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By Manu Mumba (KNA)

The National Treasury has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at expanding the tax base, improving transparency and fostering economic growth.

The initiatives include promoting accountability in public procurement, enhancing tax collection systems and supporting key sectors such as education to create employment and combat corruption.

The Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, said at a press conference in Nairobi that the Ministry would implement a more comprehensive tax system that will expand the tax base.

“There are several taxable areas that have not been fully tapped. The Government, through the National Treasury, is committed to broadening this tax base,” Mbadi stated.

To enhance tax collection, Mbadi revealed that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) would enhance its digital system to improve efficiency.

“This digitisation aligns with the broader economic agenda of increasing revenue through a more efficient and expansive tax system,” he said.

Kenya’s tax revenue in the financial year 2023/2024 rose to Sh2.407 trillion from Sh2.166 trillion in the previous fiscal year, according to KRA. The Government is keen to collect more to reduce fiscal deficit and cut borrowing to finance its Budget.

Mbadi observed the National Treasury has taken steps to digitise public procurement processes to promote good governance and curb corruption.

“By automating budgeting and procurement systems, we aim to reduce the misuse of public funds and enhance transparency in Government spending,” Mbadi said.

To improve liquidity in the market, the CS said there would be prompt payment of pending bills, which is expected to stimulate job creation, especially for the youth.

“Paying off pending bills will boost market liquidity and create more opportunities for employment,” he noted.

Mbadi said there are ongoing discussions to reduce commercial banks interest rates for private sector borrowing.

To further strengthen accountability, Mbadi announced that the Government has rolled out an accrual accounting system, which will ensure that all liabilities are accurately reflected in the National Treasury’s balance sheets, improving financial transparency.

These reforms, aimed at boosting transparency and economic growth, represent a significant step toward creating a more accountable and efficient Government while positioning Kenya for sustained economic development.

Today, President Ruto Launched Climate WorX Initiative in Korogocho, Nairobi County. He stated that climate change is an existential threat demanding immediate action. The initiative will create over 200,000 jobs Nationawide with more than 20,000 youth focused on generating the 45KM Nairobi River Basin. This project represents a major effort to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable development across Kenya.

The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) of the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV) will see the Government intensify national connectivity through water, road, rail, port, energy and fibre-optic infrastructure as enablers of economic recovery and inclusive growth. The Kenya Kwanza Administration has finalized a framework for centralization of resources to deal with all stalled infrastructure projects. Government initiatives that were previously paused will soon be reignited and broadened.

The Government plans to modernize these projects to accommodate Kenya’s increasing population. This is a fresh start for the Government, with a commitment to complete all projects within the next two years. This approach aims to prevent resource wastage. No new projects will begin before the current ones are finalized. This aligns with the late President Mwai Kibaki’s iconic message, “Kazi Itaendelea,” and resonates with past visions for progress. The face of Kenya is changing at tremendous pace thanks to mega infrastructure projects.

From highways to ports to technology cities Kenya is now the country to watch. The Kenya Vision 2030 social and economic blueprint aspires for a country firmly interconnected through a network of roads, railways, ports, airports, water and sanitation facilities, and telecommunications.

Bungoma, a picturesque county on the slopes of Mt Elgon, is renowned for its rich culture and history. Its capital, Bungoma Town, began as a trading centre in the early 20th century.

The county’s proximity to Uganda has boosted trade, and its fertile soils support agriculture. The hospitable and industrious people from various communities have contributed to its success.

Over the years, Bungoma Town has grown into a vibrant hub of commerce, education, and culture. It is now seeking to become the country’s sixth city, a status that promises to elevate it further.

“It is my dream to ensure that Bungoma. Town becomes a city in my lifetime,” said Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

During his recent visit to the county, President William Ruto revealed that plans are underway to elevate Bungoma Town to city status, bringing prestige, autonomy, and increased resources.

To be classified as a city in Kenya, a town must meet several key requirements under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which gives effect to Article 184 of the Constitution.

The Act outlines the criteria for establishing urban areas, principles of governance, and resident participation.

Firstly, a town must have good infrastructure, including roads, street lighting, markets, fire stations, waste disposal, and disaster management capacity.

Secondly, it must have integrated development plans and the ability to generate sufficient revenue to sustain operations.

Thirdly, it must demonstrate prudent management and the capacity to deliver essential services effectively and efficiently.

Lastly, the town must have a population of at least 500,000 residents according to the latest census.

Bungoma Town meets some of these requirements but must do more. Recent projects unveiled by President William Ruto have set the town on the right path to city status.

President Ruto inaugurated two colleges in Bungoma County, enhancing their digital facilities in line with the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda.

The county has 44 tertiary education institutions, including Kibabii University and branches of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, positioning it as a key education hub.

Infrastructure development is also crucial. President Ruto launched various projects, including the tarmacking of the Mayanja- Bisunu-Sirisia and Mukhweya-Musese and Mukhweya-Kimukung roads in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.

“Urbanisation is critical in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by uplifting living standards and providing human dignity while improving access to services and security, said Kenya Urban and Roads Authority Director General Silas Kinoti, noting the region has received 21km of tarmacked road.

The county government has launched a street-lighting project boosting economic activities around the clock. “If you are not sure of the names, just name them according to the constituencies, for example, Tongaren Road,” Speaker Wetang’ula suggested while advocating for city status.

Significant investment has also been made in the Matulo Airstrip, upgraded with a new runway. President Ruto stated it would become an international facility.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the airstrip is expected to see increased traffic, serving residents in the Western region and neighbouring Uganda due to its proximity.

“We are working to acquire more land to expand it to 2.5 kilometres and increase traffic directly to the airstrip,” he said.

Once Bungoma is made a city, it will attract local and international investors, leading to economic growth and job creation. This means more people from rural areas or smaller towns seeking better employment and living conditions will flock there.

In support of university education, the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) collaborated with the Commission for University Education (CUE) during their 4th Biennial Conference on University Research and Innovation at the KICC in Nairobi last week.

The conference, attended by 480 participants including national and international presenters, saw the launch of the “Varsity Digest,” an inaugural newsletter on university research and innovation designed and edited by KYEB. The publication showcases innovations and research initiatives from various universities across the country.

KYEB also produced the conference’s “Book of Abstracts.” KYEB’s Chief Executive Officer Ms Lilian Kimeto committed to supporting various government agencies in documenting their initiatives and programmes as part of KYEB’s mandate to tell Kenya’s story.

Prof. Chacha Chacha, CUE chairman, called on universities to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with arts, humanities, and social sciences to foster a well-rounded society.

He noted that while most universities focus on STEM, arts, humanities, and social sciences are equally important for a holistic society.

Commission CEO Prof Mike Kuria encouraged universities to continue collaborating with the institution, emphasizing that the Commission and universities share a common vision. He urged universities to view the
commission as a partner, not just a regulator.

Kenya Yearbook remains committed to highlighting developments in the university sector, particularly in research and innovation

The government seeks to accelerate the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) through the Sh3.9 trillion Budget unveiled last Thursday, allocating funds for various projects and initiatives aimed at benefiting mwananchi under the five BETA pillars.

The Budget focuses on enhancing agricultural transformation, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),boosting affordable housing, achieving universal healthcare, and growing the digital superhighway and creative economy for job creation.

In agriculture, the government aims to transform the sector and promote inclusive growth through a value chain approach. “This aims at providing adequate and affordable working capital to all farmers through cooperative societies (aggregators),” said Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning.

The National Treasury allocated Sh54.6 billion for agriculture, including Sh10 billion for fertiliser subsidies, Sh6.1 billion for the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, Sh2.5 billion for youth and women programmes, Sh747 million for small-scale irrigation, and Sh642.5 million for crop diversification. These allocations aim to stimulate job creation, especially for youth, through enhanced agricultural production supported by small-scale irrigation and subsidised fertiliser.

Agriculture contributes up to 30 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employs 40 per cent of the population. Over 6.5 million farmers received 12.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser this planting season, boosting food production.

MSMEs received a boost with Sh5 billion allocated to the Hustler Fund to scale up access to credit for business growth. Prof Ndung’u said the money would offer affordable credit to Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid, with an additional Sh200 million for the Youth Fund and Sh1.9 billion for the Rural Kenya Financial Inclusion Facility, targeting youths in rural areas. Since its inception in 2022, the Hustler Fund has provided over Sh45 billion in loans to 20 million Kenyans.

The government’s commitment to addressing the housing challenge and creating quality jobs for youth in the construction sector and building products production is evident in the Budget. Sh92.1 billion was allocated for Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works, aiming to deliver 200,000 houses per year and enable low-cost housing mortgages. Affordable housing projects have created 120,000 jobs for youth, according to President William Ruto.

The health sector received Sh127 billion to promote access to quality and affordable healthcare through the Universal Health Coverage Programme. The funds will support initiatives to reduce HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis cases, enhance vaccine and immunisation programmes, manage cancer, and build and equip hospitals. The Ministry of Health will begin mass registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) on 1 July 2024 to improve healthcare access.

The government also seeks to ramp up investment in the ICT sector, allocating Sh16.3 billion for the Last Mile County Connectivity Network, building the digital superhighway, and establishing the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology at Konza Technopolis.

In the past two years, the government has boosted job creation in the sector by providing free WiFi spots, training over 350,000 youths in digital skills to access digital opportunities, and setting up more than 85 digital hubs
across the country.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya (centre) joined by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire (second left) during a tree planting exercise in the county.

Government calls for participation of all individuals and institutions in the 10-year environment restoration strategy. The government targets to rehabilitate all the country’s degraded landscapes and ecosystems as it implements the 10-year National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy, whose anchor initiative is the 15 billion tree planting initiative. The strategy has five key objectives, which include to increase national tree cover by 17.8 per cent by 2032 through targeted interventions on public, community and private lands; improving landscape and ecosystem governance through robust policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks; encouraging private sector investment and develop sustainable financing mechanisms for the restoration of degraded landscapes and strengthening capacity, research, monitoring, evaluation and knowledge management.

Ms. Soipan Tuya, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, said the strategy aims to enhance the ecological integrity of the country while contributing to social and economic transformation.

“Our approach is inclusive, calling for the participation of all Kenyans — from individuals to institutions, public and private sectors, urban and rural areas, and from the young to the old in what we term as the ‘whole-of-society, whole-of government’ approach,” she said as Kenya joined the globe in celebrating World Environment Day on June 5, 2024, whose theme was “Land Restoration desertification and drought resilience”.

Land degradation has manifested in many ways in the country, including through loss of vegetation, increased aridity, scarcity of water sources, growing of shrubs in areas which were predominantly rich in pastures, gullies, thin and stony soils and invasion of intrusive species that lead to food and water insecurity, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

The key drivers of land degradation are “deforestation, overgrazing, poor agricultural activities (overuse of fertilizers, up downhill ploughing), forest fires, poor spatial planning, mining and sand harvesting.” Ms. Tuya noted that Kenya has no choice but to restore the degraded landscapes and ecosystems as the country becomes most vulnerable to climate change. “We are vulnerable to climate change since the key drivers of our economy – agriculture, livestock, tourism, forestry and fisheries, are climate-sensitive. Hence climate change continues to adversely impact Kenya’s socio-economic sectors,” she said. According to her, land restoration holds the key to reversing this tide, as every investment in restoration yields significant returns in terms of improved ecosystem services.

“We believe land restoration involves more than just tree growing; it requires a holistic approach that integrates sustainable land use practices, community engagement and robust policy interventions. In this regard, we recently successfully reviewed the Climate Change Act to mainstream carbon markets as an important climate finance opportunity for Kenya,” she said.

In the ongoing ecosystems restoration campaign, led by Cabinet Secretaries and senior members of the Executive, all MDAs have been allocated sites for tree planting and given targets to achieve. “The new approach, as unveiled by President William Ruto, aims to ensure the full restoration of assigned ecosystems. This involves not only tree planting but also nurturing the young trees and protecting them through fencing to facilitate natural regeneration of the sites,” said Ms. Tuya