Vihiga: The Vihiga County Assembly has embarked on a review of the County Government’s strategic planning document at Friends Church Gavalagi in Luanda sub-county to evaluate the incorporation of public views gathered during participation forums.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise was led by local ward representatives, including Fredrick Mavisi (Lugaga Wamuluma Ward), Albert Mungasia (Mungoma), Pauline Amwata (Central Maragoli), and Patrick Kigumba (South Maragoli), alongside clerks from the County Assembly. Mungasia emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects that enhance residents’ lives, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Mungasia expressed concerns over the delayed payments to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers and stressed the need for the county to meet its financial obligations before launching new projects. He highlighted the necessity for ECDE teachers to be paid according to Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines, given their significant role in children’s education.
Mavisi advocated for increased investment in healthcare, urging the allocation of Sh567 million for modern medical equipment and the completion and equipping of health facilities across the county. He supported funding for Mungoma Ward projects, including the proposed construction of a hospital.
Kigumba underscored the significance of infrastructure projects, like street lighting, and criticized the allocation of large sums to recurrent expenditures, such as travel and accommodation, while essential development needs remain unmet. He called for development to take precedence over recurrent expenses.
Amwata stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, particularly in bursary allocations and county projects. She stated that recommendations from the public participation exercise should be reflected in the final budget to address Vihiga residents’ needs and expectations.
Human Rights Activist John Ishuga noted the Assembly’s role in scrutinizing the strategic document and making recommendations before its adoption. He highlighted the need to assess whether the Executive incorporated all public recommendations and mentioned concerns about Vihiga’s status in World Bank-funded municipal development programs due to the lack of a defined physical municipal area.
Ishuga appealed to the World Bank to consider Vihiga for funding, noting that the institution now evaluates municipalities based on performance criteria and project implementation efficiency. The MCAs assured residents that all proposed recommendations would be considered before the budget’s adoption.
