The East African Tax and Governance Network (EATGN), in collaboration with the Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), is hosting “The People’s Dialogue Festival (PDF)” on March 7, 2024, at the University of Nairobi (UoN) Graduation Square.
The title of the event, “Walking the Tightrope: Economic Fairness in Kenyan Public Finance Governance and Service Delivery,” underscores the event’s focus on critical public finance issues in Kenya.
Context and Issues
The event is being held as Kenya grapples with various public finance challenges. The conversations are around the ongoing debate surrounding the Housing Levy, the recent acquisition of a Eurobond, and the country’s “greylisting” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) concerning money laundering and terrorist financing. These issues, along with the upcoming national budget discussions, highlight the complexities of Kenya’s public finance landscape.
Read Also: Counties Are Spending 70% Of Revenue On Salaries And Allowances
Objectives and Approach
The event aims to address these complexities by fostering dialogue among various stakeholders. The event’s objectives include sharing research and knowledge on pertinent public finance matters, raising awareness of the current service delivery challenges, and advocating for accessible and accountable governance.
Panelists and Moderator
The presence of distinguished panelists, including Kenyan legislator Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, civil society leader Diana Gichengo, and budget expert Dr. Abrahma Rugo, promises insightful discussions. Bonney Tunya, a communication specialist, will moderate the forum.
Addressing Public Concerns
The purpose of the event is to emphasize Kenyans’ desire for fairness in tax collection, allocation, and spending, along with the expectation of transparent and just consequences for financial mismanagement. The event’s utilization of a Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) framework underscores its commitment to promoting participation, accountability, and equity in public finance management.
Significance and Potential Outcomes
The People’s Dialogue Festival serves as a crucial platform for open dialogue on critical public finance issues in Kenya. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event has the potential to generate valuable insights and recommendations that can inform policy decisions and contribute to improved public finance governance and service delivery in Kenya.
Read Also: Streamlining VAT Compliance: Kenya Revenue Authority’s Initiative For Enhanced Tax Filing