Transparency in Government Budgets
The International Budget Partnership Kenya launched the County Budget Transparency Survey for the year 2022 titled “Transparency for better budget implementation”.
The survey conducted at the sub-national level highlights the degree of transparency in the different counties and how their budgets are implemented.
Governments have for long struggled with being open about their development plans, fiscal strategies and funds disbursement. Because of this, an initiative like a county budget transparency survey is commendable. It holds them accountable which can go a long way in ensuring reduced cases of corruption.
IBP Kenya manager Dr. Abraham Rugo said that in as much as they do surveys on national governments, the focus on counties is due to a strong belief in the power of devolution.
“But we also decided to focus on the county governments because for us, we believe that devolution is a game changer for this country moving forward”
County governments in Kenya are also required by law to publicize budget documents throughout the budget cycle as this helps to shape public priorities and monitor implementation of said budgets.
The survey found that West Pokot was the most transparent county scoring 78%. Governor Simon Kachapin attributed their position to public participation and a commitment to fostering openness and accountability.
“As governors, it’s our duty to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and that the people we serve have access to comprehensive and timely information regarding budgetary decisions”
Makueni County came in second with 75%. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said that he’s a big champion for devolution but that those who are against it tend to magnify the negatives over the positives.
“The enemies of devolution still exist, they are still around, and they are looking for a bad story” “Where there is a small bad story about any county it is amplified”
Kwale scored 51% and took the third position. It was also awarded the top most improved county since it moved from the bottom of the list in the previous survey to top 3.
Governor Fatuma Mohammed said that what helped in their budget transparency process was the involvement of everyone from the village unit level to the governor’s office.
In the survey Isiolo, Kajiado, Migori and Wajir were the least transparent counties scoring 0%. Jumuia ya Kaunti za Pwani, Southeastern Kenya and Nairobi were the best performing regional economic blocs and only 8 counties out of 47 published the four quarterly budget implementation reports required in the financial year 2021/2022.
The survey conducted in two stages; first focused on availability of key budget documents on county websites and then checked these documents for comprehensiveness.
IBP Kenya conducts the CBT survey annually across all 47 sub — national units.
“By promoting the principles of transparency and public participation anchored in the PFM act, counties can enhance their credibility by building a community of citizens that are actively involved in budget processes and can hold their governments to account” said Dr. Rugo.
