County sets Sh3.3b budget to end poverty

BY RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Taita-Taveta county government has proposed a budget of more than Sh3.3 billion for the next financial year.

According to Governor John Mtuta Mruttu, more than Sh2.4 billion will come from the central Government while the rest would be raised through local revenue collection.

During a public participation process on the 2013/2014 budgeting process, Mruttu disclosed that over Sh977.5 million had been allocated for development projects.

“We will focus more on development projects that will create wealth for employment and poverty alleviation. That is why we have put more emphasis on education, health, water, and agriculture and livestock production. We have also set aside a substantial amount of money for tourism and mining development,” he said.

According to the proposed budget,  about Sh175.7 million help improve infrastructure in schools to help address poor standards of education, Sh 113 million for agriculture to boost food security, Sh524.2 million for health, while mining and tourism development have each been allocated Sh17 million. “The county government will improve nursery and primary schools,” he said.