Increased own-source revenue brings services closer to Kitui County residents

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

He was speaking during a retreat for Kitui County Executive and Kitui County Assembly members. It was attended by the County Assembly of Kitui Speaker Kevin Kinengo and other legislative officials at a Mombasa hotel during which  the leaders reviewed the achievements of Governor Julius Malombe's administration now in its second and final term. 

"Our own-source revenue increased from Sh361 million in FY 2021/2022 to Sh1.2 billion in FY 2025/2026, representing approximately 170% growth ",  the joint communique read. 

It was signed by Governor Dr Julius Malombe and Speaker Kevin Katisya and was read to the media by the former.

Governor Malombe said that his County administration was able to support service delivery and roll out development projects better due to increased revenue collection. The county has also substantially reduced pending bills from Sh2.56 billion in 2022/2023  to Sh449 million in FY 2026/2027. This is an 82.5% drop in the pile of pending bills.

4053 projects were implemented in Governor Malombe's second term in office. The implemented projects are spread across all 40 wards and 247 villages. The biggest number of implemented projects were roads and infrastructure standing at 818. Water projects were in the second position at 739 while health projects implemented since 2022 are 330.

One of the signature projects done by Governor Malombe's administration in this ending election cycle is the Kangu Kangu Water Supply Project. World Vision Kenya was the devolved unit's partner in realising this important project.

Kangu Kangu Water Supply Project covers 224 kilometres with pipeline network in order to serve around 100,000 residents. It has 52 water kiosks to achieve this service delivery of an essential commodity. 

In the health sector, the county has slightly increased the number of public health facilities from 307 to 341 since the 2022 general elections. It also expanded maternity units from 81 to186. "Thirty-nine of our 40 wards now have Level 3 facilities. Consequently,  the average distance to health facilities has reduced from 10.2 kilometres 6.8 kilometres, bringing services closer to communities", he said.