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{
    "id": 1561953,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1561953/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 129,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, I have a short Communication and guidance on the consideration of the Budget Estimates for the 2025/2026 Financial Year before we invite the Prime Cabinet Secretary. Article 221 of the Constitution as read together with Section 39 of the Public Finance Management Act of 2012 requires the National Assembly to consider the Estimates of revenue and expenditure of the National Government, Parliament, and the Judiciary, for each financial year. Once approved by the National Assembly, these Estimates form the basis for the annual Appropriation Act. As you may be aware and as the law requires, the Estimates have since been submitted and tabled before the National Assembly. Consequently, and pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 235, the Estimates now stand committed to respective Departmental Committees and the Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration. The Departmental Committees are required to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure participation of all players in the process. It should be noted that the Budget and Appropriations Committee is required to discuss and review the Budget Estimates and make recommendations to the House taking into account recommendations of Departmental Committees, the views of the Cabinet Secretary of the National Treasury, and the general public. I also wish to inform the House that I have received the draft Finance Bill of 2025 from the Cabinet. It relates to revenue-raising measures for the Budget submitted. It will be committed to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration and public participation upon publication and First Reading. Indeed, Members will note that the House is scheduled to proceed for recess at the rise of today’s Sitting. This break will provide adequate time for committees to embark on this activity among others. Finally, I encourage Members to actively acquaint themselves with the contents of the Estimates, participate in the exercise, and ensure that their views and those of their electorate are taken into account during the consideration of the national Budget. The House is accordingly guided. When these documents are tabled or Bills published, I encourage you to read, analyse, and debate them in this House. Helpless villagers in funerals and public places out there will not help you debate and pass appropriate budgeting processes in this House. Avoid the temptation to stand before helpless nursery kids and tell them that you are opposing a Bill that you are supposed to debate in this House. I have seen this happen in many places. You do not look good when you do that, Hon. Members. Thank you. Yes, Hon. Junet."
}