Politics should not obscure noble provisions in Ruto's first budget

Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u before he presented the 2023/24 budget at National Assembly. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

A Hartlaub's Turaco is a dazzling green bird with dark blue wings, a black tail and a matching black crown.

Although these birds can be found in plenty in Mau Forest, I didn't see any during the numerous times I flew over the forest to assess the extent of forest degradation. That's because a bird's eye view of the forest from above, doesn't unveil forest details like a Turaco perched on a tree branch.

The Budget Statement presented by Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u provided us with a bird's eye view of a bold budget in the face of many tough choices. Predictably, the government's revenue raising plans, have generated a heated national debate. However, there are many outstanding allocations in the budget that must not be lost in the ever-heated political 'forest' of Kenya.

Here is a bird's eye panoramic view of these sectors:

Transforming the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) economy Sh10.6 billion; Housing and settlement Sh35.3 billion; Agriculture transformation and inclusive growth Sh49.9 billion; Affordable healthcare for all Sh141.2 billion and Digital superhighway and creative economy Sh15.1 billion; Sh332.8 billion; Manufacturing sector Sh26.9 billion; Infrastructure development Sh244.9 billion; Energy Sh62.3 billion.

Just like the perched dazzling Hartlaub's Turaco can only be seen once you descend from the skies into the heart of the Mau Forest, the critical and impactful real-life interventions engendered by these budgetary allocations will only be realised through sustained accountability.

For instance, the CS proposed an extension of VAT exemption on machinery and equipment purchased locally for use in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. This will deliver a double win in both local manufacturing and affordable healthcare. This twin win and its potential impact on millions isn't necessarily evident through a quick scan of the figures.

Another win for local production is introduction of excise duty on imported fish. This will protect the local fishery sector that is a major livelihood source for many Kenyans. It is however incumbent on the sector to ensure sustained affordable fishery supply.

Interestingly, budgets can also engender behavioural change that positively impact society. Almost every Kenyan knows someone whose life has been turned upside down because of sports betting and other forms of gambling.

The budget seeks to tackle this crippling addiction by increasing excise duty rate on Betting, Gaming, Lottery and Prize Competition from the current 7.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent. I applaud this measure as it will play an important role in protecting our young people from slipping into the addictive behaviour. The budget also provided good news for counties. The equitable share has increased from Sh370 billion to Sh385.4. If used accountably, the Sh15 billion increment should make a real difference in the lives of ordinary Kenyans at the county level.

From a green standpoint, I celebrate zero rating of LPG products. This is a move organisations such as the Green Africa Foundation, which I chair, have been calling for, as a means of unlocking affordable clean energy for millions of Kenyans who still depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Indeed, a whopping 84 per cent of rural Kenyans use firewood for cooking.

On June 15th morning, a few hours before the budget was read, I was planting trees together with Australia's High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Luke Williams. My reflections are that national budgets are, in a sense, akin to tree planting.

The budget has planted the right seedlings in the right places. However, there are hundreds of thousands of people in those places who must nurture those seedlings to maturity.

These public officials, together with the private sector and civil society, must play their role to help us realise the real fruits of the budget's good intentions in an accountable and competent manner. Think green act green!