NAIVASHA, Kenya, Nov 24 – The Nairobi County Government has increased the Ward Development Fund allocation from Sh1.4 billion to Sh2 billion in a bid to spur development.
Speaking during the Ward Development Program (WDP) Technical working group workshop on consideration of WDP budget estimates for 2024/2025, Mobility and Works County Executive Brian Mulama stated that each ward will now receive Sh23 million instead of Sh17 million.
“Revenue and Expenditure go hand in hand. Let us be realistic when budgeting. I am happy that we have this session that will guide and ensure we understand the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) and County Budget Review and Outlook paper. This session will also provide a platform for WDP to Prioritize Sector Programmes/projects and allocate resources appropriately,” he stated.
Speaking during the opening session, WDP, Acting Chief Executive Officer Eston Kimathi stated that WDP is a Capital development programme which ensures that a specific portion of the County annual budget is devoted to the Wards for purposes of development.
“In the last financial year 2022/2023, WDP Procured – 104 (85 Roads & Drainage Projects, 3No. Social halls, 7No. ECD blocks, 2No.Sports Facilities, 4No. Trading Facilities, 2No. Health Facilities, 1No Perimeter fence) all totaling to Sh1.75 billion, of these projects, 25 no road projects in various parts of the city have been completed and will be unveiled by Governor Sakaja soon. Others are at various stages of construction and are targeted to be completed by the end of the year.
This financial year 2023/2024 WDP will procure projects in all the 85wards valued at Sh2 billion,” he stated.
He added that under the leadership of Governor Sakaja, previously underdeveloped wards like Uthiru/Rithimitu have received a fair share of development where the county constructed the first county funded tarmack road to restore dignity to the residents of Nairobi.
“WDP has overseen the construction of Non Motorized transport facilities like walkways in informal settlements like Mathare /Mabatini and rehabilitated roads within residential estates like New Ngara Estate. In the implementation of these projects, we have been able to create job opportunities for our youth that keep them away from engaging in substance abuse,” he said.
Speaking during the meeting, Geoffrey Sianga, Director, Economic Planning said, “The Countys Economic planning department will walk with thr WDP team to ensure that they have an in-depth understanding of the planning and budgeting process as guided by different legislation. This session will prepare the WDP team to develop their Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2024/25 -2026/27. The working workshop will culminate in a WDP Sub-sector report by the end of the workshop. So that the team can be able to plan Capital projects accordingly.”
In attendance was Anastasia Nyalita, County Executive, Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service, who spoke about the importance of citizen engagement.
