The County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) plays a crucial role in public finance management and economic planning at the county level. Established under Section 137 of the Public Finance Management Act, it facilitates public participation in the budget-making process and provides an avenue for economic consultation.
Key Functions of the CBEF
1️⃣ Budget Preparation & Economic Planning
✔ Advises on the preparation of county plans, the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP), and the Budget Review and Outlook Paper (BROP).
✔ Ensures that citizen priorities are reflected in the county budget.
✔ Promotes transparency in economic and financial management at the county level.
2️⃣ Public Participation & Consultation
✔ Provides a structured mechanism for engaging citizens, business groups, labor organizations, women, persons with disabilities, and faith-based groups in county financial matters.
✔ Organizes public forums to gather views on resource allocation and expenditure priorities.
✔ Enhances collaboration between the county government and the public.
3️⃣ Policy Guidance & Advisory Role
✔ Acts as a think tank for county governments on economic, social, and development policies.
✔ Identifies county priorities and ensures funding is aligned with development needs.
✔ Provides recommendations for harmonizing project implementation and funding.
4️⃣ Enhancing Accountability & Transparency
✔ Monitors the county’s use of public funds to prevent mismanagement and corruption.
✔ Ensures budget implementation aligns with planned economic strategies.
✔ Strengthens oversight mechanisms by providing input on county expenditure reports.
Composition of the County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF)
The Governor chairs the County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF). The membership includes:
🔹 County Executive Committee (CEC) Members – Responsible for various county functions.
🔹 Non-State Actors – Representatives from business, labor, women, persons with disabilities, faith-based groups, and the elderly.
🔹 The number of non-state actors must be equal to the number of county officials in the forum.
✅ Non-state members are independent and should not be county public officers.
Guidelines for Establishing & Running the CBEF
📌 The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), together with other stakeholders, developed guidelines to help counties set up and operate their County Budget and Economic Forums (CBEFs).
✔ The maximum number of members (excluding the Governor) is 11, including the Deputy Governor.
✔ Members serve until a new Governor appoints a fresh team.
✔ All members have equal voting rights and access to financial data.
🔗 For detailed guidelines on forming and running the CBEF, visit: CBEF Guidelines.
Conclusion
The CBEF strengthens participatory governance, ensuring county budgets reflect the priorities of the people. It enhances accountability, transparency, and efficiency in county economic and financial planning.
