Almost everything about the budget that was read by Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani was unique. From the CS low key arrival of the CS to the budget being proposed at tough economic times and a low number of guests b being invited at the ceremony, everything was indeed unusual.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukuru Yatani arrived at the Parliament Building for the budget reading to a low-key reception unlike the before. The cold reception was due to the restrictions imposed on the Covid-19 pandemic.
As he was driven in his car – the famed Treasury Volkswagen Passat, CS Ukur was not heavily guarded by security officers as his predecessors are. Even the journalists were allowed to take videos and photos of the car interior as the CS was being driven to the parliament building.
With the symbolic budget briefcase, Ambassador Ukuru arrived at the parliament building at 2.40 pm. At the entrance, the CS was ushered by a few House leaders Aden Duale (Leader of Majority), John Mbadi (Minority Leader), Budget Committee chair Kimani Ichungwa, and National Assembly Clerk Michael Sialai.
Budget reading is usually a big moment for the nation but this one was greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In normal scenarios, the Parliament is usually a nearly full house but for this one, only 79 members were present.
Only a few dignitaries were invited at the occasion and no cocktail was served unlike in the past.
“Following the Covid-19 situation, we are unable to offer the usual cocktail. Guests can leave at their pleasure,” Speaker Justine Muturi relayed his regrets.
The 245 members who were registered to attend the occasion followed the proceedings from the galleries ad other designated sitting places.
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At the arrival, the soft-spoken Yatani appeared jovial and in high spirits despite the weight of issues underlying in his budget briefcase.
From how he came for the great job that awaited him, Yatani couldn’t hide to the world how his family was supportive of his new fond job. He was accompanied by his two sons and wife to the Parliament building.
This year’s budget has been described as a special one, now that it came when the country is suffering adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, a situation that has made the CS to chose between helping the economy or venturing into adverse effects of the virus.
