Most probably, it is the only briefcase that is seen in public once every year, when the Cabinet Secretary comes out of the Treasury building on Budget Day to read the national budget.
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u will once again carry the famous briefcase and wave it to the cameras before reading the budget for the 2024/2025.
But what is contained inside the briefcase? What secrets lie inside the briefcase that it has to be shown to the public every year?
Before the 2010 Constitution, the budget briefcase contained the budget statement and estimates. However, after the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, the briefcase became a ceremonial item for the CS, since the budget estimates are sent to the Parliament days before budget reading.
Several myths have been shared over time, with some people suggesting that it has a special code for opening and that it could electrocute people who try to illegally open it.
However, former Treasury Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge denied the claims.
“I have also heard that it could electrocute you but no one has ever suffered that. I also do not know where it is kept, it is probably kept in the Cabinet Secretary’s office,” Thugge said.
The briefcase was replaced during Amos Kimunya’s time in office after the previous one became too old.
Every year, before the cabinet secretary for the National Treasury carries it to Parliament, an employee cleans it and gets it ready for the big day.
There is no public information as to where the briefcase is kept when not in use, but it is most probably kept at the National Treasury building.
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