Revenue commission urges December polls citing budget

The Commission on Revenue Allocation is opining for elections to be held in December saying any other date will disrupt the budget making process.

Speaking during the launch of 2012 public budget hearings, the Chairman of Commission of Revenue Allocation, Mr Micah Cheserem said an earlier date will pose challenges in implementing the devolved units.

Under the new budgetary regime, the budget policy statement— taking account of the public presentations— is expected to be taken to parliament by February 28, followed by budget proposals by end of April.

Parliament will to debate the budget proposals and pass it by June, leaving the commission with only six months to prepare for County government.

“The December date is ideal. There will be enough time to prepare. Any date before this will disrupt the budget.” Mr Cheserem said after the launch of the process.

The High Court last week gave President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga leeway to set elections date any date earlier than March 15, 2013. (READ: Court: Kenya set for 2013 poll unless coalition dissolved)

There has been a debate on holding elections either in August or December.

The 2012/13 budget marks the end of the first phase of Vision 2030, a blueprint seeking to turn the country into a medium economy in next 19 years. It will also be the first to facilitate implementation of new constitution and devolved funds.

He said challenges were expected during the transition to devolved units which still lacked structure.

“We want to know how the budget will be done because the first six months will be under central government and the other six under devolved units.”

The public financial Bill meant to ease transition to devolved governance is yet to be enacted into law.

Finance Minister, Uhuru Kenyatta, officiated the launch and said the public financial management Bill was complete and will soon be taken to parliament to be enacted to law.

“The Bill will integrate the entire budgeting and budget management process. The Bill will soon be presented to Cabinet for approval before its submission to parliament.

“It will enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability in management of public resources,” he said.