Kitui, 16 May 2024 – Residents of Kitui County are calling for an increase in the 2024/25 budget allocation for ward-specific projects, officially known as the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), from Sh688 million to Sh800 million.
During a public participation forum on the county’s Sh12.7 billion budget, community leaders proposed that each of the 40 wards receive Sh20 million for local projects. Mulango Ward Development Committee chairman Kalungu Nzau said CLIDP has had a visible impact on grassroots development and provides income opportunities for small-scale contractors.
Kitui County Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Zacchaeus Syengo acknowledged the suggestions but highlighted concerns over compliance with the Controller of Budget. He cautioned that overfunding CLIDP could divert resources from other departments.
The proposed 2024/25 budget relies on Sh10.9 billion from the National Treasury as equitable share, Sh1.1 billion from grants, and Sh600 million from the county’s own revenue. County Assembly Majority Leader John Munyoki emphasized the importance of public participation in ensuring that the budget reflects residents’ priori