Machakos County unveils Sh10.8b budget

The county government has released its 2016-17 financial year budget, which stands at Sh10.8 billion.

The budget proposal, described by Governor Alfred Mutua as a people-centred development budget, was tabled in the county assembly by  Finance Executive Elizabeth Nzyoka.

Machakos County Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua speaks during a press conference held at his Machakos office yesterday. He warned all Leaders and the people of Kenya that if they continue raising political, tribal and violence temperatures there is no doubt that our Country will burn again. “The activities and statements being made by leaders of many tribes are ingredients of fire.” Mutua said. PHOTO: JOHN MUIA

"The budget is about changing lives by impacting on the lives of all the people of Machakos County, the place to be. This has been a long-drawn but efficient process," Dr Mutua said.

He said the budget was all inclusive and would see the clearing of pending bills, improve water provision, tarmacking of new roads, improvement of health care services and empowering of youths through training polytechnics.

The recurrent expenditure will consume Sh7,539,572,769 with development getting Sh3,336,427,231 which represents 31 per cent of the total budget.

Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Wilson Kasimu said the county government expected to receive slightly over Sh8 billion from the national government with the local revenue collection expected to raise Sh2.8 billion.

The biggest beneficiary is the ministry of health and emergency services, which has been allocated a total of Sh2,895,088,473 representing a 26.6 per cent of the total budget.

Water and Irrigation department was allocated Sh2,081,885,097, while the department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and Housing got Sh825,617,276. In the budget, said to be the highest so far, the office of the Governor was allocated Sh565,631,493 with the assembly receiving Sh1,102,741,272.

According to the budget committee chairman, the controversial Ward Development Fund has been created and allocated Sh805 million where each of the 40 wards will receive Sh20 million with the balance of Sh5 million going towards the fund's administration expenses.

"The Budget and Appropriation Committee felt that necessary steps must be taken to operationalise the fund which has been an embarrassment to members of this House during the current financial year," said Mr Kasimu.

He said the assembly must ensure all the funds go to the budgeted activities to create development hence ensure the fruits of devolution are felt by all in the society.