The County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) has been hailed as a vital platform for accelerating Kitui County’s economic growth and ensuring that development priorities reflect the true needs of the people. The forum brings together representatives from the business community, civil society, professionals, and the county government to deliberate on economic planning and budgeting. Its primary goal is to make public participation meaningful and ensure that financial decisions promote equitable development across all parts of the county.
Through the CBEF, residents and stakeholders are given an opportunity to contribute their ideas and priorities before the county budget is finalized. This inclusivity helps align development programs with real community needs, such as improving roads, enhancing access to clean water, boosting agricultural productivity, and empowering youth and women in entrepreneurship. By listening to citizens, the county leadership is better positioned to design policies and projects that directly uplift livelihoods and strengthen the local economy.
Transparency and accountability have also been strengthened through the forum. By discussing budget proposals and expenditure openly, the CBEF helps reduce the risk of misuse of public funds and increases public trust in county institutions. This openness attracts investors and development partners who are assured that Kitui County’s fiscal management is guided by integrity and prudence. The forum has thus become a cornerstone for building confidence among both local and external stakeholders.
Economically, the CBEF serves as a coordination hub that helps the county identify and prioritize key growth sectors such as agriculture, mining, and cottage industries. By encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors, it promotes innovation and helps small businesses access market opportunities. The forum also supports the formulation of economic policies that stimulate job creation and local revenue generation, ensuring sustainable growth across the region.
According to the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act of 2012, every county in Kenya is required to establish a County Budget and Economic Forum to guide the budgeting and planning process. Kitui County’s consistent use of this forum has placed it among the counties that actively embrace participatory governance. The platform ensures that development is not dictated from the top but is instead shaped through continuous consultation and collaboration with the people.
As Kitui County continues its journey toward inclusive and sustainable development, the CBEF remains a key driver of transformation. It embodies the principles of devolution — empowering citizens, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and fostering transparency in governance. If fully utilized, the forum has the potential to unlock Kitui’s economic potential and position the county as a model of participatory development in Kenya.
