Understanding the County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF)

The County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) is a statutory platform established under Section 137 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, to strengthen public participation in county budgeting and economic management. It provides a structured space for consultation and collaboration between county governments and citizens on county plans, budgets, resource allocation, and financial management. The CBEF supports transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and better alignment between community priorities and county development initiatives. Its membership includes the Governor as chairperson, county executive members, and an equal number of non-state representatives drawn from sectors such as business, professionals, labour, women, persons with disabilities, older persons, and faith-based organizations.

The information pack explains how the CBEF participates throughout the entire county budget cycle, from formulation and approval to implementation and oversight. Citizens can engage by attending public participation forums, submitting memoranda and petitions, requesting budget information, working through their CBEF representatives, and participating in civic education. Local CSOs can further strengthen CBEFs through advocacy, citizen mobilization, capacity building, monitoring, social audits, and partnerships with research and oversight institutions. A well-functioning CBEF therefore provides an important avenue for citizens to influence how public resources are planned and used, strengthen accountability, reduce opportunities for corruption, and promote responsive county governments and better public services.