The Kenyan government has presented its first national budget to parliament. English to Africa reporter Josiah Obat says it goes a long way toward fulfilling the promises the party made during last year’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
The proposed budget’s priorities include funding for strengthening the country’s educational and agricultural sectors. It also factors in donor funding for its various allocations. Reporter Obat says the government feels it has met most of the conditions laid by donors for financial assistance, including good governance and improved economic management. In a speech to parliament, Kenya’s finance minister noted the damage done to the country’s tourism industry by the threat of terrorism.
Tourism remains a major source of income for Kenya. Parliament is expected to approve the budget by a comfortable margin, given the ruling party’s majority status there.
Reporter Obat spoke from Nairobi with English to Africa reporter Ashenafi Abedje.