The Laikipia County Government has with immediate effect cut down the salaries of senior staff by between 30 and 10 percent as part of the measures to raise funds to help in the fight against the Covid- 19 virus.
Announcing this on Thursday during a press briefing at his Nanyuki office, Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, said his salary and that of his deputy John Mwaniki will be reduced by 30 percent, that of County Executive Committee Members (CECM) at 20 percent and Chief Officers at 10 percent.
“Laikipia County is taking measures intended to stem the spread of Covid- 19 virus which has brought about immense human suffering and devastation of economic activities,’’ Governor Muriithi said.
He further noted that the County government has established the Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Committee, which has been tasked with raising resources that will be channeled towards disbursing foodstuff to the vulnerable households.
The committee, comprising of eleven members, which was unveiled early this week is chaired by Centrum Chief Executive Officer (CEO), James Mworia.
“In case of partial lockdown, an estimated 40,000 households in Laikipia County will need support in terms of food and other essentials during the period,’’ Governor Muriithi noted.
“For the worst case scenario, it is estimated that Laikipia County health system may have over 2,800 critical care patients and the County is on top of the situation in ensuring all what is required is in place.”
To ease the burden on small businesses and households, Governor Muriithi, said his government has extended payment of business permit, given a waiver on all fees and charges, speedy waiver of hospital bills to release the pressure in the wards among others and is fast tracking the payments to contractors, suppliers and service providers with an aim of improving cash flow.
The Governor at the same time noted that his Government has adjusted the 2019/2020 supplementary budget to a tune of over Sh742 million to assist in combating Covid-19 pandemic.
County boss noted that the supplementary budget has been presented to the County Assembly for debate and approval.
He said the amount in the reorganised budget will be injected in health systems intervention, medium, small and micro enterprises interventions to help the economy stay afloat, water and sanitation, and increment of health human resources among others.
The Governor was accompanied by his deputy John Mwaniki and the CECM in charge of Finance, Boniface Murungi Ndai.
By Margaret Kirera
