“A Meal For Children” – Ruto Wants Finance Bill Passed For Poor Kenyans To Access Education
President William Ruto urged Members of Parliament on Thursday to pass the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which would provide funds for his government to implement various education-related projects.
Speaking at Garissa University’s fifth graduation ceremony in Garissa, Ruto stated that the bill will allow the state to provide meals to students from poor families.
He stated that the government intends to invest in school feeding programs to increase and maintain school attendance.
“I am asking the MPs to expedite the bill in Parliament so that we can make that facility available to vulnerable children who otherwise will be out of school unless there is a meal for them there,” Ruto said.
We have invested KSh660 billion in the education of our children because we believe schooling is the most powerful equaliser and multiplier of opportunities in society.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) June 20, 2024
During the 5th Graduation Ceremony, Garissa University.
Earlier, laid the foundation stone for the Garissa… pic.twitter.com/Uve6XyV6c9
He also cited the proposed law as an important step towards hiring intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
“Every child deserves a chance,” Ruto said, further appealing to MPs to pass the bill for his government to have money to give university students loans and scholarships.
The National Assembly Finance Committee announced on Tuesday that some of the proposed levies would be reduced in response to public outcry, which has since escalated into nationwide protests.
Among the harsh laws were increased bread taxes, motor vehicle circulation taxes, and an excise duty on vegetable cooking oil.
However, the National Treasury has informed Parliament that amendments to the proposed finance law will result in a Ksh.200 billion shortfall in revenue projections for the Ksh.3.992 trillion 2024/2025 budget.
On Thursday, Parliament will hold its second day of debate on the Finance Bill.
On Tuesday next week, MPs will move amendments approved by the speaker at the committee of the whole house, also known as the bill’s Third Reading.
Legislators will then vote on the Finance Bill before June 30, before the fiscal year 2024/25 begins on July 1.
“A Meal For Children” – Ruto Wants Finance Bill Passed For Poor Kenyans To Access Education
