Kenya ranked 53 out of 120 globally in budget transparency

The government should step up public engagements in every stage of the budget making process.

According to the Institute of Public Finance Chief Executive Officer James Muraguri, Kenya’s place in the recent open budget survey rose 3 points to position 53 out of 120 countries, and more needs to be done to improve Kenya’s ranking in budgets’ transparency, public participation and budget oversight.

The Open Budget Survey done after two years rank countries in budget transparency, openness and assess availability of budget information on the website. 

In 2019 Kenya was ranked 50 out of 117 countries while in 2021 Kenya’s position slightly improved to 53 out of 120 countries in the survey with regard to transparency.

Kenya came in position 50, public participation at 31 while on budget oversight Kenya got a score of 54 out of 100 countries. 

Only 4 countries globally, comprising South Korea, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Georgia provided moderate opportunities for public participation. 

Broader accountability system and Public engagement remains the weakest link with the lowest performance at an average 14 points out 100. 

While calling for more innovative approaches to encourage citizens feedback and public participation, the Institute of Public Finance Chief Executive Officer James Muraguri, noted that Kenya is still grappling with its own unaccounted budgetary measures and policies made during Covid-19 period which greatly affected the fiscal environment. 

To improve budget transparency, Kenya should publish mid-year review online instead of the 2nd quarter of the budget report, include in the year end report performance information and detailed actual outcomes for expenditures and also improve the comprehensiveness of the budget.