PUBLIC HEARING ON REVENUE ESTIMATES AND EXPENDITURE FOR FY 2023/2024 HELD AT MTELO HALL.

Residents drawn from four West Pokot County sub-counties submitted their memoranda before National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee for alignment with National Government’s budget and expenditure FY 2023/2024.

During a public hearing on Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for FY 2023/2024 held at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria, the residents led by Governor Simon Kachapin, highlighted on infrastructure improvements across the county as key to development.

He said the county had great potential for building a stronger and sustainable economy with support from the National Government.

He asked the Committee to consider the establishment of a cancer center in Kapenguria County Referral Hospital to enable early detection and treatment. He also highlighted other key projects among them multi-storey market in Makutano, expansion of irrigation schemes to enhance food security and opening up of key road networks.

Oh his part, Deputy Governor Robert Komolle noted that strengthening public participation is key to promoting accountability, and transparency, and enhancing service delivery.

“We thank this committee for this important forum allowing our people to highlight our main priorities as a county. We thank you,” said the deputy.

The Committee led by Tongaren MP Dr. John Chikati hailed West Pokot as a pioneer of education that had produced great leaders from all walks of life. He asked the leaders, media and the locals to fight negative media publicity that had painted the county negatively.

“West Pokot County is far from the image painted by media. This is a peaceful county keen on development of its people. This is a county with least crime rate compared to other counties,” said Hon. Chikati.

Accompanied by area MP Samuel Moroto and Ikolomani MP Hon. Bernard Shinali who are also members of the Committee, Hon. Chikati said the Committee was keen to see that the county’s key priorities will be in the budget line.

Hon. Moroto also assured the residents of the completion of Muruny-Siyoi Water Project which has stagnated in for over 10 years. If completed, the water project is expected to benefit residents in Siyoi, Mnagei, Kapenguria and other parts of the county.

The new budget estimates are expected to fund President William Ruto’s ambitious economic growth and job creation plan while enforcing spending cuts.

The Ruto administration has targeted the construction of roads, education, SMEs, agriculture and health as key sectors to create jobs and spur economic growth.

The public hearing brought together County Commissioner Apollo Okello, Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee, County Assembly members led by Majority Leader Martin Komongiro among other key stakeholders.