Kitui County Secures Kshs. 37.5 Million World Bank Grant Following Successful Devolution Assessment

By YOANA KIMWELE

Kitui County has successfully met all the required conditions under the World Bank’s Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP), earning an annual grant of Kshs. 37.5 million for the next four years. The disbursement of funds is set to begin soon, marking a significant boost for the county’s devolution and governance agenda.

Governor Julius Malombe hosted the Independent Verification Agent (IVA), appointed by the World Bank and the State Department for Devolution, for the Second Kenya Devolution Support Program Annual Program Assessment. The assessment aimed to evaluate the county’s preparedness for receiving Level 1 funds under the program.

The verification process affirmed Kitui’s compliance with the minimum conditions necessary to qualify for the funding. This achievement underscores the county’s commitment to effective governance, financial management, and service delivery in line with devolution principles.

Key county officials present at the meeting included the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Economic Planning, and Revenue Management, Peter Kilonzo; Acting County Secretary Agnes Mulewa; and the Chief Officer for Economic Planning, Patrick Munuve. The County Program Implementation Unit, led by Program Coordinator Victor Mwangu, was also in attendance.

The World Bank delegation comprised Mr. Nicholas Omido and Mr. Bruno Msafiri, who participated in the assessment and discussions on the county’s future utilization of the funds.

The grant is expected to enhance various development projects in Kitui, reinforcing the county’s efforts in economic planning, infrastructure, and service delivery to its residents.

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