The Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) continues to serve as Kenya’s premier platform for harmonizing fiscal and economic policy between the National and County Governments. Chaired by H.E. Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki, IBEC plays a central role in aligning budget priorities, guiding equitable revenue allocation, and streamlining disbursement frameworks to support the country’s development agenda.
During the 28th Ordinary Session of IBEC, held at the Deputy President’s Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, agriculture emerged as a cornerstone of the Council’s deliberations. Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh Paul, CBS, was among the senior officials contributing to the dialogue, which emphasized the need to rationalize public expenditure, fast-track the completion of agricultural infrastructure, and reinforce budget credibility to catalyze sectoral growth.
The Council reportedly explored innovative financing models, including the expansion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), to unlock investment across agricultural value chains and rural economies. Discussions also highlighted key reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and operational efficiency—among them, the digitization of procurement systems, payroll consolidation, pension modernization, and the shift toward accrual accounting and zero-based budgeting.
The National Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting strategic agricultural investments while advancing transformative reforms to accelerate agro-industrialization. Through initiatives such as County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, efforts are underway to reduce the cost of inputs and energy, strengthen farm-to-market linkages, and empower counties to deliver impactful agricultural services. These measures are expected to anchor Kenya’s economic recovery, bolster food security, stimulate job creation, and unlock inclusive growth across the country.
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