County plans in Kenya serve as developmental blueprints for the 47 county governments. These plans guide budgeting, resource allocation, and service delivery.
📌 Legal Basis
✔ Article 220(2) of the Constitution – Requires counties to prepare development plans.
✔ County Governments Act (Sections 102 – 115) – Provides details on planning and governance.
✔ Public Finance Management (PFM) Act – Ensures budget alignment with county plans.
📌 Purpose of County Plans
✔ Guide economic, social, environmental, and spatial development.
✔ Ensure accountability and transparency in public spending.
✔ Promote public participation in decision-making.
✔ Facilitate harmonized development across counties.
🔹 No county can spend public funds without a planning framework!
📌 Types of County Plans
Each county is required to prepare the following:
1️⃣ County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP)
2️⃣ County Sectoral Plans
3️⃣ County Spatial Plan
4️⃣ City or Municipal Plans
📌 1. County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) – 5-Year Plan
✔ Mid-term plan covering the entire term of an elected county government (5 years).
✔ Provides strategic development priorities and budget framework.
✔ CIDP informs the County Annual Development Plan (ADP).
📍 CIDP Must Include:
✔ Clear goals and objectives.
✔ Implementation strategies and timelines.
✔ Performance indicators for monitoring & evaluation.
✔ Public participation records.
✔ Resource mobilization framework.
📌 2. County Sectoral Plans – 10-Year Plan
✔ Each county department must prepare a sector-specific plan.
✔ A long-term plan aligned with CIDP goals.
📍 Key Features:
✔ Guides budgeting and performance management.
✔ Reviewed every 5 years.
✔ Covers sectors like health, agriculture, education, transport, etc.
📌 3. County Spatial Plan – 10-Year Plan
✔ A GIS-based development plan outlining land use and physical planning.
✔ Ensures sustainable land use and environmental conservation.
📍 Spatial Plan Includes:
✔ Land use zoning (urban, rural, agricultural, industrial zones, etc.).
✔ Location of infrastructure and public services.
✔ Environmental impact assessment.
✔ Strategic land development projects.
✔ Alignment with national and regional development goals.
📌 4. City or Municipal Plans
✔ Required for urban planning and zoning in cities & municipalities.
✔ Helps regulate development and service provision.
📍 Components of City/Municipal Plans:
✔ Land use plans (residential, commercial, industrial zones).
✔ Infrastructure & zoning regulations.
✔ Recreational areas and public facilities.
✔ Building codes & development control.
📌 Summary Table
| Plan Type | Duration | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) | 5 years | Mid-term development & budgeting guide | Strategic priorities, budgeting, public participation |
| County Sectoral Plans | 10 years | Sector-specific development | Performance-based, reviewed every 5 years |
| County Spatial Plan | 10 years | Land use and physical planning | GIS-based mapping, zoning, environmental impact |
| City/Municipal Plans | Varies | Urban planning and zoning | Building regulations, infrastructure planning |
📌 Conclusion
✔ County plans are essential for structured and sustainable development.
✔ Public participation is a mandatory requirement in county planning.
✔ No county can allocate funds outside an approved planning framework.
🚀 Well-prepared county plans ensure effective governance and development!
