Nyeri County sets aside Sh940m for projects

The county administration has allocated Sh948 million for development projects in wards.

During a budget participation forum to discuss the 2016-2017 budget at Dedan Kimathi Kamukunji grounds in Nyeri town, Governor Nderitu Gachagua promised to support traders and marginalised groups.

"Each ward will have between Sh30 million, which will be used to carry out projects to be identified by residents at the ward level. These include roads, renovation public facilities including markets, hospitals and schools," Mr Gachagua noted.

Gachagua further announced plans to shift priorities from coffee and tea projects to boost traders and offer education bursaries.

"We have set aside Sh30million to loan to traders so they can boost their businesses, each trader can get a loan of up to Sh30,000 and will repay their loans at a rate of two per cent," Gachagua said.

Nyeri residents also took a rare opportunity to give their views on the county budget.

According to the proposal, at least Sh80 million would be allocated to the Elimu Fund which would benefit at least 10,000 students.

"Each beneficiary who is attending a secondary day school within the county will receive a full bursary for four years," said Gachagua.

The Elimu Fund is expected to be disbursed tomorrow at the ward level where a committee will sit in public forums, review applications and award beneficiaries.

"I would like to assure you that the process of picking beneficiaries of the Elimu Fund will be fair, and transparent. Regardless of your political affiliations if you deserve these funds you will benefit," noted the county chief.

Plans are also underway to ensure each ward in the county is allocated funds to gravel 10km of roads.

"From 1963 to 2013, Nyeri County only had 1,390km of roads gravelled by the national government and in the three years of devolution we have graveled 652km, with 287km under construction," Gachagua explained.

All wards within Kieni Constituency will get an additional 10km per ward of gravel road since 50 per cent of the county road network is in the area.

"Kieni makes up more than half of the total land area in Nyeri County. We, therefore, intend to focus our efforts and double the length of gravelled roads in the area," said the governor.

The budget also proposes a Sh100 million fund for women's groups, a youth fund of Sh50 million. Persons living with disability will be loaned Sh10 million of taxpayers' money.