The government has launched
1,236 projects to be implemented in 1,424 marginalised areas spread across the
country.
The projects are to be implemented in 366 wards selected in 111 constituencies and 34 counties guided by the 2nd marginalisation policy of 2017 developed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation.
President William Ruto has said 115 classrooms will be constructed, 117 boreholes drilled and equipped to provide water, 41 water pans excavated and 176 health facilities constructed with 53 equipped to serve the public.
“The implementation of these projects at a cost of Sh8.1 billion is going to ensure services reach at least 6 million Kenyans that live in these marginalised areas.” he said.
Ruto’s remarks were read on his behalf by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the launch of the implementation of the equalization fund projects under the 2024-28.
The Equalisation Fund Advisory Board strategic plan was also unveiled.
The Equalisation Fund is made up of one half a percent of all revenue collected by the national government each year, calculated on the basis of the most recent audited accounts of revenue received, as approved by the National Assembly.
According to CRA, The Fund has allocated approximately Sh66.1 billion since its introduction, with Sh12.4 billion of this amount appropriated under the First Policy of 2013 being used.
The President said his administration is keen to ensure that the process of identification and prioritisation of projects funded by the equalisation fund perfectly mirrors the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda approach to development.
“We know the consequences of economic and social exclusion are so dire and as a country we should not allow it to continue within our society. My government is committed to investing the necessary resources to ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality services such as health, water, electricity and roads at all times,” he said.
The President said his administration is committed to ensure the full operationalisation of the Article 204 of the Kenyan Constitution 2010, that gave life to the establishment of the equalisation fund with a clear goal to provide services that elevate the living standards in the marginalised regions to the level enjoyed by other parts of the nation.
“Despite the slow operationalisation of Article 204 due to obstacles such as litigations, my administration is committed to its full implementation. It is notable that under my administration, the equalisation fund has ensured the implementation of 359 projects out of which 265 are complete. These projects will benefit nine million Kenyans residing in the 14 counties that were identified as marginalized under the first policy.” he said.
Present at the launch were Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury John Mbadi, the Chair of the Council of Governors, Abdullahi Mohamed, Chairperson of the Equalisation Fund Advisory Board Mahboub Mohamed, C.E.O of the Board Guyo Boru and the Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) Mary Wanyonyi among other leaders.