Kitui Central Member of Parliament Makali Mulu has raised alarm over the growing reliance on Article 223 of the Constitution of Kenya by government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), warning that the trend could undermine accountability in public spending.
Speaking after a session of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Dr. Mulu emphasized that while Article 223 allows for urgent and unforeseen expenditures, its continued overuse risks weakening proper planning and eroding Parliamentary oversight.
“The increasing dependence on Article 223 is a concern. All foreseeable expenditures must be included in the annual budget to ensure transparency and accountability,” he stated.
The legislator revealed that the Committee is now demanding detailed justification for expenditures incurred under the provision, citing a Ksh. 60 million allocation towards the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference as one of the cases under scrutiny. He noted that no approvals will be granted without sufficient supporting evidence.
Dr. Mulu, who is also considered a top contender in the 2027 Kitui gubernatorial race, reiterated the Committee’s commitment to enforcing strict budget discipline across all government entities.
“As leaders, we must ensure every shilling spent is justified and traceable. MDAs must minimize reliance on Article 223 and focus on implementing approved projects,” he added.
He further underscored the need for prudent financial management, saying that strengthening fiscal responsibility is key to delivering meaningful development to Kenyans.
Dr. Mulu reaffirmed his commitment to championing transparency, accountability, and responsible budgeting, noting that both Kitui County and the country at large deserve sound financial governance.
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