‘I can’t continue being a beggar, I need Ksh.200M!’ CS Oparanya laments lack of funding in his ministry
'I can't continue being a beggar, I need Ksh.200M!' CS Oparanya laments lack of funding in his ministry
Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has raised alarm over inadequate funding in his ministry, expressing frustration that he’s being reduced to a “beggar” in President William Ruto’s administration.
CS Oparanya, alongside Principal Secretaries Susan Mang’eni (MSMEs) and Patrick Kilemi (Cooperatives), on Thursday appeared before the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to discuss the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for the Financial Year 2026/27.
During the session, an irate Oparanya did not hold back as he questioned why his office was sidelined on budgetary allocations, hence forcing him to plead for funds from Parliament.
He revealed that his ministry requires Ksh.200 million for operational expenses, adding that he has at times been forced to ask for money from officials in the ministry, including the two Principal Secretaries serving under him.
Why over 1,000 grade A students missed medicine placement; KUCCPS
Blow to Tuju as High Court clears auction of Dari Business Park
High Court quashes arrest warrant against senior prosecutor
German Embassy announces teaching opportunities in Germany for Kenyan teachers
“I have to come here all the time to get money for my office’s operations. I don’t know if my office is recognised as one of the offices of CS in this government or not,” Oparanya stated.
“I will plead with you that at least I should get allocation appropriately pointed out by the PS Cooperatives, that at least I need Ksh.200 million to enable my office to operate.”
He added: “I have to depend on these PSs. When I go out, I’m stuck out there, there’s no fuel, and I have to call any of them because they’re accounting officers, they always sign for themselves. So I don’t want to continue being a beggar from my juniors… I hope you’ve heard that.”
On Cooperatives, CS Oparanya also highlighted the importance of the cooperative model in supporting small-scale farmers by linking them to stronger markets for their produce.
On MSMEs, he called for increased funding and support for programmes such as the Uwezo Fund, NYOTA, Kenya Industrial Estates, Constituency Industrial Development Centres and the East African Community MSME Trade Fair to spur business growth and expand market access.
22 girls rescued from child trafficking and sexual exploitation ring in Mombasa
High Court upholds election of Leo Wa Muthende as Mbeere North MP
Four people missing as boat capsizes in Indian Ocean
Governor Orengo’s security detail withdrawn
CS Chirchir is a difficult person to work with; Matatu Association boss
Follow us
