The Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage is seeking Sh4.3 billion to implement various directives issued by President William Ruto in the financial year starting July 1, 2025.
Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo told the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture that the Ministry requires the money to finance four key presidential directives.
Mrs Cheptumo said Sh3.05 billion is required for establishment of more arts and culture infrastructure, including theatres, music auditoriums, art galleries and extensive refurbishing of facilities to expand spaces for artistic and cultural expression and production.
“The State Department is implementing various presidential directives and we appeal for financial allocation that includes Sh1 billion for infrastructure upgrade projects at the National Museums of Kenya to support research, exhibitions and increase storage allocation,” Ms Cheptumo said.
Appearing before the committee chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama to defend the Ministry’s budget for the year 2025/26, Ms Cheptumo said an additional Sh202 million is required to expand the coverage of the participating counties under the Ushanga Kenya Initiative from seven to 10.
She said the expansion, as directed by the President, is intended to enhance commercialization of beadwork that is transforming the lives of pastoralist women.
President William Ruto during the commissioning parade of 309 cadets at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru County on April 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts and Heritage, Ummi Bashi, the Cabinet Secretary said a further Sh25 million is required to construct a perimeter wall around Gedi National Monument in Kilifi County to ensure its protection.
Ms Bashir told lawmakers to provide additional funding to complete the ongoing projects to avoid pending bills, penalties and interests and to ensure value for money.
“Some of the projects that are critical and have no allocation in the proposed financial year 2025/26 include Sh150 million for establishment of a licensing, monitoring, collection and distribution system of royalties to artists under the Kenya Copyright Board,” Ms Bashir said.
She said the establishment of one music studio to support artistes required Sh51.7 million while installation of Library Management Information Systems needs Sh35 million.
The PS said refurbishment of the cultural homestead at Bomas of Kenya and offices has not been funded to the tune of Sh48 million.
Ms Bashir said the Treasury has not allocated Sh39 million that is needed for rehabilitation and upgrading of Kepenguria Six facility in West Pokot.
She said the Kenya Cultural Centre requires Sh33 million for construction of Marachi Cultural Centre in Busia, Sh60 million for Tar Bash Cultural Centre, Sh60 million for Ura Gate Cultural Centre, and Sh55 million for Suba Cultural Centre.
“Hon. Chairman, on development, the State Department is appealing to the committee to consider funding the ongoing projects,” Ms Bashir said.
“This is particularly necessary to avoid pending bills, reducing penalties and interests as well as realising value for money.”
Ms Bashir decried the low funding of the State Department for Culture, Arts and Heritage which said has hindered the delivery of its mandate.
On the recurrent budget, Ms Bashir said the department requires Sh40 million for finalisation of the Kiswahili Bill and establishment of the National Kiswahili Council of Kenya
It also needs an additional Sh100 million for the Ushanga Kenya Initiative, Sh50 million is for establishment of Ushanga structures and policies after transitioning to a social enterprise, and Sh50 million for promotion of beadwork enterprises for women and youth in 10 pastoral communities.
Ms Bashir said additional Sh100 million is needed under the Permanent Presidential Music Commission for the National Youth Development Program and nurture music talent, to build capacity and improve standards of music in the country.
