By ALEX NDEGWA
Parliament has prepared a budget of Sh24.5 billion for the 2013/2014 financial year. It comprises Sh20.4 billion as recurrent estimates and Sh4 billion for development.
The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) is seeking approval for the financial estimates tabled in the House yesterday.
“Parliament must play its rightful role in fully implementing the Constitution and consequently it must get adequate funding to support the bicameral House and an expanded Parliament as provided in the Constitution,” stated explanatory notes accompanying the document signed by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.
“The Constitution placed heavy responsibilities on the institution of Parliament, and these responsibilities must be matched with requisite funding to enable achievement of the PSC’s 2008-2018 Strategic Plan,” he added.
A breakdown of the figures shows the recurrent estimates of the National Assembly total Sh8.6 billion and Senate Sh1.5 billion.
PSC has set aside Sh650 million as development expenditure for the Senate and Sh1.3 billion for projects under joint service.
The National Assembly has an allocation of Sh1.3 billion for domestic travel and subsistence, and other transportation costs.
“The allocation will be used to cater for weekly reimbursements on mileage claims by MPs,” stated the financial estimates.
An additional Sh116 million is allocated for foreign travel, accommodation, daily subsistence allowances and items like taxis and airport taxes for MPs.
Millions for leisure
Under the Senate, Sh297 million will be used to cater for weekly reimbursements on mileage claims by Senators.
PSC has set aside Sh64 million for foreign travel and subsistence and other transportation costs for members of the Senate.
Other expenditures include Sh6.5 million for entertainment and catering services in the Senate Speaker’s office. Some Sh4.5 million is allocated for similar purposes for the Office of Speaker of the National Assembly.
The budget recommends Sh2.5 billion used to enhance seed money for mortgage money.
The National Assembly expects to raise Sh4 million from the sale of bonded items including motor vehicles as Appropriations-In-Aid.
