To ensure fiscal responsibility and prioritize essential services, President William Ruto directed all accounting officers in all government agencies and departments to allocate not more than 15% of the budget for critical services until the supplementary budget receives approval.
This is in line with the severe revenue hits the government is expected to take from the rejected Finance Bill, 2024 which President Ruto returned to Parliament following the mass protests.
The directive came Friday when the President signed the Appropriation Bill 2024 at the State House, just two days after declining the Bill.
On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, President Ruto sent a memorandum to the National Assembly, rejecting all clauses of the Finance Bill 2024.
Also Read:Â What it Means as President Ruto Signs Appropriation Bill 2024 After Rejecting Finance Bill
This move was fueled by the need to address the concerns raised by millions of Kenyans and ensure financial prudence in government operations.
Articles 221 and 222 of the Constitution mandate the assent of the Appropriations Bill by the 30th of June each year to ensure the continuity of essential government services.
Supplementary Budget Estimates
President Ruto also instructed the National Treasury to promptly prepare supplementary estimates to cut expenditure by the revenue projected from the rejected Finance Bill 2024.
He also tasked the National Treasury with presenting adjustments to the Division of Revenue Act 2024 to align with the reduced revenues stemming from the rejected bill.
This austerity measure aims to streamline government spending and mitigate the repercussions of the rejected Finance Bill.
