President William Ruto chaired a significant meeting at State House where the Cabinet announced the establishment of a special committee dedicated to resolving the long-standing issue of pending bills.
The committee, named the Pending Bills Verification Committee, will be responsible for auditing liabilities accumulated between 2005 and 2022.
With the National Government pending bills amounting to Sh481 billion and counties owing Sh159.9 billion, the Cabinet acknowledged the pressing need to address this persistent concern.
Comprised of several key government departments and external bodies, the committee's composition includes the Attorney General, the State Department of Roads, the State Department of Public Works, the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.
Additionally, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Engineers of Kenya, and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya will play pivotal roles in the committee's operations.
Upon verification, the committee will submit interim reports to the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, who will ensure the government honors the obligations in question.
The primary objective of this initiative is to establish the integrity of all bills and mitigate the liquidity inadequacies faced by small enterprises.
Furthermore, the committee will propose mechanisms to prevent the accumulation of pending bills in the future, aiming to enhance financial stability and reliability within the country's economic framework.
The committee is expected to present its final report within a year, indicating a strong commitment to addressing the pending bills issue promptly and efficiently.
By actively tackling this problem, the government aims to support small enterprises and foster a more resilient economic environment.
In addition to the pending bills committee, the Cabinet approved the establishment of decentralised offices for the Attorney General and the Department of Justice.
This move aims to ensure that essential services are easily accessible to citizens at the grassroots level, minimizing costs and increasing efficiency.
Furthermore, the Cabinet consented to the transmission and introduction of the Tribunals Bill, 2023, to Parliament. If enacted, the bill will streamline and regulate the administration and functions of tribunals, establish a dedicated Tribunals Registry, and promote independence and impartiality within their operations.
This development reflects the government's commitment to bolstering the justice system and enhancing access to justice for all citizens.
In a demonstration of the government's dedication to affordable and quality healthcare, the Cabinet confirmed the hosting of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Kenya.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration with the private sector in achieving universal healthcare, this decision aligns with the government's vision to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare services to its citizens.
During the meeting, the Cabinet was also briefed on the progress of the Digital Superhighway and the ongoing digitalization of government services.
The launch of over 5000 fully digitized services on June 30th marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to modernize and streamline public services, improving accessibility and efficiency for citizens.
Additionally, the Cabinet received updates on the country's drought and food situation, with forecast indicating improvements. The government remains committed to addressing food security challenges and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
President Ruto's commitment to placing women's issues at the forefront of his administration was evident as he cleared the Advisor on Women's Rights, Harriette Chiggai, to attend the meeting.
Other notable attendees included Monica Juma (National Security Advisor), David Ndii (Chairperson of the Council of Economic Advisors), and Cleophas Malala (UDA Secretary General).
With the establishment of the Pending Bills Verification Committee, the government is taking a proactive approach to resolve the long-standing issue of pending bills.
By enhancing access to justice, streamlining government services, and prioritizing women's issues, President Ruto's administration continues to work towards the betterment of the nation and the welfare of its citizens.
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