NAROK, Kenya- Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has called for the suspension of funding for new projects in Kenya’s 2026/2027 financial year until existing government commitments are completed and verified, pending bills are paid.
Olekina said the national budget should prioritize completion of ongoing projects and settlement of all verified outstanding payments.
“Kenya’s FY 2026/2027 budget should not fund new projects until all existing promises and ongoing projects are completed, and all verified pending bills are paid,” he said.
The Senator also urged the National Treasury to adhere to constitutional budgetary processes, stating that use of emergency expenditure provisions should be limited.
“Treasury must stop using Article 223 to spend outside the Appropriation Act and the budget approved by Parliament, except strictly within constitutional limits,” he added.
Article 223 of the Constitution allows the national government to spend money not approved by Parliament in cases of urgency or unforeseen need, subject to later parliamentary approval.
The remarks come as Kenya continues to manage a backlog of pending bills and ongoing development projects across the country.
What Article 223 Means
Article 223 of the Constitution allows the National Government to spend money not appropriated by Parliament in cases of urgency or unforeseen circumstances, but it requires later approval by the National Assembly.
Critics have in the past raised concerns that the provision has been used to bypass parliamentary budget controls, raising questions over fiscal discipline and accountability.
Auditor General reports have repeatedly flagged delayed payments and incomplete projects as a major risk to public financial management.
