NAIROBI, Kenya- Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has launched a sharp attack on the government’s fiscal management, warning that the increasing use of constitutional emergency spending is exposing the country to serious financial risks.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the outspoken lawmaker said he could no longer remain silent as Kenya’s ambitious economic vision, often likened to a “road to Singapore”, is undermined by what he termed reckless spending practices.
“It’s not good to keep quiet when the road to Singapore (Kenya) is full of potholes…,” Ole Kina said, accusing the government of “unnecessary spending outside the budget” through abuse of Article 223.
Concerns over Article 223 misuse
At the heart of his criticism is Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows the government to withdraw funds for urgent and unforeseen needs—subject to later parliamentary approval.
Ole Kina argued that the provision is increasingly being used to bypass proper budgetary processes, weakening oversight and accountability.
He is now pushing for urgent constitutional reforms, proposing that any spending under Article 223 must first receive bicameral approval from both the National Assembly and the Senate, rather than being ratified after the fact.
According to the senator, such reforms would restore fiscal discipline and prevent the Executive from sidestepping Parliament in major financial decisions.
AFCON fee sparks outrage
The senator singled out the KSh 3.9 billion allocation for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a clear example of mismanagement.
Ole Kina questioned why a predictable, long-term obligation was processed under emergency provisions instead of being planned for within the national budget.
Kenya is under pressure to settle the multi-billion-shilling hosting fee to secure its role in the regional tournament, co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania.
Government officials have acknowledged that the funds were not initially captured in the current budget, forcing authorities to seek alternative financing mechanisms, including supplementary allocations.
