Nairobi County Government Unveils KES 35.9 Billion Budget

The Nairobi County government unveiled a KES 35.9 billion budget for the 2017/2018 financial year. Out of this, KES 24.1 billion will go towards recurrent expenditures while KES 11.7 billion will be channelled to development projects. The budget was unveiled to the county assembly on April 6th 2017 by Mr. Gregory Mwakanongo, the County Executive Committee member in charge of finance and economic planning.

Moving away from the previous years, the county government will not be revising rates, an action that has been overburdening city taxpayers. Instead, it will seek to explore other alternatives and expand current revenue streams. The health sector received the lion’s share (20%) of the budget at KES 1.2 billion while ward development was allocated KES 1.73 billion. Trade and commerce was allocated KES 560 million while water and environment allocated KES 900 million. Details of the budget estimates are available here.

Industrial Area Chapter Committee Holds Bi-Monthly Meeting at EKA Hotel

The industrial Area chapter committee members led by Mr. Manoj Shah held its bi-monthly meeting on Saturday, April 22nd in Nairobi. Top on the agenda was the review of the chapter activities in the first quarter that included Nairobi County Governor, Dr. Evans Kidero’s tour to the chapter in February, engagements with Kenya Power, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, KURA, security agencies, among others.

Progress of road projects in Industrial Area was once again highlighted as an issue of great concern, with the committee resolving to hold an urgent meeting with KURA. Challenges with the county government officials, especially during inspections of premises were also highlighted. Members are urged to capture all the details of county government officers whenever they pay them visits and report any form of harassment.

The committee also noted that power still remains a major concern for industries despite various engagements with Kenya Power leadership. It was therefore resolved that the chapter holds a sensitization forum on power quality monitoring. The chairman noted that recruitment of new members requires the effort of all KAM members as there is power in number. In attendance was Mr. Elijah Ambasa, KAM chapter and devolution manager who presented the chapter charter to the committee.

Road Projects in Industrial Area on course; KURA DG

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has reassured Industrial Area road users of steady progress in road projects. During a meeting held on 27th April at the Authority’s head office with the KAM Industrial Area Chapter leadership, KURA Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti pointed out that close to KES 500 million had been invested in the roads in less than one year. Some of the projects currently being undertaken are; Nanyuki, Yellow, Rangwe, Sasio and Changamwe. Other projects such as Road A, Road C and Lokitaung are also set for improvement.

KAM, Industrial Area Chapter chairman, Mr. Manoj Shah expressed concerns at the relatively slow pace these projects were being undertaken, noting that sometimes, the contractors disappear from the sites for weeks. He further noted that the nature of contracts is not clear and therefore leaves road users guessing on the best ideal way forward. His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Stephen Brooks, a director at KURA and a board member at KAM, who emphasised the need for open communication between stakeholders and the authority.

The meeting finally resolved to form a steering committee to oversee the projects and ensure that they are implemented as planned. Eng. Kinoti further promised to mobilise resources for Maasai, ICD and East Gate Roads. Regular meetings will be held in future to expedite completion of projects.

For more information contact: robert.juma@kam.co.ke