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Tourism, sports, culture budget doubles to Sh23.7bn for 2024/25 Fiscal Year

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u presenting the 2024/2025 budget in Parliament on June 13, 2024. (X/National Assembly)

By Farhiya Hussein | Thursday, June 13, 2024

Ndung’u said the government plans to also focus on strengthening the infrastructure for arts and culture and supporting cultural production and the creative economy.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u has announced a substantial increase in the budget allocation for tourism, sports, culture, and recreation for the 2024/25 Fiscal Year. The sector has been allocated Sh23.7 billion, a significant rise from last year’s allocation of Sh12.5 billion.

In this year’s budget, the government aims to expand the space for creativity, including the freedom of expression and the protection of intellectual property rights.

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Ndung’u said the government plans to also focus on strengthening the infrastructure for arts and culture and supporting cultural production and the creative economy.

The recognition of the brand value of Kenyans excelling in the international sports arena is also highlighted as an essential aspect of national pride and identity.

To support these initiatives, the budget includes an allocation of Sh16.5 billion for the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund, which marks an increase from the previous year’s allocation of Sh6.4 billion.

The government plans to utilise the funds to nurture talent and provide the necessary resources for artists and athletes to thrive.

The tourism sector, another vital part of the economy, will receive Sh4.9 billion from the tourism fund, up from Sh4.1 billion allocated last year.

Additionally, Sh2.2 billion has been earmarked for the Tourism Promotion Fund, slightly higher than last year’s Sh2 billion.

These funds are intended to boost tourism marketing efforts and improve the country’s appeal as a top tourist destination.

In contrast, last year’s budget also included specific allocations aimed at addressing wildlife-related issues and infrastructure within parks.

For instance, Sh1.1 billion was allocated for human-wildlife conflict compensation, Sh800 million for wildlife insurance, Sh400 million for the maintenance of access roads and airstrips in parks, Sh 319 million for drilling boreholes in protected areas for wildlife water provision, and Sh226 million for wildlife research facilities.

This year's focus, however, has shifted more towards the overall enhancement of the sports, arts, and cultural sectors, reflecting the government's strategic move to bolster these areas and elevate Kenya's global profile.