President Kenyatta has dissolved the committee that proposed a Sh2.5bn budget for celebrations to mark 50 years of Kenya's independence.
He said the team was "out of touch" with the prevailing financial mood in government that called for frugal use of resources.
"By suggesting such an astronomical expenditure on
celebrations, the committee clearly showed itself to be out of touch
with the financial mood in government," said President Kenyatta in a
statement Friday.
The President acknowledged that 50 years of
independence was a watershed event in Kenya's calendar but stressed that
such celebrations should be tempered with prudent use of funds.
"Fifty years of “Uhuru” is an important landmark
in the national calendar and offers occasion to reflect on how far we
have come and the challenges that lie ahead in terms of our shared
commitment to grow our country and
spread prosperity to all.
spread prosperity to all.
"But celebrations should and must be done within
the context of a frugal government sensitive to the difficult economic
conditions that currently prevail around the globe," he said.
President Kenyatta said his government has "consistently and persistently called for prudence in the management of our country’s financial resources" maintaining that the presidency will oversee the fresh plans to mark the momentous occasion.
A new team would be appointed in due course, the President said.
"It (new committee) will have strong
representation from the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts, which has
expertise in this area, and will include other stakeholders, such as the
private sector. State House will provide oversight," President Kenyatta
said.
The organising committee's budgetary proposals revealed lavish spending on
activities and projects such as billboards, statues and entertainment
for the golden jubilee to be held on the second week of December.
Kibaki bronze statue
The budget included Sh50 million for erecting a
bronze statue of retired President Kibaki hoisting aloft a copy of the
Constitution during its promulgation on August 27, 2010.
Other budgeted items were: Sh690 million for
events management and logistics, Sh286 million for conference and
exhibition during the one week celebration, Sh300 million for publicity
and communication, Sh365 million for entertainment and a handsome Sh320
million to go towards identifying Kenya’s most prominent personalities.
"The budget has not been finalised yet, but I
expected it on Thursday July 25. The plan is that the government should
not fund it alone. We want the private sector and other stakeholders to
take part.
This is everybody’s business, and we want all to
take part. However, I’ve instructed the committee that I don’t want to
see a budget that is too large,” said Interior and Coordination of
National Government Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo, who chaired the
committee.
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