By Lauryne Akoth
Following the widespread devastation of lives and property caused by floods across various regions of the country, the National Assembly Committee on Budget is now urging the National Treasury to allocate funds from unapproved budget allocations to support affected Kenyans.
Speaking during the inauguration of new classrooms at Ribe Primary and Junior Secondary School in Kilifi on Friday, the committee chairperson Ndindi Nyoro disclosed that in situations where budgetary resources are insufficient to address such emergencies, the law permits the Treasury to allocate funds beyond the specified budget to assist Kenyans impacted by natural disasters.
“In the case of emergencies, article 223 allows National Treasury to utilize funds which have not been approved by Parliament to help Kenyans as long as the funds do not exceed 10% of the budget,” Nyoro said.
He reassured Kenyans that funds were already allocated in the budget for emergencies like the ongoing flood crisis in various parts of the country.
He emphasized that the Treasury would resort to off-budget measures only if the allocated funds proved to be insufficient.
The Kiharu MP who was accompanied by Rabai MP Anthony Kenga added that the government was already in the process of offering relief services to flood-affected Kenyans using the National Youth Service (NYS).
“I want to assure the people of Kenya that as government we are doing everything possible to help all the affected people. As government we have directed the National Youth Service to offer relief services in different parts of the country,” Nyoro stated.
He further assured flood-affected Kenyans of the government’s continued support throughout the heavy rain season.