Ruto: Govt Did Not Budget For Uhuru Gardens
President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration spent up to Ksh15 billion on redeveloping the facility, which was not part of their plans
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Deputy President William Ruto has disclosed that the renovation of the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum was not among the budget plan of the government.
Speaking during the presidential debate on Tuesday, July 26, he disclosed that President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration spent up to Ksh15 billion on redeveloping the facility, which was not part of their plans, thus leading to a financial deficit within the administration.
"Our physical deficit indicates we have many projects not budgeted for, like Uhuru Gardens Museum. We spend close to Ksh15 billion on such," he disclosed.
A picture of Uhuru Gardens. /PSCU
The second-in-command was responding to a question on the national debts during his tenure. He responded by saying that the debt was inflated due to projects that were not within its financial plan.
He promised that when elected president, he would reduce the frequency at which Kenya borrows funds to supplement government projects, noting that there are other sources of revenue his Kenya Kwanza administration would capitalise on.
"I still believe that it is reckless for anybody to say we cannot pay our debts. I believe we have what it takes to pay our debts. What we cannot entertain as a country is that we are in a position we can't service our debt and we need to renegotiate.
"What I would do, we will first slowdown on borrowing, slow unbudgeted projects which is the biggest source of our problems, we need to raise our revenues and we have areas we can raise our revenue," he added.
He further launched a daring attack on the administration for spending lavishly on matters which were above their financial potential.
"We collect 52 per cent of all collectable VAT, we can raise 95% which will give us an extra Ksh450 billion, there is room to raise additional revenue. Our debt today is a challenge and we need to deal with it. We are living beyond our means," he explained.
His remarks came a day after President Uhuru commissioned the museum, urging the media to use it as their source of factual information in their storytelling.
The President pointed out that the facility holds historical and cultural artefacts, memorabilia and audio-visual stories from the events that birthed and shaped the nation’s destiny.
“We can’t always be painting a negative picture of our country. You have to tell stories which can inspire and give hope to build the nation. You need to bring that out. And also tell us how our country has been birthed, shaped and where we are.
“Come and see for yourself, verify the history and be able to report stories based on facts, not hearsay. This will also enrich your profession and professionalize your profession,” President Kenyatta said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and other delegates during a tour of Uhuru Gardens on July 25, 2022. /PSCU
