Parliament’s drastic proposal to slash the Government Printer’s development budget could spell disaster for crucial government services, including eCitizen platforms and the production of essential documents.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee’s Supplementary Budget 1 report has suggested a complete removal of the Ksh700 million allocated for equipment upgrades at the Government Printer. This funding was earmarked for modernising outdated machinery, with over 70 per cent of the current equipment dating back to between 1930 and 1980.
The move follows a meeting last November between legislators and Mr. Abdi Hassan Ali, the head of the Government Printer. The meeting highlighted the severe shortcomings of the Printer's infrastructure and the pressing need for modernisation.
Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo, who initially supported the Government Printer’s needs, promised to revisit the issue after a recess and to inspect the facility. However, this support has since been rescinded, leaving the Printer’s future in jeopardy.
“We need to support the government printer. There is a need for us to discuss how to turn around this crucial service as it's our duty to do so. As soon as we resume from the short recess, we shall undertake an inspection tour of the printing press, so as to familiarise ourselves with your fate”, Tongoyo told the Government Printer in November.
Now however, the report warns, “The proposed cuts will severely disrupt essential services.” The Government Printer plays a pivotal role in producing more than 42 million documents annually, including critical government reports and certificates.
The impact of these cuts extends beyond traditional printing services. The eCitizen platform, a crucial digital gateway for over 17,349 government services, relies on the Government Printer’s support. Any reduction in the Printer’s capacity could hinder the platform’s functionality, affecting service delivery and revenue collection.
The Committee emphasised that maintaining the eCitizen platform requires ongoing upgrades and public awareness efforts. The goal is to digitise 80 per cent of public services, making them accessible through eCitizen in a streamlined format.
“The committee observed that to sustain this platform, continuous upgrades, public sensitization, and regular monitoring are needed,” stated the Committee in the report.
The proposed budget cut has stirred controversy, with critics arguing that it jeopardises both traditional printing services and the progress of digital government initiatives.
As Parliament prepares to debate the Supplementary Budget, the potential fallout of these cuts remains a pressing concern for both lawmakers and the public. The stakes are high, with the future of critical government services hanging in the balance.
