NANDI: Nandi County has introduced a new Ward Development Funding Model aimed at accelerating local development through direct community involvement. Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei emphasized that this approach empowers residents by allowing them to make decisions on fund allocation at the ward level, a shift from previous county-level determinations.

According to Kenya News Agency, the model is operational under the current County Integrated Development Plan, which has established committees in each ward to oversee project implementations based on community inputs. Governor Stephen Sang, who launched the CIDP last year, expressed optimism that this ward-based model could serve as a benchmark for other counties in the region.

Dr. Mitei reiterated that the model enables wards to independently allocate funds for various projects, including health, education, and infrastructure, during a meeting with residents in Senetwo, Tinderet Sub-County. Additionally, the cess tax, previously directed to the County Reve
nue Account, will now be managed at the ward level following a successful court challenge by tea farmers.

The decision to channel the cess tax to the ward cess fund account allows the cess committee to prioritize road maintenance in areas integral to sugarcane and tea production. Dr. Mitei highlighted the model’s effectiveness, citing ongoing water projects that benefit community and educational facilities.

Furthermore, Dr. Mitei acknowledged the National Assembly’s decision to designate Nandi County as a recipient of Equalisation Funds, with sh116 million allocated, primarily benefiting Tinderet Sub-County in projects focused on health, water, and roads. Of the nearly 30 earmarked projects, 13 have been completed, while 18 remain in progress.

Nandi County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili has consistently noted that projects funded through equalisation funds were selected through a meticulous public participation process, ensuring alignment with community priorities.