Health, schools given lion’s share in 2014/5 county budget

Healthcare and education received the largest share of Turkana County’s Sh9.4 billion budget for 2014/2015.

The sectors got Sh2.1 billion and Sh1.49 billion in the budget tabled by the Committee of Budget and Appropriation after consultation with the public.

Lodwar District Hospital has received an additional Sh170 million for its upgrade to a county referral hospital after being given Sh190 million last financial year.

Sh550 million is for health facilities upgrading, renovation and maintenance.

Education sector was allocated Sh1.49 billion with Sh508 million going into the Education For All Program and Sh342 million reserved for Turkana Education and Skill Development Fund meant to improve literacy and increase human resource.

DISEASE CONTROL

Livestock and fisheries sector was allocated Sh731 million which include Sh60 million for livestock emergency off-take and restocking and Sh70 million for disease control.

Sh80 million will be spent on construction of two new dry land irrigation schemes at Nadung’a and Lotikippi; Sh50 million for expansion of existing irrigation schemes and Sh25 million for rehabilitation of five existing schemes. A further Sh188 million was allocated for Turkana County Drought and Disaster Contingency Fund. 

While supporting the budget, MCAs said the budget would take services closer to the people. They urged the National Treasury to release funds on time so that the projects can be speedily executed.

Finance Executive Paul Nabuin told journalists that the county will roll out a cash transfer programme at ward level targeting residents most disadvantaged by drought.

It will enable beneficiaries to start small businesses and reduce reliance on relief food, said Mr Nabuin.