Nairobi, May 31 -- A parliamentary committee has backed the creation of a Sh5 billion public participation fund to finance projects proposed by citizens during budget hearings, opening a new spending vote even as the government implements austerity measures.

The allocation, included in the National Treasury's 2026/27 budget estimates, will finance projects and policy interventions raised during parliamentary public participation forums, including stalled development projects, teacher recruitment and medical staffing.

The new spending vote, dubbed Strategic Response to Public Initiatives/Public Participation, has been approved by the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning after its review of the Treas...