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Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Ruto’s Italy visit

President William Ruto is among the delegates at the 50th G7 Summit to be held in Apulia, Italy, and his engagements are expected to dominate the headlines.

Ruto is expected to emphasize the importance of involving African countries in processes aimed at finding solutions to global challenges, such as climate change and conflicts. 

Highlighting Africa’s potential for green industrialization, the digital revolution, and innovation is also expected to dominate Ruto’s address.

Given that he is an African Union (AU) Champion for Institutional Reform, he will also outline AU reforms aimed at enhancing trade and development, peace and stability, and greater global participation.

Reaction to budget statement

After Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u read the budget statement on Thursday, June 13, 2024, reactions are expected across the political divide and even from key economic stakeholders.

Ndungu’s statement indicated that the education sector has been allocated Ksh656.6 billion in the 2024/25 budget, which represents 27.6 per cent of the total national expenditure.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is also among the big winners, given that they have been allocated the largest share of Ksh358.2 billion. The allocation is meant to help TSC recruit, train, and retain teachers.

Meanwhile, basic education has been allocated a total of Ksh142.3 billion, while Ksh30.7 billion allocation has been proposed for junior secondary schools; Ksh61.9 billion will support free-day secondary education; and Ksh9.1 billion is for free primary allocation.

Meanwhile, the health budget was slashed by Ksh11 billion from Ksh138 billion in the last financial year to Ksh127 billion for the next fiscal year.

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