Statutory County Budget and Economic Forum Sittings Kick Off in Mombasa

The sittings of the County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) began today in Mombasa, bringing together senior government officials, civil society representatives, and development partners to deliberate on fiscal policy, development priorities, and the efficient use of public resources. The high-level forum serves as a platform for consultation and collaboration between the County Government and non-state actors, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the county’s economic planning process.

In his opening remarks, Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe underscored the need to prioritize the human impact of development, noting that the ultimate goal of governance is to improve the quality of life for citizens. He said development should not merely be measured by the number of projects completed but by how effectively those projects uplift communities and create sustainable livelihoods.

Governor Malombe revealed that his administration has implemented over 2,200 development projects across all the 40 wards in the county since he took office. These projects, he said, span key sectors such as water, health, infrastructure, education, and enterprise development, demonstrating a balanced approach to equitable growth across the county.

The governor further emphasized that the county’s development agenda remains anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and citizen participation. He highlighted that the County Budget and Economic Forum provides an essential avenue for the public to influence decision-making on how resources are allocated and utilized, thus enhancing trust between the government and the people.

Highlighting progress in the health sector, Dr. Malombe noted that the County Government has expanded access to quality healthcare through the construction and equipping of hospitals, dispensaries, and maternity wings. He cited ongoing upgrades at the Kitui County Referral Hospital and the establishment of specialized units as critical milestones in strengthening healthcare delivery.

On water development, the Governor pointed out that the county has solarized 31 boreholes and established several water supply schemes to improve access to clean and safe water, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. These interventions, he said, have eased the burden on households, boosted sanitation, and supported local economic activities such as irrigation and livestock rearing.

Infrastructure development also featured prominently in the Governor’s remarks. Dr. Malombe outlined ongoing road rehabilitation and maintenance projects, the expansion of rural access roads, and the construction of bridges and drifts aimed at enhancing connectivity and market access. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building resilient infrastructure that supports trade, mobility, and social integration.

In promoting enterprise and economic growth, the Governor said the county is scaling up support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through training, credit access, and market linkages. He lauded the ongoing youth and women empowerment initiatives as key drivers of innovation and job creation, adding that local entrepreneurs remain central to Kitui’s economic transformation.

Participants at the CBEF forum commended the County Government’s commitment to public participation and fiscal discipline. They called for continued partnership between government, the private sector, and development partners to mobilize resources and ensure that ongoing projects yield maximum benefits for citizens.

As the CBEF sittings continue, delegates are expected to review budget performance, discuss development priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, and formulate strategies to enhance accountability and efficiency in public resource management. The outcomes of the forum will play a critical role in shaping the county’s planning and budgeting processes for 2026 and beyond.