The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, reviewed three major legislative proposals touching on public finance, citizen registration, and the agriculture sector.
The Bills under consideration included the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Paul Abuor (Rongo), the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), and the Agriculture and Livestock Extension Service Bill, 2024, introduced by John Kanyuithia Mutunga.
Abuor’s Bill seeks to tighten financial accountability by requiring all project funds to be deposited in project-specific accounts, monitored by the Controller of Budget (COB).
The Bill also proposes mandatory periodic training for accounting officers and Authority to Incur Expenditure (AiE) holders to enhance compliance and transparency in managing public funds.
“The object of this Bill is to ensure that all appropriated funds are used strictly for the intended projects,” said Abuor. “It will help track project progress and prevent diversion of funds.”
Peter Masara (Suna West), a member of the committee, called for its extension to county governments to curb wastage. Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako raised concerns about the management of multiple accounts for smaller projects.
Committee Chair Atandi acknowledged the Bill’s good intentions but cautioned about the administrative burden it could create for accounting officers.
On the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Wanjiku Muhia said the proposal aims to streamline the process of acquiring national identification cards by allowing students to register while still in school.
“This Bill will reduce bureaucracy and make services more accessible,” Muhia told the Committee, explaining that schools will be mandated to register pupils within thirty days of turning eighteen.
Jane Kagiri (Laikipia) backed the proposal, saying it would especially benefit young people in pastoralist areas where access to registration centers is limited.
Meanwhile, Mutunga defended his Agriculture and Livestock Extension Service Bill, 2024.
The legislation seeks to provide a legal framework for coordinated, efficient, and sustainable extension services across the country.
The Bill proposes the establishment of a National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Service and a Repository Centre to support county governments in employing extension officers and boosting agricultural productivity.
“Please consider this Bill favourably,” said Mutunga. “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and we must strengthen its support systems.”
The Budget and Appropriations Committee is expected to compile its report and present its recommendations to the National Assembly for debate in the coming weeks.