructure funds for JSS, and to ensure all learners in public Special Needs Education (SNE) schools will be included in the school feeding programme.
Speaking on key sector allocations, Nyoro said in the Agriculture sector, the committee was able to allocate funds for the purchase of farm inputs such as crop-specific fertilizer.
“Additionally, we have allocated Ksh1 billion to pay arrears owed to cane farmers as part of the sugar sector reforms and Ksh2 billion to boost the Coffee Cherry Fund,” said Nyoro.
In his address, Nyoro noted that National Police Service will receive an enhanced budget of Ksh114.29 billion.
“This House should be informed that my committee has proposed a health sector budget of Ksh151 billion; of which Ksh4 billion will be allocated to counties to upgrade level 1, 2, 3 hospitals,” said Nyoro.
The MPs praised the efforts of the Budget Committee, particularly the budget ceilings allocated to the energy sector. The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Cooperation were given an additional allocation of Ksh12 billion in addition to their previous allocation to enhance last mile connectivity. This amount will be equally divided among the 290 constituencies for rural electrification and last mile connectivity.
The Housing sector has also been prioritized with an allocation of Ksh82.53 billion. Legislator Rindikiri Mugambi, Vice Chair of the Housing Committee, expressed appreciation for the budget’s focus on housing.
Additionally, the local manufacturing industry is set to benefit if a policy resolution calling on the State Department on Housing to develop guidelines on utilizing locally made materials in affordable housing projects is adopted.
With a budget ceiling of Ksh18.27 billion, the State Department for Sports is expected to fast track preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024 and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
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By Obegi Malack
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