Kenya’s Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Council has issued a clarion call to the government to strictly implement the proposed budgetary allocations in the 2023/24 fiscal year.
The Council’s National Chairman Stephen Cheboi, said that they are launching the public watchdog, which will oversee the resources implementation and utilization, urging that the government be watchful.
He also pleads with the government that resources earmarked for food security and water be prioritized to address the needs of the less privileged Kenyan families, which will, in turn, help them to access necessities in life.
“Resources were pumped to improve food security in our country; we have challenges of people suffering. We recently saw some public-held utilities and some privately held utilities rejecting patients due to lack of remittance on money meant for medical care,” remarked Cheboi.
Cheboi believes Kenyans are OK with taxes as long as the resources will be utilized to satisfy them.
“If Kenyans have the assurance that the resources will be used to create sustainable development projects, then they are willing to pay taxes,” stated Cheboi, urging Kenyans to be patriotic to push the government agenda forward.
He also lauded the government for allocating resources for actions on Climate Change that will enable the country to achieve the ambitious target of 15 billion trees by 2030.
While commenting on cash transfers, Cheboi said that cash transfers had allocated resources that will help the elderly, people with disabilities, and other less privileged people in society.
“Previously, we had resource allocation challenges; we are glad many resources were allocated on cash transfer. Sh. 3.3 billion allocated for social protection and Sh. Nine hundred million for child welfare society” confirmed Cheboi.
Additionally, Cheboi called upon the government and opposition to return to the bipartisan talks and sit down to negotiate and settle their political differences on essential issues for the people of Kenya.
The National Council of NGOs requested the government to seal corruption loopholes that could mess up the country’s economy as they push the government agenda forward.
Cheboi assured the government that the council is committed to working with the government to improve the lives of Kenyans.
“We have recently launched our report. In 2022, we raised about Sh.175 billion from various sources,” stated Cheboi while appreciating the well-wishers and donors that have contributed the lion’s share in helping the communities in Kenya.