Kitui residents want ward projects budget increased to Sh800m from Sh688m

Kitui residents want allocation for ward projects in the 2024-25 budget estimates increased from Sh688 million to Sh800 million.

During a public participation forum on the 2024-25's Sh12.7 billion budget on Wednesday, residents proposed that each of the 40 wards in Kitui gets Sh20 million for projects.

Residents said the ward-specific projects, officially known as Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), have brought tangible grassroots development and put money into people's pockets.

Kalungu Nzau, the Mulango ward development committee chairman in Kitui Central, urged the Kitui county assembly budget and appropriations committee to increase the Sh688 million CLIDP allocation to Sh800 million.

“CLIDP is a game changer with visible and tangible projects across wards in the county. It has been given little money and I propose an increase of the allocation to Sh800 million so every ward would get at least Sh20 million,” he said.

Nzau said the funds allocated to CLIDP had a direct positive impact for residents at the grassroots.

Another speaker said ward projects were avenues for small-scale contractors to make money.

Kitui county assembly budget and appropriations committee chairman Zacchaeus Syengo said the suggestions on the increased funding were valid.

He, however, cited a challenge with the office of the Controller of Budget. 

“The issue of CLIDP funding has recurred here and the MCAs have taken it. But if you put a lot of funds in one vote, you raise so many questions with the Controller of Budget over such massive funding,” Syengo said.

He said increasing CLIDP funding would lead to starving of other departments funds, which is unacceptable.

“Even as you push MCAs to increase the CLIDP allocation, you should be aware the MCAs are more eager to see that happen, but we have to ensure a balanced budget. All department must get their fair share,”  Syengo said.

Earlier as Syengo took the public through the Sh12.7 budget estimates for 2024-25, he said Sh10.9 billion would come from the National Treasury as equitable share, Sh1.1 billion will come from grants while the county’s own source revenue will bring in Sh600 million.

Kitui county assembly majority leader John Munyoki said the MCAs would ensure the itemised 2024-25 budget is implemented according to the wishes of residents.

He urged the people of Kitui to always attend public participation forums so they can familiarise themselves with the county government programmes and have their voices taken into consideration.