County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Finance and Economic Planning play a central role in planning and budget implementation in the County. They exercise the powers bestowed to them by the Constitution, the County Governments Act and the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act.
Premised on the above, the Council of Governors (CoG) held an induction programme for CECMs in charge of Finance and Economic Planning from 21st – 24th February, 2023 at the Pride Inn Hotel, Mombasa. The programme sought to equip these County officers with extensive knowledge on the legal and institutional framework surrounding Public Finance Management.
Further, the induction offered a platform for sector players drawn from the National Government, Constitutional Commissions, Independent Offices, Development Partners and the Private Sector among others, to share collective knowledge on the policy and legal architecture of the devolved system of governance that relates to the sector.
Speaking during the meeting, CoG Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs Committee Chair H.E. FCPA Fernandes Barasa reiterated the importance of the induction programme ahead of active implementation of pending as well as new projects in the Counties.
“During this induction workshop you will have an opportunity to consult amongst yourselves as County Governments and the Finance and Economic Planning sector players on matters of common interest, share information and best practices on performance of the assigned functions as stipulated in the Fourth Schedule and any other related laws and policies governing the sector and engage in peer to peer learning,” said Governor Barasa.
To this end, there are several pertinent issues in the finance sector for consideration that require all stakeholders to come together for effective implementation, including: finalization of the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) that are currently being developed; effective sector planning including the formulation, prioritization of sector budgeting and financing including lobbying for resources and establishing a working relationship with the County Assemblies; implementation of sector devolved functions i.e., implementation of the devolved function of County planning and development; and strengthening inter-governmental relations and stakeholder engagement leveraging on various strengths such as resource mobilization for the Counties among others.
To address some of the critical issues highlighted above, the multi stakeholder forum came up with a number of resolutions. As an initial but important step, the County Government Act and other laws need be amended to raise the threshold of censuring CECM members from one third to at least two-thirds of respective members of the county assembly (MCA). This will give CECMs a higher degree of independence and protection from unnecessary harassment and disruptions when discharging their duties.
Further, there is a need to create awareness of the potential of the County Governments to enhance Own Source Revenue (OSR). This can be achieved through the diversification of revenue streams and automation of revenue management. Currently, the CoG is working together with key stakeholders and the County Governments on OSR enhancement, innovative financing models such as the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), and increasing awareness and uptake of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This will in turn improve County Governments’ fiscal autonomy and augment the share of nationally raised revenue.
The CECMs caucus ended their induction with the election of their caucus leadership where the CECM, Finance and Economic Planning, Isiolo County, Hon. Banticha Abdullahi Jaldesa was unanimously elected as the Chair and his Kiambu Counterpart Ms. Nancy Kirumba elected the Vice Chair. The caucus further elected CPA Emily Ongaga of Nyamira County and Alphaeus K. Tanui of Elgeyo Marakwet as the Secretary and Treasurer respectively.