BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE HOLDS MEETING WITH COUNTY TREASURY ON ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee today held a consultative meeting with the Executive’s Department of Finance and Economic Planning to interrogate the proposed Kisumu County Annual Development Plan FY 2024/2025.

The joint meeting was attended by the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning Mr. George Okong’o and his senior officers on one hand and Hon. Members of the Assembly’s Budget & Appropriations Committee led by the Speaker Hon. Elisha Oraro and the Committee Chairperson Hon. Joachim Oketch on the other hand.

The meeting discussed issues raised by various stakeholders during public publication as well as matters raised by various Departments during their meetings with House Sectoral Committees.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Oraro encouraged participants to carefully interrogate the document for the benefit of the people Kisumu.

“The Annual Development Plan is a crucial document that outlines our goals, strategies, and priorities for the upcoming year. It serves as a roadmap for progress and guides us in allocating resources effectively to meet the needs of our constituents,” he stated.

“This joint meeting provides us with an invaluable opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and ensure transparency in the budgeting process. The synergy between the Budget Committee, responsible for evaluating proposals, and the Budget Directorate, entrusted with the implementation of development programs, is vital for the successful realization of our objectives,” he added.

“As representatives of the people, we bear a tremendous responsibility to ensure that the resources entrusted to us are utilized wisely, efficiently, and for the collective benefit of our constituents. It is our duty to prioritize essential services, promote inclusive growth, and address the pressing needs of our communities,” remarked Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Hon. Joachim Oketch.

At the meeting, Market Milimani Ward MCA Hon. Seth Ochieng challenged the Executive to decentralize procurement services for effective service delivery.

” Centralization of procurement is negatively affecting implementation of projects in the County,” he observed.

Mr. Okong’o hailed the collaborative approach between the Department and the Committee saying it has facilitated a robust discussion and engagement on the proposed ADP.