Jubilee’s plan to fight terror, boost health and schools

An amoured vehicle that was among the Presidential escort vehicles at Nyayo Stadium on the 1st of June,2014 during the 51st Madaraka Day Celebrations. EVANS HABIL(NAIROBI) 

In Summary

• Concerning security, President Kenyatta said the introduction of CCTV cameras in major cities and town as well as the provision of internet connection at border points was a major first step in the war against terrorism.
• On devolution, Mr Kenyatta said the share of revenue to the counties would be increased to 46 per cent. The Senate has already passed the Division of Revenue Bill, which states that the counties will get Sh226 billion from July - an increase of Sh36 billion from the first year of devolution.

By JOHN NGIRACHU
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President Uhuru Kenyatta has outlined key measures, which, he said, would improve Kenyan households directly in the next budget.

 

During his Madaraka Day address at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, the President said his government would focus on devolution, security, education, social protection, health, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and the creation of a conducive business environment.

This, he said, would be the Jubilee Coalition’s first proper expenditure plan since taking up power after winning the March 4, 2013 General Election.

Since the budget-making process starts long before a new financial year starts in July, the bulk of the current one was prepared before President Kenyatta was elected.

On devolution, Mr Kenyatta said the share of revenue to the counties would be increased to 46 per cent. The Senate has already passed the Division of Revenue Bill, which states that the counties will get Sh226 billion from July - an increase of Sh36 billion from the first year of devolution.

President Kenyatta said that despite persistent claims by the Opposition and governors that the national government was undermining devolution, “Kenya was doing in a short time what many of the oldest and most powerful nations on earth took centuries to achieve.”

CCTV cameras

Concerning security, President Kenyatta said the introduction of CCTV cameras in major cities and town as well as the provision of internet connection at border points was a major first step in the war against terrorism.

“We have already provided at least 1,200 vehicles for police, which with time would also be equipped with CCTV cameras,” he said.

Nearly 8,000 recruits have already joined the disciplined services this year, while Sh2.9 billion has been set aside for the recruitment of 10,000 more police officers.
Police in service will get new houses and an insurance scheme, in which the government would pay Sh1.6 billion is in the pipeline.

President Kenyatta said to improve security, the government would set up a national digital register that shall contain data gathered from everybody above 12-years-old in Kenya.
“The resources we need have already been set aside and we can expect a full and comprehensive register of people, property, and land,” said the President.

To improve the free primary and day secondary education, the President said, the government has increased their budgetary allocations.
Primary education has a 20 per cent increase, while secondary got a 30 per cent gain.

“The extra money means that within three years, we will have proper free primary and secondary education, therefore achieving an aspiration as old as the republic,” he said.
In addition to this, he said, there are plans to connect every primary school in the country with electricity.

For social protection, President Kenyatta said more than Sh7 billion has been set aside for orphans and vulnerable children while Sh4.9 billion will be spent on the monthly cash hand-outs to the elderly, with the aim of covering 450,000 households.

The provision of health care is a devolved function but the President said the government is setting aside Sh3 billion, which counties can use for the leasing of medical equipment.
In addition to this, a special fund would be set up to pay for the treatment of Kenyans with rare medical conditions.

The free maternity care at public health facilities will get a Sh4 billion boost.

On infrastructure, the President cited the signing of the agreement for financing of the construction of the standard gauge railway as a significant step forward.