Deputy President William Ruto. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Deputy President William Ruto has asked county governments to align their programmes and development projects towards ensuring food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and affordable healthcare.
Mr Ruto said there was the need for county governments to adopt the Big Four, which is President Uhuru Kenyatta’s official legacy project.
Speaking during the pre- Inter-governmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting, held at his Harambee Annex office, Nairobi today, Mr Ruto said the Government was committed to implementing projects that can improve the lives of Kenyans.
Present were Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, Chairman of Council of Governors Josephat Nanok (Turkana), vice chairperson Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Treasury Principal Secretary Kamau Thuge.
The controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo, Governors Ali Roba (Marsabit), Martin Wambora (Embu), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Joyce Laboso (Bomet) and deputy governor Joash Maangi (Kisii) was also present.
“In executing this agenda, we expect county governments to realign its programmes in line with our Big Four agenda,” said Mr Ruto.
“We want to assure you that we are committed to working closely with the county governments in the spirit of consultation and cooperation for the good of our people as demanded by the constitution,” added Mr Ruto.
The Deputy President told the county governments to work with authorities such as National Irrigation Board (NIB) and the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in transforming the lives of the people.
“I ask you to work with agencies like the Irrigation Board in the establishments of projects like irrigation schemes that can help our farmers grow crops and avail water,” said Mr Ruto.
Mr Ruto also said county Governments were auditing the huge pending bills left by the previous governors.
He also urged county governments to use part of the funds allocated to them to enroll the poor under NHIF scheme.
Mr Nanok said county governments would work closely with the national government in implementing projects that can lead to the success of the Jubilee’s agenda.
“I want to make my assurance that we will work closely with the national government in initiating projects in line with the Big Four agenda that aims to improve the lives of Kenyans across the country,” said Mr Nanok.
Mr Rotich said the Government would not achieve its target in revenues because of unfavorable conditions including last year’s long electioneering period.
KRA, he added, would take some time for KRA to achieve its revenue target. Mr Rotich said austerity measures would be effected to ensure only key projects were funded.
“We will embark on austerity measures including cut on the expenditure as we realign our revenue focus to meet the country’s financial needs,” said Mr Rotich.