Kakamega County Budget Review and Outlook Paper 2020/2021

Abstract

The County Budget Review and Outlook Paper 2021 is prepared in the wake of a contracting economy occasioned by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic hence disrupting businesses, loss of lives and livelihoods for millions of people globally. The rate of growth of National economic activities contracted to - 0.3 per cent in 2020 from 5.0 per cent in 2019 with prospects across counties remaining highly uncertain. Considering the impact of Covid-19, the County Government has put in place measures to cushion citizens and businesses from the adverse effects of the Pandemic. Kakamega being pre-dominantly an agriculture-based economy, the government prioritized provision of subsidized farm inputs, distribution of day-old chicks, promotion of dairy farming through one cow initiative programme and grants to Co-operative Societies. To support growth of businesses, the government through the Micro-Finance Corporation is providing low interest loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Through the department of social services, the government was able to support vulnerable members of the society through provision of food stuffs and empowering youth and women through creation of employment opportunities.