Parliament’s Budget and Appropriation Committee issued a stern warning to the Treasury saying the legislators would not pass the 2013/2014 supplementary estimates until their demands are met.
The committee, headed by Mbeere South MP Mutava Musyimi, put Treasury Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge to task, demanding an explanation on why funds for their mortgage and car loans have not been provided for in the supplementary budget.
“It is unfortunate that we find ourselves to do what we have to do,” said Mr Musyimi. “We are asking you (Dr Thugge) to go and look for this money. Parliament will not approve these estimates without their car loans and mortgages. Let me tell you, politics is not easy and these people (MPs) use money for campaigns. Go and look for money,” the tough-talking Musyimi said.
TIME TO REPAY LOANS
The committee claimed that the NationalTreasury has been a let down to the legislators who are now worried that their time is running out and may not have enough time to repay the loans.
“National Treasury has put us in an embarrassing situation with the National Assembly. Treasury knew very well that we needed this money but we were shocked to find that we have been allocated only Sh1 billion,” said Musyimi.
Thugge, however, requested for more time to consult with Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich over the matter. “I will have to consult with my Cabinet Secretary over this issue,” said Thugge.
The National Treasury allocated Sh1 billion in additional funding to the Parliamentary Service Commission for mortgage facility during the current (2013/2014) financial year, against a target of Sh2.5 billion.
Also running into trouble is the proposed car loan facility for MPs whose Sh700 million budget was not provided for in the supplementary estimates.
Last week, the committee said its hands were tight as regards to mortgage and car loan facilities since it operates on fixed budget set by the National Treasury.
- The Standard
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