Elgeyo Marakwet County’s (EMC) blueprint is County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). CIDP II (2018-2022) was prepared, in adherence to the principles set in Kenya’s development agenda, guided by Kenya Vision 2030, the country’s economic blue print, and The Big Four Agenda. Kenya Vision 2030 is being actualized through five-year Medium-Term Plans (MTP) and are subsequently implemented through Annual Plans and budgets. Global considerations are factored into the Plans as well. Specifically, the development of the plans ensures mainstreaming of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the county’s development. Financial Year, FY 2019/2020 Annual Development Plan (ADP) was prepared, guided by the above-mentioned local and global agendas and aspirations.

There are legal provisions and stipulations that formed the basis of ADP’s preparation. These include constitution of Kenya 2010, County Governments Act, 2012 and the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, Equitable Development Act (EDA), 2015 among other legislations. Adherence to these legislations enhanced the prudent allocation of resources.

The 2019/20 FY ADP sets out development priorities, which are summarized by programs and sub-programmes in the 5 sectors of EMC. The programs/projects initiatives, which were directly identified through citizen engagement by means of public participation, reflect the concerns of the county Citizens. They are anchored in CIDP II, which focuses on sectors with potential to transform the lives and empower residents for economic and social advancement.

This ADP aims to improve infrastructure, without which development cannot be possible. Roads and Transport sub-sector takes the largest share of this year’s budget, followed by Water, Lands, Environment and Climate Change Management. Agriculture and Irrigation sub-sector is third in allocations. This ADP also prioritizes the vital human social sectors such as education and health. this ADP has identified areas with growth prospects whose economic gains can spill over to other sectors and enhance economic development of the entire county. These growth prospect areas include; value addition ventures, sports related activities and enhanced tourism.

It’s the hope of EMC government that eventual implementation of these development initiatives will lead to sustainable economic growth and enhanced socio-economic welfare of citizens.

ISAAC KIPCHIRCHIR KAMAR
CECM, FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING