Relief as Nyong’o finally approves disputed county budget
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has signed the Sh11.8 billion 2019/20 budget, ending a protracted stalemate that pitted Members of the County Assembly and his Executive.
MCAs had alleged anomalies in the document, whose highlights include Sh3.5 billion for development and Sh6.7 for recurrent expenditure.
The parties later resolved their differences leading to the passage of the budget Tuesday.
Nyong’o said part of the development vote would be used to upgrade referral, maternity and theater services at the county’s health facilities.
He appealed to health workers, who are on strike over delayed salaries and failure to remit statutory deductions, to end the boycott, saying their grievances were being addressed.
To bolster the county’s food security, the governor declared additional funding for agricultural mechanisation and extension services.
Education sector is another winner in the county’s spending plan with over Sh140 million dedicated to bursaries.
Newly elected Speaker of Kisumu County Assembly, Elisha Oraro pledged to lobby MCAs to fast-track the passing of crucial bills that would expedite implementation of the proposed expenditure. —KNA
