Mr. Cyrell Wagunda, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management, welcomed participants to the Regional Engagement Forum, Migori Chapter that took place in Migori Teacher's Training College, today and expressed appreciation for their attendance.

He noted that the forum marked the first of eight regional engagement forums to be presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, FCPA Hon. John Mbadi with subsequent forums scheduled to take place in Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Meru, Garissa, Kiambu, and Kilifi counties.

The Principal Secretary explained that the primary objective of the forums was to create public awareness on the Government’s budget-making process and the ongoing privatization of Government-Owned Enterprises. He emphasized that the initiative was aligned with the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which guarantees access to information and promotes public participation.
He added that the engagement brought together diverse stakeholders representing various interest groups within the county.

He further stated that the forum provided an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the Cabinet Secretary on the role and value of privatization in achieving an effective and sustainable budgetary process.

He clarified that privatization aimed to create space for private sector participation in national development while enabling the Government to focus on policy formulation and regulation. He also highlighted that privatization was a key strategy for generating government revenue without increasing public debt or taxation.
PS Wagunda outlined the budget-making process, noting that it begins annually in August with the issuance of a budget circular by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.

He further explained that the circular provides guidelines to national government entities, including timelines, procedures for revenue and expenditure projections, and mechanisms for public participation. He emphasized that public input was actively sought through consultations, forums, and submissions to ensure that the budget reflected citizens’ priorities, which justified the convening of the forum.

The Principal Secretary recalled that on 26th December 2025, he had presided over the launch of the Migori County Young Professionals at the same venue, during which he encouraged the youth to register their companies on the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) System.

He reiterated the importance of this registration to enable access to government procurement opportunities, particularly the 30 percent allocation reserved for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to empowering these groups.

PS Wagunda concluded his remarks by urging participants to actively follow the proceedings, engage candidly, and provide constructive feedback to enrich the budget-making and privatization processes.

In attendance were PS Economic Planning, Dr. Bonface Barasa Makokha ,  Migori County  Governor Dr. Ochillo Ayacko, His Deputy Governor, Dr. Joseph Mahiri , Speaker of Migori County Assembly, Mr. Christopher Rusana, Migori County Commissioner Mr. Mutua Kisilu,  area MCAs & CEC/CO member and  other Senior Government Officials.