Nairobi, 5th June, 2024
County Chief Officer for Economic Planning, Dr. Machel Waikenda, accompanied Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, Moses Kuria, during the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP) County Dissemination Forum 2023-2027, held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
The MTP IV 2023-2027 seeks to implement the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which is geared towards economic turnaround and inclusive growth through a value chain approach.
“We need to focus on sustainable development and think beyond immediate gain. Digital transformation is more than just technology; it is about enhancing the quality of life for all citizens,” said Cabinet Secretary Kuria. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and partnering with the church and other societal sectors, leveraging their influence and trust to implement crucial national initiatives.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Lucas Mwanza highlighted that effective economic development requires collaboration with other government departments and agencies. “Tailored economic programs must be developed to address the unique needs of different regions, ensuring balanced development across the country,” he stated.
County Chief Officer for Economic Planning, Dr. Machel Waikenda emphasized the importance of aligning the county development agenda to Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda, especially in the areas of lowering cost of living, eradicating hunger, and job creation.
He highlighted H.E. Governor Sakaja’s key achievements, including the “Dishi na County” initiative which will go a long way to meet BETA objectives. Through the initiative, seven kitchens were launched in seven schools: Dandora, Embakasi East, Embakasi North, Dagoretti South, Lang’ata, Starehe, and Embakasi West. “H.E. Governor Sakajas’ agenda is to expand the school feeding program, and the steps he has taken will see the expansion of the program across the entire Nairobi County,” said Dr. Waikenda.
County Budget Officer Tiras Kamau presented the implementation challenges facing the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), including financing county operations and projects due to shortfalls in Own Source Revenue (OSR) and occasional delays in National Government exchequer releases. These cash flow challenges greatly affect the timely implementation of programs. He emphasized the need for citizens to pay their respective dues and taxes.
“Land grabbing and encroachment of public lands meant for development projects like ECDE centers, social facilities, markets, fire stations, and dispensaries continue to be major challenges, undermining the county’s efforts to develop infrastructure and provide essential services. However, there is a steadfast effort by the county government to repossess grabbed public land,” Mr. Kamau stated.
The delegation from both the National and County Government planted trees to commemorate World Environment Day, encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment.
In attendance were Principal Secretary for the State Department for Wildlife Sylvia Kihoro, Director, Central Planning and Project Monitoring Directorate (CPPMD) from the State Department for Planning, The National Treasury and Planning, Benson Kimani, local leaders and members of the Nyumba Kumi initiative, among others.
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