The National Treasury’s State Department for Economic Planning has initiated the formulation of an Economic Planning Policy that will introduce enforcement measures for ministries and state agencies failing to implement approved development blueprints, including Vision 2030 and the Medium Term Plan Four (MTP 4).
Speaking on the initiative, Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha said the policy aims to tackle stalled projects and restore discipline in public spending. The move represents a shift toward stricter compliance with the country’s economic planning framework.
“If a plan is treated like an advisory that you may or may not follow, and there are no consequences for deviation, progress stalls. This policy will strengthen the link between policy planning, budgeting, and implementation, and include enforcement mechanisms for entities that fail to adhere to their plans,” Dr. Makokha explained.
Key Measures Under the Policy
Among the most consequential measures being considered is the reduction of budgetary allocations to ministries, departments, and agencies that fail to meet implementation targets. Entities that underperform may see their future funding curtailed a significant departure from the current system, which has minimal enforcement and limited consequences for non-compliance.
Dr. Makokha highlighted the motivational aspect of the policy:
“When we have a uniform template for planning and implementation, it encourages compliance. No one wants their projects delayed because delays in approvals ultimately delay implementation.”
The government hopes that enforcing fidelity to development plans will improve project completion rates, enhance value for money, and restore credibility to the economic planning process.
The State Department also acknowledged that implementation failures have often been linked to delayed funding, procurement bottlenecks, and shifting priorities. The new policy seeks to address these challenges alongside stricter compliance, ensuring that development projects move forward efficiently and deliver intended outcomes.
