Nairobians snub county budget forum
City residents on Monday snubbed a forum meant to review the county government’s budget estimates for the next financial year.
Only a handful of people attended the forum at Charter hall despite the heavy publicity it had received online.
The law stipulates for the participation of the public in the county’s budgeting process.
The forum was open for elected leaders, resident associations, leaders of various professional bodies, individuals, civil society, entrepreneurs, corporate and government departments.
The county is expected to unveil a Sh26.3 billion budget in the next few weeks.
Nairobi City Council tweeted ‘Good morning Nairobi. Just a reminder. The NCC Budget Estimate 2014/2015 public forum@ City Hall. Starts at 10.00am.’
Calvin Muga tweeted ‘Are you a resident of Nairobi County?If you are,then come out and give your views on Nairobi Budget.’
During the forum some city residents tweeted of how the turnout was low yet it was an opportunity to be involved in county affairs.
@Kreseacher tweeted ‘Nairobi County budget public forum, almost empty. Then we will insult Kidero all year *sigh*’
A resident tweeted that public participation was low due to work commitments.
‘But Nairobi county budget public forum on a Monday, people have work and jobs they can’t risk not going to. Failure in planning.’
The budget estimates were read out by the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Finance and Economic Planning Gregory Mwakanongo.