Governor Mutua assents to Sh12b budget

Governor Alfred Mutua assents to Sh12b budget.

Governor Alfred Mutua Tuesday assented to the 2019/20 budget proposal which will see the county absorb Sh12 billion in the next financial year.

Dr Mutua hosted Speaker of the County Assembly, Florence Mwangangi in a brief ceremony held outside his office in Machakos where the two pledged to ensure proper implementation of the budget.

“This is a people’s budget. This is a budget that is meant to accelerate development and services to wananchi. It is a budget that will see development and positive impact in every village in Machakos County,” Dr Mutua said.

Mutua said the gist of the budget revolved around delivery of critical development programs as well as putting in place mechanisms for trade and investments to thrive.

“I want to assure the county assembly and the people of Machakos County that we will make sure that this budget is implemented properly for the benefit of all,” he said.

The Governor noted that the county will put in place creative measures to expand its revenue base with the aim of boosting the self-generated revenue kitty.

At the same time, Mutua called on the Chief Justice to put in place measures to ensure court cases relating to corruption and theft of public resources are expedited.

“I am appealing to the Chief Justice to develop strict timelines within which corruption cases are held and determined so that from the time a person is indicted to the time they are convicted it takes a month or maximum two months,” he said.

Speaker Florence Mwangangi heaped praises on the budget, terming it ‘progressive and people centered. “What we want to tell the people of Machakos is that the budget is now ready for execution once the systems are opened at the national treasury and it is expected the governor and his team will be able to do the works outlined in the budget for the benefit of the people,” she said.

She said the assembly will continue to support the executive in the execution of its work because it is appreciated that that the two arms of the government must work together for the benefit of the people of Machakos.

The budget estimates, presented to the assembly last week by the county Finance CEC Francis Maliti saw huge resources allocated to roads, health and public works.

For instance, Sh470 million was allocated for maintenance of roads across the county and a further Sh100 million for the initial set up of Machakos Airport.

The county treasury also allocated a whooping Sh542 million for the renovation and rehabilitation of all facilities at Machakos level 5 referral hospital. Sh225 million was also allocated for the completion of government buildings currently under construction.

Mutua also plans to spend Sh110 million for the completion of the four stadia in Yatta, Matungulu, Mavoko and Mwala sub counties.