Community Stakeholders Call for Involvement and Transparency in Public Finance Management

 

 In a bid to strengthen public finance management and curb corruption, a panel discussion organized by Transparency International brought together representatives from various wards and county officials in Uasin Gishu County. The event, held to engage the community on matters of transparency and accountability in local governance, saw critical discussions on the mismanagement of funds and the need for more inclusive planning.

Mr. Phillip Barno, a representative from Kapsaos Ward, raised alarm over the widespread issue of incomplete or stalled projects across the county. According to Barno, many vital community projects are left unfinished due to financial mismanagement. He highlighted the skewed allocation of funds, where projects that are not essential often receive priority over critical areas such as water, roads, education, and security.

"The priorities set by the county government do not align with the immediate needs of the people," Barno said. "Many essential services are being neglected while resources are diverted to projects that add little value to the community."

Responding to these concerns, County Administrator Moses Otieno explained that the county government often addresses such issues during public participation sessions. However, he lamented the low attendance at these meetings, with many community members failing to participate. "We invite the public to share their concerns, but the turnout is always poor," Otieno noted. "Later, people complain when they haven't taken part in the planning process."

Benadine Kipruto, Chair of the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the county government and the community. Kipruto called for greater involvement of citizens in the planning and budgeting process to ensure that the projects align with the real needs of the people. She stressed that the involvement of the public in decision-making could pave the way for more effective resource allocation and greater accountability.

"The county government needs to work closely with the community to prioritize projects that address the real challenges faced by our people," Kipruto said. "We must ensure that every shilling allocated is put to good use."

The discussion ended with a call for more inclusive and transparent public finance management processes, with a focus on ensuring that funds are spent wisely on projects that directly benefit the people of Uasin Gishu County. The panelists and participants agreed that fostering an active and engaged citizenry was crucial to reducing corruption and improving the quality of life in the county.

April 07, 2025