CS Ukur Yatani Pumps Billions Into The Big Four

The 2021/2022 national budget is finally out. Ukur Yatani and his team have given the country one of the most expensive budgets at 3.6 trillion shillings. This budget has a deficit of close to two trillion shillings signaling more borrowing.

But what areas took the lion’s share of Ukur Yatani’s ambitious budget that Kenyans will have to pay through the nose? According to the budget breakdown, the “proverbial” Big Four took up the majority of funds from the budget read by Yatani.

To support manufacturing for job creation, the Treasury has allocated 20.5 billion shillings. 60 billion shillings have been allocated to enhancing food and nutrition security for all Kenyans. Something we know won’t happen.

Read More: Kenya’s Fiscal Deficit at 7.5% of GDP In Financial Year 2021-22

For the controversial universal health coverage, the Treasury has allocated 47.7 billion shillings “to guarantee quality and affordable healthcare to all Kenyans.” But is this program viable or just another white elephant?

The Kenya Affordable Housing Project has been allocated 13.9 billion shillings. The government hopes to construct at least 500,000 affordable units by the year 2022. So far, not even a quarter has been achieved. Miracles needed.

23.1 billion shillings have been allocated to economic recovery strategy while 302.1 billion shillings have been allocated to investing in enhancing security for stability, investment, and growth. At the same time, 310.7 billion shillings have been allocated for infrastructure to unlock growth potential.

202.9 billion shillings have been allocated to enhancing access to quality education outcomes while 92.2 billion shillings will go to managing the environment and protection against floods and water.

For the equity, poverty reduction, and social protection of the vulnerable groups, the government has set aside 103.4 billion shillings while 23 billion shillings will go got leveraging on ICT.

County Governments will receive 409.8 billion shillings.

Read More: Ksh 13.3 Billion Allocated To Kenya Affordable Housing Project

What are your thoughts on this budget?