Garissa County Unveils Comprehensive 2023/24 Budget: Key Allocations and Priorities Revealed
Garissa County has released its budget for the fiscal year 2023/24, highlighting the allocation of funds to various sectors and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its residents.
The total budget for the county stands at Ksh10.357 billion, with a significant portion allocated to key areas such as health, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Salaries for county employees take precedence in the budget, with Ksh4.2 billion (41% of the total budget) designated for this purpose.
Operations and maintenance expenses account for Ksh2.39 billion (23% of the budget), ensuring the smooth functioning of county services.
Development expenditure receives Ksh3.7 billion (36% of the budget), indicating the county’s commitment to progress and growth.
The County Assembly has been allocated Ksh1.036 billion (10% of the budget), enabling it to effectively carry out its legislative duties.
The remaining Ksh9.3 billion (90% of the budget) is earmarked for the executive and its departments, supporting various government programs aimed at improving the lives of Garissa residents.
The Ministry of Health emerges as the biggest beneficiary of the budget, receiving Ksh2.89 billion (28% of the overall county budget).
This substantial allocation underscores the county’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and facilities.
Within the Health Department, a significant portion of the executive payroll budget, Ksh2.01 billion (54%), is dedicated to workers’ salaries, reflecting the large workforce involved in healthcare provision.
Garissa County’s investment in healthcare extends beyond salaries.
The budget allocates Ksh200 million to the construction of the first phase of a 200-bed capacity Mother and Child Hospital, addressing the healthcare needs of mothers and children.
Additionally, Ksh80 million has been set aside for the renovation of 15 health centers across the sub-counties, aiming to improve the overall health infrastructure.
The county’s commitment to healthcare automation is evident with an allocation of Ksh20 million for the automation of the health system at the Garissa County Referral Hospital.
This investment is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
In line with its focus on health, Garissa County has allocated Ksh41 million to cater for ambulance referral services, ensuring swift and efficient emergency medical response for residents.
The Agriculture and Livestock Department receives Ksh695 million (7% of the budget) to support the agricultural sector.
Most of the funding comes from development partners like the World Bank, SIDA, and the National Government.
Key initiatives within this allocation include Ksh30 million for veterinary supplies, Ksh40 million for upgrading the slaughterhouse to enhance value addition, Ksh20 million for farm canal systems, Ksh25 million for improving farm access roads, Ksh20 million for Agricultural Mechanization Services (AMS), and Ksh20 million for the renovation of the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC).
The education sector has also been prioritized in the budget.
Ksh50 million has been earmarked for the county bursary program, aimed at supporting students in need.
Furthermore, Ksh35 million has been allocated for improving infrastructure in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers, and Ksh15 million will be used to purchase teaching and learning materials for vocational centers.
An additional Ksh20 million has been set aside for the school feeding program to enhance enrollment and support vulnerable school children.
To address the county’s infrastructure needs, Ksh100 million has been allocated for the first phase of the Garissa Stadium project.
Moreover, Ksh40 million has been allocated to the County Revolving Fund to support micro and small-medium enterprises and fight unemployment among the county’s youth.