The Kenyan government has allocated a substantial Ksh.8.1 billion for the implementation of 1,246 development projects in 34 counties across the country. This move is part of the government’s ongoing effort to address the infrastructural gaps and improve service delivery in marginalized regions, particularly those benefiting from the Equalisation Fund. Two counties, Turkana and West Pokot, stand out as the biggest beneficiaries of this funding, with Turkana set to receive Ksh.1.07 billion for 84 projects, while West Pokot will be allocated Ksh.1.02 billion for 70 projects.
The Equalisation Fund, a government initiative aimed at improving basic services in historically neglected regions, will see a diverse range of projects across these counties. Some of the key undertakings include the construction of 177 boreholes, 115 classrooms, and 176 health facilities, all aimed at improving water access, education, and healthcare services in these areas. The projects are designed to uplift communities and provide them with the essential services that have been lacking for years.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, during the launch of these projects, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging the development gap between marginalized and more developed regions. He stressed the importance of ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of their geographic location, has access to basic services such as clean water, quality education, and proper healthcare.
“The Equalisation Fund is a key initiative in our mission to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their location, have access to the same basic services,” Mudavadi said. He added that this initiative was designed to provide high-impact projects that would benefit the people of marginalized counties for generations. This commitment reflects the government’s determination to provide sustainable solutions to long-standing issues of regional inequality.
As part of the government’s efforts to monitor the progress of these initiatives, Mudavadi highlighted the successful completion of 359 projects that have already benefited over 9 million Kenyans across 14 counties. Of these completed projects, 265 are fully operational and ready to be handed over to local communities. These completed projects are expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of the people they serve, particularly in areas such as water, education, and health.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi also addressed the financial aspects of the Equalisation Fund during the event. He confirmed that Ksh.900 million had already been disbursed to the Fund since his appointment, underscoring the government’s ongoing financial commitment to the program. However, he acknowledged that the government faced challenges in allocating sufficient funds to the Equalisation Fund due to tight fiscal constraints. Despite these challenges, Mbadi assured that the government was committed to clearing any outstanding arrears and ensuring the smooth and full implementation of these projects.
“We acknowledge that there have been challenges, including the tight fiscal space that has hindered the full allocation of funds to the Equalisation Fund,” Mbadi stated. “However, we are committed to clearing the arrears and ensuring the smooth implementation of these vital projects.”
The Equalisation Fund is an important tool in the government’s broader plan to foster inclusive development, ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind. The allocation of Ksh.8.1 billion for these 1,246 projects is a significant step toward achieving the vision of a more equitable society. As these projects are rolled out, the people of Turkana, West Pokot, and other marginalized counties are set to see tangible improvements in their lives, from better access to clean water and health services to more educational opportunities for their children.
This initiative is an example of how the Kenyan government is using its resources to directly address the needs of its most underserved communities, providing them with the infrastructure they need to thrive in the 21st century.
