Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe has pledged a bold shift toward evidence-based leadership and inclusive economic growth following a week-long County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) retreat in Mombasa.
The forum, held from 2nd to 7th November at the PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort, brought together county leaders, private sector players, and development partners, including the University of Nairobi, Kenya School of Government, and the Office of the Controller of Budget.
Its theme, Transformative Leadership Through a Knowledge-Based Management Approach, sought to align Kitui’s fiscal strategy with long term development goals.
“We have reaffirmed our collective resolve to steer Kitui towards shared prosperity through participatory governance and fiscal responsibility,” Dr Malombe said in his closing address.
“This retreat has not been a talk shop. It has been about turning ideas into tangible outcomes that will transform the lives of our people.”
Among the major resolutions, the forum approved the merger of the Kitui Agricultural Show and Trade Fair with the International Investors Conference to create the Kitui Agricultural Show, Trade Fair and Investment Expo 2026.
The move aims to attract investors and showcase Kitui as “a regional hub for agribusiness, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
Participants also called for stronger support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 90 per cent of local employment.
“MSMEs are the backbone of our economy,” noted one forum delegate. “Empowering them means empowering families and communities.”
Other resolutions focused on automating revenue systems, strengthening youth innovation hubs, and improving transparency through open data and real-time budget dashboards.
“As we return home,” the governor concluded, “let us carry forward the spirit of collaboration and service that has defined this retreat. Kitui’s transformation begins with all of us.”
