Sh22bn released for key projects

• Move comes after Ethuro and Oparanya complained of delays in the work

The Sh22 billion intended for various public projects across the country has been released, according to a parliamentary committee.

During a meeting with the Committee on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on Thursday, Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta said the economic stimulus package cash had been released to the ministries undertaking the projects.

And on Friday, while responding to questions from journalists in Nairobi, Mr Kenyatta said 50 per cent of the budgetary allocation had been released and some ministries had started spending the money.

Allayed fears

He allayed fears that several public projects were running behind because of delayed release of billions of shillings set aside in the Budget.

There were fears that schemes, including the free primary education programme, Kazi Kwa Vijana initiative and projects under the CDF kitty could be affected by the delays.

“We have released all the money to the extent that is required,” he said. “Some ministries like that of Fisheries, Agriculture and Regional Development are already carrying on with their projects.”

Earlier, three Cabinet ministers and one permanent secretary who accompanied Mr Kenyatta to the Thursday meeting confirmed that they had already received their share of the money.

The ministers are Mr Chris Obure (Public Works), Mr Paul Otuoma (Fishing) and Mr Sam Ongeri (Education) and the PS is Mr John Lonyangapuo, who represented Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey.

Speaking on Friday, the committee chairman, Turkana Central MP Ekwee Ethuro confirmed that the Finance minister had assured members that the projects would finally kick off, four months behind schedule.

“Given that the projects will be implemented using the CDF framework, we invited the minister to update us on the status of the funds and he explained himself very well, we are satisfied that everything is now on course,” Mr Ethuro told the Nation on Friday.

Both Mr Ethuro and Planning minister Wycliffe Oparanya had recently expressed concern that the projects, which were to be implemented between last June and December, were running behind.

The government, in a policy document released recently, terms the package a “high impact intensive programme” to stimulate economic activity at the local level by creating employment opportunities.

It is also expected to spur entrepreneurial activities and support the building blocks to ensure a healthy and educated populace, according to the document.

If all had gone according to plan, all the projects under the package were to be implemented by December 31, only two months away.