Kenyan political parties are facing a huge financial challenge as they grapple with a mounting debt of Sh30 billion that has accumulated since the 2016/17 Financial Year.
This comes in the backdrop of National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u’s reservations about the feasibility of funding political parties in the current fiscal climate.
Ngung’u, who has emphasized the need to allocate resources to essential services such as health, education, security, national interests, and the Equalisation Fund, disclosed that the allocation to the Political Parties Fund for this year stands at Sh1.475 billion, which is significantly less than the legally mandated share of Sh7 billion. This allocation represents just 0.3 percent of the national government’s revenue.
The delay in disbursing these funds has raised concerns among political parties. Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch questioned the Treasury’s procrastination in releasing the funds, citing a court order that directed their disbursement.
The funding delays are taking a toll on various political parties, including President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement, both of which are grappling with financial strain.
As these parties navigate their financial burdens, there is growing apprehension about their ability to sustain their operations and remain viable in Kenya’s dynamic political landscape.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
