State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development Faces Budgetary Challenges

The Permanent Secretary for the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Mr. Kello Harsama has expressed disappointment over a 40.71% reduction, as he had anticipated an allocation of Kshs.16.99 billion but only received Kshs.10.077 billion.

In the proposed FY 2024/25 budget, the PS raised concerns about a 56% reduction in recurrent expenditure compared to the approved 2024 BPS.

Speaking during a meeting at Parliament Buildings when he appeared before the Departmental Committee on Regional Development, PS Harsama revealed project implementation in his docket have been adversely affected by budget cut.

He highlighted that this reduction would affect the implementation of programs under the State Department.

PS Kello was appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Regional Development to submit the State Department’s proposal for the supplementary No. 2 FY2023/24 budget and FY 2024/25 Annual Estimates.

Included in the supplementary No. 2 proposal, was an allocation of Kshs.5.4 billion for Article 223 expenditures under the relief and rehabilitation department. PS Kello explained to the Committee that the amount was intended to provide relief assistance, such as food, medicine, blankets, cash grants, and tents for the flood victims in the country.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Peter Lochakapong (Sigor), scrutinized these submissions and expressed concern about the proposed budget cut on recurrent expenditures. He noted that the shortfall would have a negative effect on employees’ personal emoluments.

The Committee acknowledged progress made on certain projects but raised concerns about underutilized assets, such as the Ultra-Modern Processing equipment at the Rice Mill processing plant under the Lake Basin Development.

In response, PS Harsama informed the Committee about proposals made to the Treasury for further funding to optimize the utilization of the Rice Mill.

Despite financial challenges, the Committee commended the State Department for progress made on multi-million projects, such as the Drought Mitigation & flood control initiatives.

However, Members emphasized on the importance of prudent use of public resources and engagement in Public Private Partnerships to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

“As a Committee, we note the progress you have made in establishing humanitarian projects in various regions in the country. However, we also want to ensure the prudent use of public funds so that what is presented on paper can physically be seen and accounted for, ensuring that the public gets value for their resources,” said Hon. Lochakapong

The Committee echoed the Chairperson’s sentiments in acknowledging concerns over budget cuts but also emphasized on the need for detailed project allocations instead of block figure budgeting to facilitate implementation and follow-ups.

Hon. Lochakapong directed the department to provide breakdowns by Friday for committee consideration.

PS Kello also tabled a breakdown of pending bills amounting to Kshs.3 billion, as well as key areas that were underfunded in the estimates.

He pleaded prioritization of funding for the 5 Billion Fruit Tree Programme and also presented a list of stalled projects to the Committee, seeking funding intervention.

Notably, is the implantation of the Milk Processing Plant in Wundanyi which the PS said will be at a cost of Kshs. 42 million under the Coast Development Authority.

PS Kello assured the Committee that the State Department for ASALs and Regional Developments is focused on building resilience through design and support implementation of livelihood diversification programmes to ensure that communities became self –reliant adding that the ASAL area is the next frontier for food production

The Committee noted the concern on budget reduction on personnel emolument indicating that it will be affect the operations of the State Department.

“We have noted your concern and we shall deliberate on them. We however, I expect that you deliver your breakdown on the identified block figures by Friday for consideration by the Committee”, directed Hon. Lochakapong.

The Committee will be presenting a report before the Budget and Appropriation Committee for consideration.

Members present during the session included Hon. Kombe Harrison, Hon. Nabulindo Peter, Hon. Cherorot Kimutai, Hon. Khamis Chome, Hon. Paul Abuor, Hon. Major (Rtd.) Dekow Barrow, and Hon. Yaqub Farah.