Vihiga County Budget Review and Outlook Paper 2022

Abstract

The 2022 County Budget Review and Outlook Paper (CBROP) has been prepared against a background of economic slowdown occasioned by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, effects of the COVID-19 containment measures, higher-than expected inflation worldwide triggered by higher global oil and food prices and the impact of the global monetary policy that has created tighter financial condition. As a result, the global economy is projected to slow down to 3.2 percent in 2022 from 6.1 percent in 2021. On the domestic scene, the Kenyan economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience and recovery to the COVID-19 shock due to the diversified nature of the economy and the proactive Government measures to support businesses. Consequently, the growth economy grew by 7.5 percent in 2021 following a modest 0.3 percent contraction in 2020. This growth was supported by positive growths in all sectors of the economy except agricultural sector that contracted by 0.7 percent in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 0.4 percent growth in the first quarter of 2021. Economic growth is expected to remain resilient growing by an average of 5.5 percent in 2022 and above 6.0 percent over the medium term. This outlook will be reinforced by the ongoing implementation of the “Big Four” projects and the Economic Recovery Strategy. Additionally, the Government is implementing the third phase of the Economic Stimulus Programs that target strategic interventions in agriculture, health, education, drought response, policy, infrastructure, financial inclusion, energy, and environmental conservation.