Breaking Down The Ksh 56.6 Billion Stimulus Package

The government, through the National Treasury, has set aside 56.6 billion shillings under the economic stimulus package that will help in shielding the economy against the effects of Covid-19.

According to the Budget 2020/2021 released by the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, this is how the 56.6 billion shillings will be distributed:

15 billion shillings have been allocated to “upgrading infrastructure”. This, the CS says will include the creation of the “Kazi Mtaani Program” and Youth Empowerment.

3 billion shillings have been allocated to “enhancing liquidity in businesses”. This will include supporting micro and small-medium businesses across the country.

7.9 billion shillings have been allocated to “reviving agriculture and food security.” The cash will be used to support small-scale farmers across the country.

2.4 billion shillings have been allocated to “taking care of our environment.” National Treasury says the cash will be used to control floods, the creation of new water infrastructure, and the planting of trees.

7.4 billion shillings have been allocated to “improving education.” The cash will be used to hire educators and the building of schools.

1.7 billion shillings have been allocated to “improving health outcomes.” The government says the cash will be used to hire healthcare workers and improving hospitals.

5 billion shillings have been allocated to “rebuilding the tourism sector.” This will help in supporting tourism businesses, community conservatives, and hiring of 5,500 community scouts.

1.3 billion shillings have been allocated to the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative. This will be used in the purchasing of locally-assembled vehicles and credit provisions for manufacturing SMEs.

As to whether this cash will be used for intended purposes, nobody knows. In Kenya, everything is always true on paper until it gets actually ground.

The National Treasury presented a national budget of 2.73 trillion shillings that is expected to hold the country for the 2020/2021 financial year. Now Kenyans are waiting to see whether the benefits will trickle down.