The County Government of Kitui has partnered with the Kenya Devolution Support Programme II (KDSP II) and the Institute of Public Finance (IPF) to strengthen public financial management through gender-responsive budgeting and the development of a County Tariffs and Pricing Policy.
The initiative kicked off with a two-day technical workshop in Mwingi, bringing together technical officers from the ministries of Finance, Economic Planning and Revenue Management, Culture, Gender, Youth and Social Services, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Health and Sanitation.
The workshop aims to enhance the capacity of county officers on Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB), equipping them with practical skills to integrate gender perspectives into planning, budgeting and public service delivery while laying the groundwork for a comprehensive county tariffs and pricing policy.
The forum was attended by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. Peter Kilonzo, directors from participating ministries and technical officers responsible for county planning, budgeting and programme implementation.
Speaking during the opening session, Mr. Kilonzo said effective public financial management should focus not only on revenue collection and expenditure but also on ensuring that development resources benefit all residents equitably.
“Gender Responsive Budgeting enables us to look beyond numbers and understand how our policies, programmes and budgets affect different groups within our communities. By integrating gender considerations into our planning and budgeting processes, we ensure that county resources are allocated fairly and that development benefits every resident,” he said.
Facilitators from the Institute of Public Finance are leading practical sessions on incorporating gender considerations into county planning and budgeting, analysing the different needs of women and men in accessing public services, and ensuring that public expenditure promotes equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.
The partnership reflects Kitui County’s continued commitment to strengthening public financial management systems, enhancing accountability and building institutional capacity to improve service delivery.
Through collaboration with KDSP II and the Institute of Public Finance, the county is investing in technical expertise that is expected to support evidence-based budgeting, improve revenue policy formulation and deliver better development outcomes for all residents.
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CECM for Finance and Economic Planning Peter Kilonzo addresses participants during the KDSP II and Institute of Public Finance workshop on Gender Responsive Budgeting and revenue policy development in Mwingi on July 30, 2026.
