It is a legal requirement under Section 117 of the PFM Act that the county treasury prepares and presents before the county executive committee a County Fiscal Strategy Paper that outlines the county’s fiscal framework for the medium term. The approved fiscal strategy paper should then be presented to the County Assembly by the 28th of February of each financial year. This, being the third Homa Bay County Fiscal Strategy Paper, it is built on the foundation of the county’s first and second strategy papers. In both papers, the county was focused on bringing about a transformation towards sustainable and shared prosperity.

The paper elaborates principles and policies for laying a firm foundation for achievement of objectives set out in the First County Integrated Development Plan, 2013–2017. It begins with a synopsis of the recent economic developments and outlook as well as strategic priorities and policy goals of the County Government. It details the fiscal policies and the budget framework and concludes by highlighting the key programmes and priority projects for funding in the financial year 2017/2018 as well as in the medium term.

In line with the county’s vision of becoming a healthy, wealthy and industrialized county, this Fiscal Strategy Paper 2017 remains focused on (1) Pro-poor expenditures in support of priorities set out in the CIDP; (2) Shifting towards capital improvement, (3) Setting up structures for improved mobilization and management of resources in the county and (4) creating a conducive framework for the growth of the private sector. The paper therefore emphasizes putting the county on the trajectory of cost-effective and sustainable public spending aimed at consolidating gains, touching all dimension of well-being and reaching new development levels.

My sincere gratitude goes to all individuals and entities that have participated in the development of this paper including members of the County Executive Committee, Chief Officers, members of the County Assembly, technical government officers, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and development partners who at various stages made invaluable contribution to this strategic process.

Hon. Dr. David Okeyo
CEC Member, Finance & Economic Planning Homa Bay County Government