Public Works PS Joel Arumonyang has called on counties to enhance their own revenue in a bid to address the funding gap for the various projects under their respective county integrated development plans.
The PS, who was speaking when he launched the fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP) dissemination exercise at the MTC hall in Iten, said the successful implementation of the CIDPs will lead to the overall achievement of Vision 2030.
Arumonyang therefore called for partnerships from the government, private sector, and donors, among others, in addressing the challenge of scarce resources, which he said was an impediment to the realisation of the country’s development goals.
The PS said the government had developed a master plan aimed at ensuring that sports stadiums, among them Kamariny Stadium, were completed, saying this was one of the bottom-up economic agenda pillars aimed at providing employment to youth through sports.
Residents expressed concern that, despite the country producing renowned athletes, Kamariny Stadium, which is under the national government, had taken so long to complete, thus denying youths a facility where they can train.
Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor (DG), Prof. Grace Cheserek, said the county CIDP requires Sh 97 billion to implement with a financing gap of Sh50.3 billion.
The DG said that with the Equity Development Act, which dictates that the development budget is distributed equitably to the wards, the county is left with no funds to undertake capital projects.
Leaders called for the employment of agricultural extension officers for the country to achieve food security, saying that with climate change and changing technology, farmers require expert advice.
They further called for an increase in the allocation to the counties by costing all devolved functions and giving the funds to counties, saying that without proper funding, some counties like Elgeyo Marakwet risk becoming just salary-paying counties.
The county speaker, Philemon Sabulei, said it was sad that despite the county being rich in natural resources, it only contributed 1.5% to the country’s GDP, saying this should change.
Area county commissioner John Korir stressed the importance of peace along the Kerio Valley for the region to realise its development goals.
Leaders called for the opening up of markets along the borders, citing Chesegon, Kolowa, and Arror, saying this will help residents of the county, West Pokot, and Baringo to interact and, in the process, promote peace.
By Alice Wanjiru
