President William Ruto has urged Members of Parliament to expedite the approval of the proposed 2024/2025 financial year budget.
Speaking on Thursday, June 13, in Meru County, the President stated that the government would begin connecting electricity to Kenyan households once the National Assembly approves the budget.
"These honorable members, please hurry and pass the budget quickly. These farmers want electricity, these citizens want electricity," said Ruto.
The Head of State highlighted that during the 2023/2024 financial year, the government concentrated on stabilizing the economy, enhancing the agricultural sector, and improving the education system.
Ruto noted that in the upcoming financial year, the government's focus would shift to development projects.
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“Last year was about stabilizing the economy, setting up agriculture properly, and fixing the education system for our children. This year is about connecting electricity, building roads, and providing water. We have already included this plan in our budget,” Ruto stated.
His remarks follow the Cabinet's announcement that the proposed 2024/25 budget aims to reduce government borrowing to fund the budget.
According to a dispatch from the State House, the Cabinet highlighted that the budget deficit has been reduced by nearly 50 percent, from Ksh1 trillion in the 2021/22 financial year to Ksh925 billion in 2023/24, and further down to Ksh597 billion in the 2024/25 financial year.
"In line with the administration's fiscal consolidation strategy, which seeks to reduce government borrowing, and in pursuit of the aspiration to achieve a balanced budget by 2027, the proposed budget consolidates these efforts by reducing the budget deficit by nearly 50%," read part of the Cabinet dispatch.
