Narok aids the poor in Sh1.3 billion budget plan

THE Narok County Council has approved a budget of more than Sh1,318,563,300 for the next financial year 2012/2013. Finance committee chairman Stephen Kudate said the money is against an expected expenditure of Sh1, 316,563,300. The council hopes to raise the money from the Local Authority Transfer Fund, game park entry fee, lodge tariff, aircraft and balloon land fee, single business permit, barter market, filming fee and other sources.

Kudate was speaking yesterday after presenting the 6th budget at Narok County Council Social Hall. He said during the current financial year, they have been able to install an electronic system of payment at the gates of Maasai Mara. “As at 31st March 2012, the council had collected Sh1,499,253,593 out of Sh904,748,068 through Smart Card and other revenue sources. We are confident that we shall collect in excess of Sh1.6 billion by the end of this financial year,” Kudate said.

Local residents have a reason to smile after the council increased the amount allocated to the community development programme. Kudate said they have increased bursary from Sh39.2 million, in last year's budget, to Sh60 million. “The council is committed to eradicating high level of illiteracy. Out of this Sh30 million has been set aside for university and college students. Sh28 million is earmarked for secondary schools bursary,” he said.

He said they have set aside Sh34.7 million for maintenance of feeder roads including the Maasai Mara Game Reserve roads. “With the acquisition of a motor grader, the council expects to be efficient and effective in grading its roads,” he said. Kudate said they have set aside Sh20 million for the construction of a referral hospital at Ngoswani trading centre and consultations are underway. “The tendering for the feasibility study, design is already underway and evaluation for the bids is almost complete,” he said.