Tharaka Nithi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) held a public participation forum to allow residents express their opinions in making of the budget in the next financial year 2023/2024.
The residents were required to give their opinions on the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) used in budget making.
The paper highlights the amount of money allocated to each department as well as the total revenue collection by the County government and how it is meant to be utilized.
During the opening forum at Chuka picnic grounds yesterday, citizens were asked multiple questions by the MCAs and were allowed to give their own opinions of the strategy paper.
Speaking during the participation, Kariagani MCA Godfrey Gaturo who is also the chairman of Committee Finance said that the county government is expected to collect about Sh400 million through social revenue, conditional grants and equitable share.
He added that the total projections for the next entire financial year will be about Sh5.7 billion. “Some departments have been allocated about Sh1.9billion with some having more or less than others,” he said.
Gaturo told the residents that departments such as health had to be allocated a higher budget due to the critical role they play.
The MCA encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers for such forums in order to participate in the making process and receive adequate information.
“Public participation should be conducted for people to have an understanding of government plans such as the CSFP in the simplest way. This way even old people may get to know what they entail,” Gaturo added.
By Beatrice Mwende
