NAROK — David Ole Muntet, the Narok County Executive Committee Member in charge of Finance, has presented a Sh15.7 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024/2025, marking an increase of Sh1 billion from last year's budget.

According to Kenya News Agency, the budget anticipates Sh9.332 billion from the National Government's equitable share transfers and an additional Sh162 million in conditional grants. Local revenue sources, particularly from the Maasai Mara park fees, are expected to contribute significantly, with a projected income of Sh3.420 billion out of a total Sh4.654 billion from local revenues. "In this regard, the county has already put in place viable revenue-raising strategies for enhancing revenue collection in critical revenue streams with a view of ensuring that the revenue target is met," Muntet stated during the budget announcement.

The budget also outlines plans for engaging the private sector through public-private partnerships to finance capital-intensive programs. Furthermore, Muntet mentioned the possibility of seeking external borrowing, conditional upon guarantees from the National government and approval from the county assembly.

The budget allocation includes 34 percent for employee salaries, 33 percent for county operations, and another 33 percent aimed at development projects. The health sector will receive the largest allocation with Sh3.3 billion dedicated to purchasing drugs and improving infrastructure in public hospitals. The education sector follows with an allocation of Sh2.1 billion aimed at constructing classrooms, providing bursaries to underprivileged students, and supporting persons with disabilities. Additionally, Sh1.6 billion is earmarked for enhancing the county's road network, and Sh1.1 billion will support agricultural development for both livestock and crop farmers.