Caution Advised: Treasury Urged to Limit Domestic Borrowing
The World Bank has issued a warning concerning Kenya’s increasing reliance on domestic debt, stating that it exceeds the recommended levels.
The government’s borrowing is primarily driven by the need to finance the budget deficit.
However, caution must be exercised to avoid excluding the private sector, which plays a crucial role in generating tax revenues that sustain the Treasury.
The success and growth of private businesses heavily rely on the functioning and expansion opportunities provided by Kenyan commercial banks.
During the recently concluded financial year, the Treasury raised the amount of domestic borrowing by Sh50 billion to a total of Sh475 billion.
Looking ahead to the current year, this figure is set to further rise to Sh586.5 billion. The government’s motivation for turning to domestic sources stems partly from the challenges it faces in international capital markets, which often offer more favorable terms.
The government must establish a balance and adopt a sustainable borrowing ratio that avoids harming private businesses, given that their tax contributions form a significant portion of the overall revenues collected.
Consequently, the government should prioritize unlocking additional funding from global sources rather than solely relying on domestic debt.
By diversifying funding sources, the government can reduce the pressure on the private sector and alleviate the risk of crowding out businesses from accessing necessary capital.
This approach would involve actively engaging with international capital markets to secure funding at favorable terms. By doing so, the government can minimize the negative consequences that excessive domestic borrowing may have on private sector growth and economic stability.
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In addition to seeking global sources of funding, the government should also focus on improving domestic revenue generation. This could be achieved through effective tax collection measures and initiatives to expand the tax base.
By enhancing tax compliance and reducing loopholes, the government can increase its revenue streams and reduce the need for excessive domestic borrowing.
Furthermore, promoting an enabling environment for private sector growth and investment is crucial. The government should prioritize policies that facilitate business expansion, attract foreign direct investment, and encourage entrepreneurship.
By nurturing a vibrant private sector, the government can stimulate economic growth, and job creation, and ultimately enhance its revenue base.
In summary, while the government’s borrowing to finance the budget deficit is understandable, it should be done cautiously to avoid negatively impacting the private sector.
The government needs to strike a balance by exploring global funding sources, improving domestic revenue generation, and creating an enabling environment for private sector growth.
By adopting these measures, Kenya can achieve sustainable economic development while ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of its private businesses and the overall economy.
Caution Advised: Treasury Urged to Limit Domestic Borrowing
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