By John Mugendi
Tharaka Nithi MCAs have solidly approved Sh5.51 billion 2021/2022 budget without an alteration.
Of the Sh5.51 billion, Sh3.5 billion which is 64 percent will be for the recurrent expenditure including employees’ emolument while Sh1.98 billion will be used for development.
Governor Muthomi Njuki led government projects to receive Sh4.21 billion as equitable share and Sh945.88 million conditional grants from National Government while Sh350 is expected to be collected as revenue.
As it has been in the county since the conception of the devolved government, the health department got the huge allocation, Sh1.92 billion followed at a distance by the department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative with Sh715.8 million.
Sh1.6 billion of the health budget will go to recurrent expenditure while Sh320 million will be used in development projects.
Chuka County Referral Hospital and Marimanti and Magutuni sub-county hospitals will share Sh149.9 million that will be used for upgrading while Sh19.6 million will be used in improving infrastructure in various health centers and dispensaries.
Other departments have received the following: Education (Sh363.2 million), Roads (Sh482 million), Water and Irrigation (Sh162 million), Physical Planning (Sh273 million) and Public Administration and Devolution (Sh137 million).
Speaking at the chambers in Kathwana, the MCAs led by Finance Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman, Godfrey Murithi who is also the Karingani ward representative said the National Government is the main impediment to o blame development in counties because for failing to release money in good time.
“Despite the fact that the financial year is coming to the closure, our county is yet to receive over 800 million from National Government,” said Mr Murithi.
