Social Protection Committee reviews crucial funding needs in Supplementary Budget Estimates II

Social Protection Committee reviews crucial funding needs in Supplementary Budget Estimates II

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

The National Assembly Committee on Social Protection convened today to deliberate on Supplementary Estimates II for the 2024/2025 financial year. Led by the session-chair, Hon. Hillary Kosgei, the Committee engaged key Ministries, Departments and Agencies under its oversight. The session highlighted critical funding shortfalls affecting essential social programs, particularly those supporting vulnerable groups, gender empowerment and youth development.

The State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizens Affairs has requested an additional Ksh. 16 billion to sustain the National Safety Net Programme (Inua Jamii). This initiative provides cash transfers to the elderly, orphans, and persons with disabilities, ensuring their basic financial stability.

The Principal Secretary, Jospeh Motari warned that without these funds, beneficiaries may miss payments between March and June 2025, potentially leaving thousands of vulnerable individuals without essential support. Legislators reaffirmed their commitment to securing the necessary funds, emphasizing that social protection must remain a priority. The Committee also directed the Ministry to submit a detailed breakdown of all program beneficiaries for accountability.

The State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, led by Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, underscored the need for additional funding to sustain key programs. The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), responsible for providing sanitary towels to public primary school girls, received Ksh. 940 million, but Ksh. 461 million was used to clear pending bills, significantly reducing available resources.

Members expressed deep concern over potential budget cuts affecting the sanitary towel program. Hon. Tim Wanyonyi questioned the logic of reducing funding for a program crucial to young girls’ menstrual health and school attendance, stating,

“How do you deduct funds from a program created to support young girls with sanitary towels? What are they supposed to do?”

Hon. Betty Maina further emphasized the urgency, asserting, “We cannot delay menstruation. This is unreasonable and even delays in the release of funds should cease in such cases.”

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), led by Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, also presented a request for Ksh. 110 million to support public education on inclusivity, operationalize the Gender-Based Violence Information System, comply with international treaties, strengthen regional offices and provide health coverage for its employees.

The Committee also engaged with the State Department for Public Service, led by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Justin Muturi, on issues affecting the National Youth Service (NYS). Key funding requests included Ksh. 45 million for rehabilitating boreholes at two NYS field units and repairing a sewer line at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil. They further presented on the need for Ksh. 442 million for the construction of barracks, classrooms, workshops, ablution blocks and staff housing.

The Committee noted the importance of ensuring NYS infrastructure is well-maintained to support youth training and development. Discussions are ongoing regarding possible re-allocation of funds from the State Department for Housing to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure development.

“The Committee remains devoted to securing essential financial support for social programs that address critical areas such as Inua Jamii, assistance for persons with disabilities, gender equality, and youth empowerment,” stated Session Chair, Hon. Hillary Kosgei, in his closing remarks.