ITEN – Public Works Principal Secretary Joel Arumonyang urged counties to boost their own revenue sources to fund projects outlined in their County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), highlighting this as crucial for achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals.

According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke during the launch of the fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP) dissemination exercise at the MTC hall in Iten, increasing local revenue is essential for bridging the funding gap faced by counties. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with the government, private sector, and donors to overcome the scarcity of resources, which he identified as a major obstacle to national development.

During his address, Arumonyang pointed out that the government has developed a master plan that includes completing sports stadiums like Kamariny Stadium. He explained that these initiatives are part of a broader economic strategy aimed at boosting employment opportunities for youth through sports. Local residents expressed concerns about delays in completing Kamariny Stadium, noting that the facility is crucial for training young athletes and has been long overdue.

Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek shared that the county’s CIDP requires 97 billion shillings for implementation, facing a significant shortfall of 50.3 billion shillings. She cited the Equity Development Act’s provisions, which ensure equitable distribution of the development budget across wards, as a contributing factor to the funding challenge for capital projects.

Community leaders also stressed the need for hiring agricultural extension officers to address food security issues, especially in the face of climate change and technological advancements which require farmers to adapt continuously. They advocated for an increase in the allocation to counties by properly costing all devolved functions, to avoid situations where counties like Elgeyo Marakwet operate merely as salary-paying entities.

The county speaker, Philemon Sabulei, lamented the underutilization of local natural resources, which currently contribute only 1.5% to the nation’s GDP. He called for strategies to enhance this contribution. Additionally, the area county commissioner, John Korir, underscored the importance of maintaining peace along the Kerio Valley to achieve regional development goals.

Leaders concluded by urging the opening of markets along borders such as Chesegon, Kolowa, and Arror to facilitate interaction between residents of Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo counties, fostering trade and promoting peace in the process.