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{
    "id": 1591157,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1591157/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 143,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. John Mbadi",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "As a result of these consultations, we are focused on the following broad areas: First, easing the tax burden on Kenyans by increasing the pool of taxpayers and enhancing tax compliance. In this respect, the ongoing work on the digitisation and automation of the Kenya Revenue Authority is in line with Kenya's Medium-Term Revenue Strategy. Thus, all who are able shall henceforth contribute to financing the operations of Government and the development of our country. Second, to enhance liquidity in the economy and support small businesses, we have started the process of settling pending bills that have been validated, particularly those related to road construction, which has resulted in the resumption of road construction projects across the country. The Pending Bills Verification Committee will share their final report by the end of June 2025. This report will be analysed and recommendations tabled in the Cabinet for approval, after which we shall embark on the process of clearing the eligible bills, starting with those related to individuals, businesses and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the majority of whom have borne the brunt of non-payment. Third, promotion of good governance on public finance matters. Kenyans have expressed concerns about the public debt. Indeed, there is a perception of a lack of transparency in the management of public debt. In this regard, I request that the Auditor-General conduct a comprehensive audit of public debt. This audit is currently ongoing, and once completed, the report will be shared with this House. Fourth, there has been public perception and concerns in the past that our budgets tend to be unrealistic. To address these concerns, we took a two-pronged approach. First, we adopted zero-based budgeting, where every budget item has to be justified at the beginning of every financial year. This process was used in the preparation of the financial year 2025/2026 budget, which is the first time it is used, and which budget I submitted to this House on the 30th of April 2025. In response to concerns about unrealistic revenue projections, we have reduced revenue projections to be in line with the trends. Therefore, revenue projections in the Financial Year 2025/2026 Budget and over the medium-term are consistent with the growth of the economy. Fifth, in order to improve governance in the public procurement process, I launched the e-procurement system on 7th April 2025. Beginning 1st July 2025, all procurement by ministries, departments and agencies will be done through the e-procurement system without any exception. This will reduce the opaqueness and save Government resources estimated at 10 per cent of procurable budgets. Sixth, we have taken deliberate efforts to enhance transparency and promote inclusive policy-making and deepen public understanding of the Government’s economic priorities. We have not only intensified media engagement through the TV stations and radios, but also engaged the public in open places like Jeevanjee Garden, Bunge la Mwananchi and Mombasa County, where we held a meeting at Swahili Port Amphitheatre. Similar engagements have 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."
}