Uasin Gishu proposes Sh100m for governor, deputy's houses

Uasin Gishu County’s Finance minister Mr Julius Ruto (third, left), County Assembly Speaker David Kiplagat (third, right) before the reading of the proposed budget for 2018/19 Financial Year on June 28, 2018. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  DENNIS LUBANGA

What you need to know:

  • This year’s proposed budget is 24 percent higher compared to last year’s which was Sh6.8 billion.

  • County Assembly Speaker David Kiplagat said the House will hold a special meeting on Friday to debate on the budget.

Uasin Gishu County government has proposed Sh100 million for the construction of mansions for the governor and his deputy.

The allocation is contained in the Sh8.4 billion budget for the 2018/ 2019 Financial Year that has been presented to the county assembly for approval.

This year’s proposed budget is 24 percent higher compared to last year’s which was Sh6.8 billion.

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In his address to the House, the Finance minister Mr Julius Ruto, said the devolved unit has already identified a parcel of land for the construction of the houses.

“As a county, we have several parcels of land and our [architects] are already mapping out an ideal location for the construction of the mansion,” said Mr Ruto who was accompanied by Mr Silas Rono (chief officer, Finance and Ms Millicent Okonji (chief officer, Economic Planning).

BUDGET WINNERS

In the budget, the agriculture sector was allocated the lion’s share of Sh294 million for construction of grain storage facilities, pesticides to curb the fall army worm menace, assorted seedlings and the development of ‘Inua Mama na Kuku’ initiative.

The health department has been allocated Sh192 million for development of sub-county medical facilities, drugs and construction of incinerators.

“An additional Sh183 million will go towards the purchase of medical trucks for the efficient delivery of medical equipment and drugs,” said Mr Ruto.

The county has also allocated Sh181 million to the education sector, with some of the funds set for employment of early childhood development education (ECDE) teachers.

“We shall construct 120 ECDE classrooms and allocate Sh95 million for bursaries for bright but needy students. We have also allocated Sh15 million for the construction of rescue centres to accommodate street families,” added Mr Ruto.

The infrastructure department received Sh30 million for road maintenance and rehabilitation, Sh 186m for roads construction and Sh5 million for street lighting.

MUNICIPAL CHARTER

Mr Ruto said Eldoret town is set to be conferred a municipal charter.

Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker David Kiplagat said the House will hold a special meeting on Friday to debate on the budget.

“The MCAs will have to look at the budget and perhaps pass it with or without amendments. It is a good budget that needs some bit of panel beating,” said the Speaker. 

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