Kisii, Kenya – The Kisii County Assembly has officially commenced its recess, marking the end of the first half of the assembly’s calendar for the 2023/2024 financial year. This break was announced during a session held at the County Assembly on Wednesday.
According to Kenya News Agency, Monyerero Ward MCA and Chair of the Budget and Appropriation Committee, Peter Gechana Otachi, one of the significant accomplishments of this period was the passing of the Finance Bill 2023/2024. Otachi highlighted the historic allocation of a ward-based budget totaling Sh39 million, a first for the assembly. He also referenced the recent passage of a supplementary budget and the appointment of Board members for the Ogembo municipality.
During the recess, set to end on February 12, 2024, Otachi mentioned that MCAs plan to review ongoing projects in their respective wards and identify future needs.
Focusing on education, Otachi noted the ongoing issuance of bursary forms. He encouraged parents to benefit from the increased bursary allocation, which has risen from Sh3 million in the previous financial year to Sh5 million this year.
Jim Kenyanya, Deputy Chair of the Finance Committee, stated that the bursary for the current year would extend beyond secondary school learners to include technical course students. He commended the assembly for passing the finance bill, ensuring all 45 wards in the county benefit.
Kenyanya also expressed optimism regarding the recently sworn-in Public Service Board, anticipating improvements in public service delivery for the benefit of residents. He urged patience among residents as the county management enters a period of development, underscored by the Sh39 million budget allocation for wards.
Naftal Onkoba, Nyacheki Ward MCA in Bobasi Constituency and Chair of the Labor, Manpower, and Social Welfare Committee, attributed the assembly’s successes to the culture of healthy and non-confrontational debates among members, a contrast to some other county assemblies in the country. Onkoba remarked on the county’s developmental prospects, noting that the region had not been adversely affected by El Niño rains.
As the recess commences, Onkoba conveyed festive season greetings to county residents and encouraged them to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Reported by Jane Naitore and Clinton Nyamumbo