HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 1077264,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1077264/?format=api",
"text_counter": 124,
"type": "other",
"speaker_name": "",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": null,
"content": "With the desire to meet our development objectives, the gap between development needs and available resources has been expanding, thus underscoring the need for alternative financing mechanisms. Last year, I highlighted the importance of Public Private Partnerships as an option for closing the financing gap. The current Public Private Partnership Act impedes expeditious financial closure of Public Private Partnership projects. To this effect, I undertook to transform the Public Private Partnerships framework, which included review of legal, operational and institutional structures. In this regard, I submitted the Public Private Partnership Bill, 2021, to this House for consideration and approval. Hon. Speaker, let me now turn to the highlights of the Government spending priorities in the coming financial year. In light of the revenue challenges and significant expenditure demands, spending in the Financial Year 2021/2022 will focus on critical areas with the highest impact on the well-being of Kenyans and support economic recovery. Therefore, the total programmed spending for the Financial Year 2021/2022, excluding redemptions, amounts to Kshs3.03 trillion. The Government will continue with the implementation of the Economic Stimulus Programme in the Financial Year 2021/2022, which targets to cushion vulnerable citizens and businesses, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have, in this regard, set aside Kshs23.1 billion in the Financial Year 2021/2022 Budget for continuation of this Programme. Out of this, Kshs3 billion is earmarked for youth empowerment and employment creation under the Kazi Mtaani Programme, Kshs2.6 billion will go towards enhancing liquidity to businesses, Kshs6.4 billion for improving education outcomes, Kshs6.9 for improving the environment, water and sanitation facilities, Kshs1.17 billion for improving agriculture and food security as well as Kshs1.2 billion for recruitment of health workers. I have also set aside Kshs1 billion for Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) to employ community scouts. The implementation of priority programmes under the Big Four Agenda is a critical part in supporting sustainable economic recovery and accelerating employment creation. To realise this, I have set aside Kshs142.1 billion to support implementation of the Big Four Agenda for both drivers and enabler projects. The outbreak and rapid spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic necessitated an urgent need to upscale implementation of universal health coverage to all our counties. Towards this end, I have proposed allocation of Kshs121.1 billion to the health sector to support various programmes aimed at improving health outcomes. Of this amount, Kshs47.7 billion will fund activities and programmes for the attainment of universal health coverage. Specific allocations to various activities and programmes include Kshs8.7 billion for the Kenya COVID-19 Emergency Response Project, Kshs4.1 billion for free maternity heath care, Kshs7.2 billion for the Managed Equipment Services as well as Kshs1.8 billion to provide medical cover to the elderly and severely disabled persons in our society. To lower cases of HIV and AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in the country, Kshs5.8 billion has been set aside. To enhance vaccination and immunisation programmes, we have set aside Kshs3.9 billion. Further, we propose an additional Kshs14.3 billion for purchase of COVID-19 vaccines and related expenditure in the course of the financial year. To enhance early diagnosis and management of cancer and reduce the burden of treatment on Kenyans, I have proposed allocation of Kshs450 million for procurement of CyberKnife radiotherapy equipment for Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital. A further Kshs350 million has been set aside for the establishment of two cancer centres in Kakamega. Further, to improve service delivery, Kshs15.2 billion has been set aside for Kenyatta The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}