Kenyans Demand Fiscal Responsibility: Call For New Budget And Constitutional Adherence
The Mt Kenya Times 
By Cynthia Masibo
As the fiscal crisis deepens, Gen Z and Kenyans across the nation are urging the government to enact a new budget that aligns with the country’s economic reality and constitutional mandates. The recent approval of the Appropriation Bill by President William Ruto has sparked outrage, with critics labeling it a betrayal of public trust and fiscal prudence.
The contentious Appropriation Bill has set the stage for a spending deficit exceeding Ksh. 1 trillion in the fiscal year 2024/25. Citizens fear this will inevitably translate into increased public debt, exacerbating the intergenerational debt burden. In response, there are growing calls for the government to exercise fiscal discipline and reduce expenditures.
President Ruto’s proposal to amend the Appropriation Act through a supplementary budget has been met with skepticism. Article 223(1) of the Constitution permits supplementary budgets only under strict conditions, not for routine amendments. Critics argue that any adjustments must comply fully with Article 201, which demands prudent and responsible use of public funds.
“The rush to sign the Appropriation Bill reeks of mischief,” said a spokesperson for the protest group. “The Constitution allows for temporary withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund to prevent any crisis, ensuring there is no justification for such high expenditures.”
The President’s establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Forensic Audit of Public Debt via Gazette Notice No. 5261 of 2024 has further inflamed tensions. According to the Constitution, the Office of the Auditor General holds exclusive responsibility for auditing public debt. This task force is seen as undermining constitutional authority and bypassing established procedures.
Despite efforts to address citizen demands, the government’s commitment to tackling revenue leakages through corruption remains in question. Kenya loses approximately Ksh. 608 billion annually to corruption, according to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. The 2023 Corruption Perception Index scored Kenya at a low 31/100, highlighting the country’s deteriorating anti-corruption efforts.
To address these issues, the protesters have laid out clear demands:
Enact a New Appropriation Law: Parliament must draft a budget that aligns with constitutional requirements and the people’s will, ideally through zero-based budgeting to eliminate entrenched fiscal imprudence.
Comprehensive Public Debt Audit: Parliament should request the Auditor General to conduct a forensic and performance audit of all public debt acquired since the 2010 Constitution’s enactment, providing all necessary resources and clear terms of reference.
Further Budget Cuts: The current budget must be reduced by an additional Ksh. 296,491,636,547, targeting unconstitutional expenditures and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Rescind Task Force Appointment: The President should retract the forensic debt audit task force, allowing the Auditor General to perform this constitutional duty.
Support Devolution: Ensure county governments receive adequate and equitable revenue distribution, respecting Kenya’s devolved system of governance.
Fast-Track Corruption Prosecutions: The ODPP, EACC, Judiciary, and ARA should expedite corruption cases, ensuring thorough prosecutions and sanctioning prosecutors who mishandle cases.
The call for action is clear: the government must uphold constitutional principles, exercise fiscal responsibility, and address corruption to restore public trust and secure Kenya’s economic future.
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