Treasury seeks proposals to guide investments in infrastructure and agriculture

National Treasury Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge. He has welcomed proposals from private sector players, non-governmental organisations as well as individuals on formulating a financial policy that encourages investments in infrastructural and agricultural development. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The move follows a constitutional provision that requires that public views be sought and their input factored in the national budget.
  • Kenya being a largely agricultural economy, the Treasury welcomed suggestions that would encourage investments in agriculture.
  • On the transport and infrastructure front, the government expressed its willingness to allow private investments in roads, seaports, airports, railways, energy and oil.

The National Treasury has invited proposals on formulating a financial policy that encourages investments in infrastructural and agricultural development.

National Treasury Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge said private sector players, non-governmental organisations as well as individuals were at liberty to file their submissions in soft copy to [email protected] or present a hard copy to his office by March 31.

The move follows a constitutional provision that requires that public views be sought and their input factored in the national budget as a way of enhancing national inclusivity and patriotism in the budget-making process.

“The proposals should spur or sustain economic growth, strengthen devolution, create wealth and employment opportunities thereby reducing poverty in line with Vision 2030,” Dr Thugge said.

The treasury expressed willingness to create a conducive business environment through improvement of security, deepening structural and governance reforms that encourage investments and innovations that create jobs.

AGRICULTURE

Kenya being a largely agricultural economy, the Treasury welcomed suggestions that would encourage investments in agriculture, which could see food production increased and agriculture transformed.

On the transport and infrastructure front, the government expressed its willingness to allow private investments in roads, seaports, airports, railways, energy and oil.

“We need to promote investments in healthcare and education as well as a social safety net. Any other measures that deepen private and public sector development to spur economic growth during the coming year are most welcome,” Treasury said in an advertisement in the Daily Nation.

Dr Thugge also urged Kenyans to help the government come up with measures that discourage graft and tax evasion, as well as encouraging tax compliance thereby raising much-needed funds for national development.