Team returns Sh2b NSIS allocation

The Parliamentary Budget Committee has restored Sh2 billion to the National Security Intelligence Service and deducted Sh1 billion from the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR).

In a dramatic turnaround to its recent declarations and by a vote of 6 to 3 the committee chaired by Maragwa MP Elias Mbau voted to reduce by a billion, the money it had voted for on Saturday to employ 28,000 teachers.

The sudden changes occurred following Wednesday’s declaration by Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta that new salary increments to teachers and police will hurt the economy.

Mr Mbau tabled a report of its finding and recommendations against the minister’s June 8 budget estimates which differs in important aspects from what it had recommended on Saturday in Nyeri.

But the changes were rejected by Gwassi MP John Mbadi, Committee vice-chairman Alfred Sambu and Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo.

Kisumu Town East MP Shakeel Ahmed Shabbir and Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi opposed the new changes but could not cast a vote because they have no voting rights in this committee. Johnstone Muthama, Nelson Gaichuhie, John Mututho, Jackson Kiptanui and Danson Mungatana were present.

The changes on the NSIS, SGR and monies to the Teachers Service Commission to employ teachers has ignited divisions within the Committee.

Gwasi MP John Mbadi of Gwassi has accused his colleagues of betrayal.