The Health Department has taken the lion's share of the Tharaka Nithi County government 2024/2025 financial year budget.Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Budget Committee Chairperson Murithi Gaturo said they have allocated Sh1.7 billion for health department alone to help Governor Muthomi Njuki's administration achieve his manifesto.Gaturo said most of the allocated health funds would go to salaries while the rest was meant for developments especially towards building of ICUs in every Level Four hospital within the County.Gaturo, who spoke in Chuka Igambang'ombe sub County after a successful public participation, noted that out of the total Sh6.3billion from the County Treasury, Sh4 billion would go to recurrent expenditure.'I am happy most of residents have agreed with the sub divisions of monies allocated for projects in the County. The PFM Act is clear that any budget must not go above 70% of the total recurrent funds. Money is never enough and counties must utilize the little available prudently for benefits of mwananchi,' said Gaturo, who is the Karingani ward MCA.Gaturo appealed to the National Treasury to disburse County funds on a timely basis.'Most of County staff have stayed for over three months without salaries. There should be efficient and timely release of County monies to ensure smooth running of counties,' he said.The MCA castigated leaders who were inciting traders and other business people against paying taxes saying it is an archaic and detrimental practice aimed at robbing the growth and realization of developments in the County.'We anticipate County will collect Sh400million taxes next financial year. Whether you pay Sh50 or Sh1000, you are a great investor. Why should a leader incite residents not to pay taxes, thus delaying developments for their own political mileage?' he posed.Gaturo added that MCAs would champion identification of bright but needy learners in their Wards so that the learners' education is not interrupted.'We have allocated Sh34million for bursaries wher e every Ward is to receive Sh2million. We will build ECDE classes and improve infrastructure in all polytechnics,' Gaturo said.He urged County departments to be liaising and engage leaders and locals in fulfillment of development projects.He said the national government has agreed to partner with County government to construct an Industrial Park.Source: Kenya News Agency