The National Taxpayers Association (NTA) convened the first day of a two-day Ward Development Committee (WDC) workshop aimed at strengthening public participation and accountability in the county’s development and budget processes.
In attendance were representatives from the Nandi County Government, including the CEC Finance, the Chief ICT Officer, the Chief Officer Administration, Public Service and ICT, and the Ward Development Committee Chair.
Day One focused on building participants’ understanding of the constitutional, legal, and institutional frameworks that guide Kenya’s public finance system. The facilitator walked participants through key provisions of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the County Government Act (2012), and the Public Finance Management Act (2012), all of which emphasize planning, transparency, and inclusive participation in budget-making.
The workshop provided a detailed overview of the budget cycle, highlighting critical stages such as the release of the Budget Circular, tabling of Annual Development Plans, County Fiscal Strategy Papers, and most importantly, the sector hearings period (September–February) when citizens can most effectively influence allocations by engaging in discussions on budget ceilings and priorities.
A major highlight of the day was the discussion on the Nandi Equitable Development Act (EDA) 2023, Nandi’s landmark law that ensures fair distribution of development resources between the county and its wards.
The discussions also acknowledged existing gaps in the EDA, including its limited attention to equity parameters, lack of provisions for urban areas, and the absence of clear mechanisms for project sustainability and maintenance.
By the close of Day One, participants had developed a stronger appreciation of how legal frameworks and the EDA 2023 shape resource allocation in Nandi.