BY MUSEMBI NZENGU
The Kitui county executive and assembly have agreed on a collaborative approach to development and service delivery.
The resolution was adopted on Friday following a seven-day consultative workshop at a Mombasa hotel.
Leadership and efficient governance on issues affecting people’s livelihoods was placed on Governor Julius Malombe and speaker Kevin Katisya.
Th e leaders are confident they can successfully negotiate and overcome the current financial squeeze to meet important development objectives.
Governor Malombe said the county executive and assembly have decided to collaborate to handle financial difficulties and guarantee a continuous pace of growth.
The forum’s theme, ‘Financing County Development in the Face of Shrinking Fiscal Space’, focused on the importance of fostering capable leadership and efficient government.
“Both the governor and the speaker will continue to provide leadership and effective governance on issues affecting our people’s livelihoods,” the governor said.
The assembly resolved to undertake cost-cutting strategies, including delaying programmes and projects that are not necessary in order to free up funds for more urgent needs.
More resources will be allocated to healthcare to guarantee a sufficient supply of both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical medical supplies. Building health facilities in the 34 village units will cost Sh136 million. Governor Malombe said more money would be available to guarantee greater access to water.
“We affirm that the water challenge in Kitui county is not that of lack but access. The county’s water services should be effectively managed and governed in order to accomplish this,” he said.
A hybrid system, which employs equipment rented from government agencies such as the National Youth Service along with private machinery, has been proposed to upgrade the road network.
Speaker Katisya praised the two branches of government for cooperatiing, saying this will lead to smooth growth.
He said consultative meetings are essential for setting
priorities for projects and initiatives and should not be
viewed negatively