On Tuesday, Governor Susan Kihika launched the Nakuru County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for the period 2023-27 at the Nyayo Gardens.

The document highlighted some of the mega projects and programs that the Governor intends to undertake for the county costing billions of shillings.

The presence of senior county National leaders at the colourful event served to reinforce the importance in which the county gave the document.

Read: 'County Revenue Allocation' public participation in Nakuru to kick off this month

Even as the crucial event proceeded, some of the residents went on with their businesses unbothered with it.

But the question is, do they understand what the CIDP means to care about it?

Well, to answer the question we decided to explain the document and listed some of its importance.

To begin with, CIDP is the core five-year development plan that integrates the long-term spatial, sector and urban plans.

These plans have inputs from the Governor’s manifesto, national government plans and programs, past county development performance as well as the views and expectations of other development actors and the public at large.

The document is prepared after every five years usually after the general elections.

Some of its importance include the following;

1. It sets out priorities and guides the county government's spending for the period until the next elections.

2. It gives residents an opportunity to assess outgoing leaders based on an objective record and allows the public priorities to shape and influence the manifestos of political leaders running for office.

3. It gives the new administration focus on the strategies and programmes of the new CIDP to ensure a smooth formulation and approval.

4. The CIDP can help the residents put their leaders accountable at the end of their term.

5. It informs the public on where their money paid in taxes needs to be invested by the county leadership.

6. The document allows the public an opportunity to participate in the development matters of the county.

Watch: Chairman Budget committee Alex Mbugua breaks down Nakuru CIDP

For Nakuru county at least Sh 216 billion will be required to finance the CIDP 2023-27 including the flagship projects.

The governor plans to focus on completion of ongoing or stalled projects, increase production as well as improve business environment for more investment.

opendajoseph@gmail.com

What is Nakuru's Sh 216 billion CIDP and why should you care about it?

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Joseph Openda