The County Government of Kitui has concluded a week-long Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) retreat with bold resolutions aimed at accelerating inclusive development, fiscal discipline, and innovation-led growth.
The retreat, held from November 2nd to 7th, 2025, at the PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort in Mombasa, brought together county executives, private sector leaders, and key development partners. It was chaired by Governor Dr. Julius Malombe under the theme “Transformative Leadership Through a Knowledge-Based Management Approach.”
Speaking during the closing session, Governor Malombe described the forum as a turning point for Kitui’s economic transformation, saying it provided a platform to review the county’s development performance and set a clear roadmap for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Among the top resolutions was the merger of the Kitui Agricultural Show and Trade Fair with the International Investors Conference to create a single flagship event — The Kitui Agricultural Show, Trade Fair, and Investment Expo 2026. The unified event will promote climate-smart agriculture, trade, and investment while marketing Kitui as a hub for agribusiness and innovation.
The forum also emphasized the strengthening of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the county economy. The county plans to expand cooperative-based financing, build market infrastructure, and promote digital business models to empower entrepreneurs and boost job creation.
In a major boost for the youth, the County Government pledged to establish ICT innovation hubs, agribusiness incubation centres, and creative industry programs in all sub-counties. Partnerships with learning institutions, private sector actors, and development agencies will help equip young people with skills and resources for employment and enterprise.
Governor Malombe’s administration also committed to enhancing revenue collection and fiscal sustainability through the enactment of a County Revenue Administration Act and a GIS-linked automated revenue system. The reforms aim to expand the revenue base, promote compliance, and link taxation to visible service delivery.
Transparency and accountability were also central to the discussions. The Forum resolved to adopt open governance practices, ensure timely publication of budget documents, and integrate citizen feedback in planning and budgeting to strengthen public trust.
To promote data-driven decision-making, the county will empower the County Budget and Economic Forum as a permanent knowledge-sharing and policy advisory platform. The strengthened CBEF will foster participatory governance and enhance coordination between government, citizens, and stakeholders.
In his closing remarks, Governor Malombe thanked all participants for their dedication and collaborative spirit, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to steer Kitui toward inclusive, evidence-based development. “Together, we shall continue to build a county that is innovative, resilient, and true to the promise of devolution,” he said.
