Government Printer Faces Ksh 700M Budget Slash, E-Citizen Services at Risk
Parliament’s drastic plan to cut the Government Printer’s development budget could have dire consequences for essential government services, such as eCitizen platforms and the creation of important documents.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee’s Supplementary Budget 1 report has proposed eliminating the Ksh700 million set aside for upgrading equipment at the Government Printer. This money was intended for modernizing outdated machinery, with over 70 percent of the current equipment dating from between 1930 and 1980.
This decision follows a meeting last November where legislators and Mr. Abdi Hassan Ali, the head of the Government Printer, discussed the severe deficiencies in the Printer’s infrastructure and the urgent need for modernization.
Gabriel Tongoyo, the Committee Chairperson who initially backed the Government Printer’s needs, had pledged to revisit the issue after a recess and to inspect the facility. However, this support has since been withdrawn, putting the Printer’s future at risk.
“We must support the Government Printer. We need to discuss how to improve this crucial service, as it is our responsibility. After the short recess, we will tour the printing press to understand its situation better,” Tongoyo said to the Government Printer in November.
The report now warns, “The proposed cuts will significantly disrupt essential services.” The Government Printer is crucial for producing over 42 million documents annually, including vital government reports and certificates.
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The impact of these budget cuts goes beyond traditional printing services.
The eCitizen platform, a key digital resource for more than 17,349 government services, depends on the Government Printer’s support. A reduction in the Printer’s capacity could impair the platform’s functionality, affecting service delivery and revenue collection.
The Committee stressed that maintaining the eCitizen platform necessitates ongoing upgrades and public awareness efforts. The aim is to digitize 80 percent of public services, making them available through eCitizen in a more streamlined format.
“The committee noted that sustaining this platform requires continuous upgrades, public sensitization, and regular monitoring,” the Committee stated in the report.
The proposed budget cut has sparked controversy, with critics claiming it endangers both traditional printing services and the advancement of digital government initiatives.
As Parliament gets ready to debate the Supplementary Budget, the potential consequences of these cuts remain a critical issue for both lawmakers and the public. The future of essential government services is at stake.
Government Printer Faces Ksh 700M Budget Slash, E-Citizen Services at Risk
