THE INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA
(established under the Accountant Act, Laws of Kenya)
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE AND DEVOLUTION SCORECARD
Theme:Harnessing Government Expenditure for Sustainable Development
Date: 21st – 22nd November 2019
Venue: Hotel InterContinental – Nairobi
OVERVIEW
The recent expenditure rationalization measures adopted by the National Treasury such as controlling foreign travel, hospitality cleaning and regular audit of the payroll register among others. However, these measures should have tangible targets and outcomes and should not be seen as measures to hinder service delivery. Efficiency gains, not additional funding, is the key to effective implementation of government projects without further accumulation of debt. The 2019/2020 budget has indicated a commitment to fiscal consolidation through limiting government spending as well as enhancing revenue collection. Efficiency gains entail effective utilization of public resources such that the country is able to achieve more with fewer resources. Whilst recognizing the need for fiscal consolidation to reduce budget deficit, this has likely impact on devolution and service delivery.
It’s against the foregoing that the Institute has organize a conference themed, “Harnessing Government Expenditure for Sustainable Development”, to share ICPAK devolution study findings, discuss the state of devolution and progress made in delivery of services under the devolved system of government. The Conference will be held on 21st to 22nd November 2019, at Hotel InterContinental, Nairobi, Kenya.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The Conference targets officials from the National and County Governments, County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers in education, agriculture, health, roads and infrastructure and trade sectors, the private sector, the civil society, public finance professionals, professional bodies and the academia among many other delegates with interest in Devolution.
PROPOSED TOPICS
Topic 1: Accountability in County Governments’ expenditure: Continuous improvement towards a shared prosperity
Article 201 of The Constitution of Kenya provides that there shall be accountability and public participation in public finance matters. The subject of accountability has further been comprehensively provided for under the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, County Government Act 2012, Public Audit Act 2015 and Controller of Budget Act 2015 among other constitutional and legal provisions. This session will expose delegates to the following:
- Role of Auditor General and Controller of Budget in entrenching accountability;
- Non-State Actors perspective on accountability and prudent resource utilization;
- Collaboration and intergovernmental relations for accountability and shared prosperity.
Topic 2: Revenue Share and Public Expenditure: fixing the missing link
Since the FY 2013/14, there has been delay in enacting the Division of Revenue Bill and County Allocation of Revenue Bills and that facilitate vertical and horizontal share respectively. The tussle experienced between the National Assembly and the Senate over the Division of Revenue Bill 2019 posed challenges to the county governments in terms of service delivery. This session will expose delegates to the
- The division of revenue process and challenges of revenue share;
- Political and legal mitigation measures to persistent delays in passage of Division of Revenue legislation;
- Comparative analysis and best practices – the case of South Africa and Brazil.
Topic 3: Safeguarding Devolution through Legislation and oversight; strengthening the loose ends
A strong legal and regulatory framework is a precondition to a successful fiscal decentralization programme. In Kenya, the Constitution has established Parliament and County Assemblies to provide the requisite legislative environment and oversight for proper functioning of the devolved system of Government. Specifically, Article 96. (1) of the Constitution establishes the Senate to among other responsibilities, represent the counties, and serve to protect the interests of the counties and their governments. Article 185 of the Constitution of Kenya vests legislative authority of a county in its county assembly. It stipulates that a county assembly may make any laws that are necessary for the effective performance of the functions of the county government under the Fourth Schedule.
This session therefore entails understanding the different and complimentary roles of the County Assemblies and Senate in safeguarding devolution in Kenya.
Topic 4: Devolution and the state of Health Services
Healthcare sector is one of the important sectors in any country; developed or developing. In Kenya, the right to health is a fundamental human right guaranteed in the Constitution of Kenya. The Constitution under the Fourth Schedule assigns health policy to the National Government while county health facilities and pharmacies; ambulance services; promotion of primary health care; licensing and control of undertakings that sell food to the public; veterinary services (excluding regulation of the profession); Cemeteries, funeral parlours and crematoria; Refuse removal, refuse dumps and solid waste disposal have been devolved:
During the session, delegates will be taken through the status of healthcare under the devolved system of Government as well as the challenges in the sector and possible policy solutions.
Topic 5: Devolution of Agriculture: Counties as Kenya’s Bread-Basket
According to the Budget Policy Statement 2019, agriculture sector continues to play an important role in the development agenda of the country through enhancing food and nutrition security; employment and wealth creation. In 2017, it is estimated that the Sector contributed 29.7% of the GDP valued about at about Ksh 2.342 trillion. The Constitution assigns Agricultural Policy and Veterinary Policy to the National Government while crop and animal husbandry; livestock sale yards; county abattoirs; plant and animal disease control; fisheries have been devolved.
During the session, delegates will be taken through the following:
- Status of Agriculture under the devolved system of Government;
- Policy recommendations on improving the agricultural sector.
Topic 6: Trade, Investment and Business Environment at the County Level –revitalizing county economies
An enabling business environment is good for the growth of the economy. Kenya has been making great strides and is ranked at position 56 out of 190 economies as per the latest Doing Business report.
During the session, delegates will be taken through the following:
- Strategies put in place by County Governments to facilitate trade, business and entrepreneurship for economic growth.;
- Challenges and policy recommendations on county trade.
Topic 7: Counties role in nurturing the Future generation through education: breaking the barriers
The Constitution of Kenya under Fourth Schedule delineates the functions of both the County and National Governments. County governments are mandated to deliver on pre-primary education, village polytechnics, homecraft centers and childcare facilities
During the session, delegates will be taken through the Status of Education under the devolved system of Government
Topic 8: Effective Public Participation under devolved system of Government
Public participation is elaborately provided for by the Constitution and various statutes. However, counties and the country at large are still grappling with challenges of instituting meaningful public participation. There have been efforts to legislate and develop public participation policies at National and County level but with little impact.
This session will take participants through progress made in in building public participation in Kenya’s governance structure and policy recommendations for effective public participation.
CONFERENCE CHARGES
| Category | Early Bird Registration
Booking & Payment on or before 06/11/2019 |
Normal Registration
Booking & Payment or LSO/LPO received by ICPAK after 06/11/2019 |
| Associate Members/Accounting Trainees | Ksh. 25,000 | Ksh.35,000 |
| ICPAK Members/ACCA Members and IFAC PAOs | Ksh. 35,000 | Ksh. 40,000 |
| Non-members | Ksh. 45, 000 | Ksh. 50,000 |
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNITS
Members of ICPAK and those from other reciprocating professional bodies will earn 14 CPD units upon successfully attending all conference sessions.
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AUTHORITY (NITA) REIMBURSEMENT
The Institute is registered as a trainer with National Industrial Training Authority. The Institute’s registration number is DIT/TRN/47. Participants who are registered levy contributors should apply to NITA for reimbursement of their fees. Please note that this is applicable for Kenyan citizens only and subject to NITA regulations. Remember that to qualify you should apply to NITA for approval prior to the date of the conference. Further details can be obtained from their website (www.nita.go.ke).
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The conference presents a perfect opportunity for organizations to showcase their products & services to a target group with high purchasing powers, both on personal and corporate levels. You will also have a unique opportunity for brand positioning and communication that will enjoy optimal visibility. Armed with significant purchasing power and decision-making authority, the audience are a key target group for businesses. Sponsorship opportunities range from cocktail, gala, media sponsorships, exhibitions and advertising. For more information or enquiries please email raphael.nguli@icpak.com
Further requests can be channeled to us via telephone calls on +254 719 074000/223 or via email to fredrick.otwori@icpak.com; memberservices@icpak.com
We encourage members to regularly visit our website www.icpak.com for updates.
