FOCUS ON COMPLETING EXISTING PROJECTS, GOVERNOR OPARANYA TELLS CECMS

Governor H.E Dr FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya has urged County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) to focus on completing existing projects before budgeting and launching new ones.

Dr Oparanya said that his target was to ensure key development projects are completed before the end of his tenure and asked CECMs to work towards realising that goal.

“We should direct the little resources we get towards completion of those projects that are underway instead of launching new ones,” said Governor Oparanya.

He commended the CECMs and other county officers for driving his development agenda and reiterated need for prudent utilization of public funds.

The Governor who is also the Council of Governors Chairman announced that the National Treasury has released funds for the month of October 2020 to counties.

He welcomed the move but urged Finance Minister Hon Ukur Yattani to release more funds Treasury owes counties to cushion them from financial crisis.

“National Treasury still owes County Governments funds for the months of November, December and now January 2021,”. said Dr Oparanya

The Governor said the County is doing well in revenue collection despite the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have met at least 80% of revenue collection and we are hopeful we will meet our targets,” he said.

Deputy Governor H.E Prof Philip Kutima asked the CECMs to ensure standards set by the county are adhered to while implementing the projects.

“Projects ought to be implemented properly and to completion,” said Kutima during the monthly project status report meeting organized by the Department of Service Delivery.

Chief Officer for Service Delivery and Advisory Unit Dr Phitalis Masakhwe thanked the officials for their commitment to serving the people of Kakamega.

CECMs led by Dr Beatrice Sabana (Finance Economic Planning and ICT), County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch, Chief Officers, advisors and other senior officials were present.