The government has allocated Sh400 billion to Jubilee's Big Four
agenda, which is the main focus of President Uhuru Kenyatta in his
second and final term in office.
The four pillars are manufacturing, universal healthcare, affordable housing, and food security.
The
government has allocated Sh44.6 billion for universal health coverage
while Sh6.5 billion will go towards the provision of affordable and
decent housing for all Kenyans.
FOOD SECURITY
The
Treasury has allocated Sh20.25 billion to enhance food and nutrition
security to all Kenyans by 2022, and Sh2.4 billion to support value
addition and raise the manufacturing sector’s share to gross domestic
product to 15 per cent by 2022.
Although Treasury
Cabinet Secretary Henry said the Big Four agenda will largely be
achieved through partnership with the private sector and development
partners, the government has also increased taxes in other sectors in a
bid to raise money.
For instance, mobile money
transaction fee popularly known as M-Pesa has been increased from the
current 10 per cent to 12 per cent. The tax for imported vehicles with
over 2500cc has also been increased to 30 per cent.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Mr
Rotich said the revenue raised from the two avenues and other sectors
will be used in funding the provision of affordable housing and
universal healthcare.
The CS said achievement of the four pillars is expected to accelerate economic growth.
“In
order to achieve the Big Four, all of us will need to put our
differences aside, pull in the same direction, and work towards a common
goal. This budget provides us with an opportunity to begin to walk the
talk,” Mr Rotich told MPs.
The CS also noted that
eradication of corruption is one of the biggest means of achieving the
four pillars, hence the strengthening of a multi-agency team tasked with
the fight against graft in order to assist in the recovery of stolen
public assets.
“During the next five years, I will
dedicate the energy, time and resources of my administration to the Big
Four,” President Kenyatta said during last year’s Jamhuri Day
celebrations.
No comments :
Post a Comment