Thursday, July 8, 2010

Govt promises referendum cash (2 200 000 000)

The government has pledged to give the Interim Independent Electoral Commission Shs2.2billion it requires for the August 4th referendum ending fears that the vote might not take off.

A meeting between Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta , IIEC officials as well as members of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs resolved that the referendum should be given priority to ensure it goes on as planned.

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo who made the announcement called on Kenyans not to panic saying that the government is committed to ensuring that the much needed reforms are achieved.

Another meeting is scheduled for Friday to establish how the funds will be raised.

"I want to assure Kenyans that they will be enough money for the referendum. The technical teams are now meeting to work out on the modalities as we have agreed that all the money needed will be made available," said the minister.

IIEC Chairman Ahmed Issack last week expressed concern over the failure by Treasury to release the funds saying they had requested 4.6 billion shillings and were given a paltry 2.6 billion shillings.

Hassan said that much of the money allocated for the referendum had been used to finance Matuga by election and the registration of prisoners.

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