Assembly backs revised budget estimates

The county assembly has adopted a report on the revised budget estimates for 2014/2015 financial year.

The report was presented to the House by the Budget and Appropriations Committee, and revised the estimates to Sh5.44 billion from Sh4.68 billion. In the new budget, Sh3.8 billion will be used on recurrent expenditure, with Sh1.63 billion going to development expenditure.

Committee Chairman Duncan Gituanja said they prepared the budget in collaboration with the executive and the members of the assembly.

"It has been a very hectic time for the budget committee because as it took time for the executive and the assembly to agree on the figures. The county has also been operating without the necessary framework," Gituanja explained

The Nyeri budget estimates were rejected earlier this year by the Controller of Budget, who said that they did not adhere to the ceilings proposed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation.

The review was also necessitated by an increase in the equitable share allocation, a new allocation of  Sh197 million to Nyeri Level Five Hospital and a health services grant of Sh20 million from development partners.

"As members of the assembly, you will bear me witness that the lack of the budget estimates has caused a serious problem because we are the only county assembly that cannot pay members per diem and travel expenses," Gituanja said.

Mahiga Ward Rep John Macharia, who seconded the motion to adopt the report, said most development programmes were already running behind schedule hence the need for the MCA to support the motion.

"The 2014/2015 financial year is almost over and, therefore, time is not on our side. I urge members to support this Motion for the sake of development in the county," Macharia said.

The report recommends scaling back on award of road projects tenders to private contractors as county government had acquired graders for road construction. "Grading on county roads can now be done by the county government and the county can hire trucks to deliver murram to construction sites," Gituanja said.

Donor funds

The report also notes although Sh296 million has been earmarked for Nyeri County in the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, the funds may not be available immediately as they are expected to come from donors.

"The Sh296 million cannot be factored in the county budget as it cannot be accessible within the current arrangement," report states. The report was approved by acclamation, paving way for the Appropriation, Revenue and Finance bills to be tabled in the House.

While presenting the previous budget estimates in the assembly in June this year, County Executive for Finance Martin Wamwea said no new charges will be introduced to raise revenue to finance 2014/2015 financial year budget.

He said the county's revenues will mainly be generated from parking fees, land rates and single business permit.