MPs want time to review budget policy statement extended by seven days

The National Assembly is pushing for more time to consider the budget policy statement (BPS) in a move that could see the scrutiny period extended by seven days.

A proposed amendment to the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, if approved, would allow MPs 21 days instead of the current 14 to review the BPS, a key government document that sets the framework for the national budget.

The amendment, introduced by Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei, seeks to modify Section 25(7) of the PFM Act to give lawmakers more time to thoroughly evaluate the BPS before it is finalised.

"The object of this Bill is to amend the PFM Act to increase the period for consideration of the BPS to allow for comprehensive scrutiny of the proposals contained in the statement," the Bill reads.

This proposed change comes after lawmakers in the 12th Parliament called for longer periods to review the BPS, particularly after concerns about inadequate public involvement in the budget process.

Gather public input

The amendment aims to ensure that MPs have ample time to discuss the document and gather input from the public, allowing for better decision-making and transparency in the budget process.

The move is also in response to growing public pressure for greater participation in the legislative process, particularly after a wave of protests by Gen Z activists in 2024.

The young activists stormed Parliament on June 25, 2024, in protest after the passage of the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, which was later discarded.

In the wake of these protests, Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge issued a directive mandating that public participation on key Bills, such as the Finance Bill, begin at the constituency level to better engage citizens in the process.

Currently, Section 25(7) of the PFM Act requires Parliament to table and discuss the BPS within 14 days of its submission. MPs then make recommendations and pass resolutions that influence the final budget for the financial year.

Under the proposed amendment, MPs would have 21 days to review the BPS before they present their recommendations.

Treasury's timeline

The changes also affect the Treasury's timeline for publishing the BPS.

According to the current rules, the Treasury must publish and publicise the BPS within 15 days of its submission to Parliament.

The proposed amendment seeks to extend this period to 22 days, giving the Treasury more time to prepare the document.

The proposed amendments to the PFM Act are part of ongoing efforts to improve the budget process and ensure that it is more inclusive and transparent.

The changes will be considered by Parliament, and if approved, could become a key part of future budget planning and execution.