Ward reps approve Sh10bn budget but oppose ceilings

Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya. The Kakamega County Assembly has approved a Sh10 billion budget for the county. PHOTO FILE

What you need to know:

  • County Executive for Economic Planning Paul Otsola said he had worked closely with the county assembly to prepare what he called a focused and balanced budget.
  • Nominated MCA Alex Khamasi said tackling poverty, which currently stands at 52 per cent, was a top priority for the county government.
  • The county government had good news for traders operating small businesses after a Sh20 million kitty was set up to advance loans to them.

The Kakamega County Assembly has approved a Sh10 billion budget for the county.

The approval comes amid a row between the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) and ward reps, who have opposed budget ceilings set by the agency.

The caps, which CRA is partnering with the Controller of Budget to enforce, control the salaries and allowances that MCAs can earn.

County Executive for Economic Planning Paul Otsola said he had worked closely with the county assembly to prepare what he called a focused and balanced budget.

Nominated MCA Alex Khamasi said tackling poverty, which currently stands at 52 per cent, was a top priority for the county government.

The county government had good news for traders operating small businesses after a Sh20 million kitty was set up to advance loans to them.

Traders can now access loans of between Sh10,000 and Sh250,000, to be repaid in two years at an interest rate of five per cent.

Trade minister Robert Sumbi said the assembly was expected to come up with a policy on the management and disbursement of the loans.

“Traders will be required to provide collateral for the loans which will include title deeds and logbooks for motor vehicles,” said Mr Sumbi.