Monday, June 30, 2014

Elderly, poor gain in Nyeri’s war on poverty and hunger

Corporate News
Elderly people follow proceedings during the launch of the cash transfer to older persons ‘Inua Jamii’ programme by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Ihura stadium in Murang’a in February. Photo/Joseph Kanyi Elderly people follow proceedings during the launch of the cash transfer to older persons ‘Inua Jamii’ programme by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Ihura stadium in Murang’a in February. Photo/Joseph Kany
 
By STEPHEN MUTHINI
In Summary
Among the proposals contained in the budget is the provision of medical care to the elderly, a widows’ empowerment kitty as well as addressing alcoholism and food security in the county.

Nyeri has proposed measures to cushion the poor and vulnerable members of the society from harsh economic times.
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Among the proposals contained in the 2014/2015 budget is the provision of medical care to the elderly, a widows’ empowerment kitty as well as addressing alcoholism and food security in the county.


 
More than 3,000 poor girls will receive sanitary pads in a pilot project that is expected to be rolled out by mid-July. Senior citizens aged above 70 would also be given free health services.
The widows’ kitty will receive Sh5 million, once legislation on how the money will be used is put in place. Persons with disabilities have not been left out as 75 residents living with Albinism will be supplied with sunscreen lotions worth Sh2 million, according to finance and economic planning county executive Martin Wamwea.
In a bid to address alcoholism, the county will this year facilitate the rehabilitation of 50 addicts through counselling and placement in support groups.
To ensure food security the county government will continue providing subsidised fertiliser and intensify training in agricultural production at the Wambugu Agricultural Training Institute.
Sh172 million has been allocated to the agricultural sector with an additional Sh35 million being earmarked for expanding irrigation projects in the county.
Mr Wamwea said the County government projects to grow its revenue collection from the current Sh442 million to Sh900million in order to finance the budget. The revenue will be mainly generated from single business permits, land rates and parking fees.
The total budget for the county this year is Sh4.7 billion with 81 per cent being financed through the equitable share from the national government.

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