Tharaka-Nithi Finance Executives tables sh6.1bn 2023/2024 budget estimates

By Robert Mutasi 

Tharaka-Nithi Finance and Economic Planning has tabled an estimate of 6.1 billion shillings for the budget of the next financial year, 2023/2024.

Finance and Economic Planning Executive Lawrence Rweria stated that the funds would primarily be allocated to support youth, agriculture, and health sectors.

Rweria explained that the money allocated to the health sector would ensure that proper health facilities are provided to improve health services. This includes offering laboratory services closer to communities to minimize the expenses incurred when referring patients to distant areas for treatment.

"We are specifically focusing on health to provide laboratory services and ensure that health centers receive necessary improvements to avoid referrals to our level 5 hospitals," he said.

In agriculture, the county government aims to control diseases to ensure better crop productivity for both consumption and sales purposes.

"I can confirm that our total expenditure for the next financial year 2023/2024 is 6.1 billion shillings," Rweria said.

By boosting agriculture, Rweria explained that it would generate income in terms of protection for the vulnerable, emphasizing that they are taking care of the people.

Regarding agriculture, the Finance Executive acknowledged that they have exempted the vulnerable from paying taxes, but unfortunately, these individuals have failed to pay for their properties.

To address the issue of youth unemployment, the county government has allocated funds to educational institutions such as polytechnics and ECDEs. This initiative is expected to equip many young people with skills that can be utilized in various industries.

The Finance and Economic Planning Executive assured the county that the revenue collected would be allocated towards building infrastructure.

However, the county has identified 11 new leakages where individuals are not paying taxes.