Residents of Gucha sub–county turned out in numbers at Ogembo County Hall on Wednesday to engage in the ongoing public participation exercise for the proposed Kisii County Financial Year 2025/2026 budget.
The session provided a platform for the county government to present its Sh15.35 billion revenue estimates and receive feedback from members of the public.
All the financial projections and allocations presented during the forum, which derived from the official budget draft, were shared openly with residents for review, discussion, and validation.
During the meeting, Bobaracho Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Ibrahim Ongubo emphasised the importance of public involvement in the budgeting process.
“Your area MCA was allocated funds for the 2023/2024 Financial Year. We came here, reviewed the project with you, received your confirmation, and proceeded to implement it,” Ongubo said.
“Now, we have another allocation for the 2024/2025 Financial Year, which is already underway. Today, we’ve brought this new 2025/2026 budget to you for review. Please take a look and submit your suggestions. We will consider your input when we finalise it.” He added.
According to the details presented at the meeting, the total proposed revenue for the county stands at Sh15.35 billion, a slight increase from the revised Sh15.15 billion in the current fiscal year. The largest chunk, Sh9.72 billion, will come from the Equitable Share by the National Government, up from Sh9.3 billion.
A major highlight of the presentation was the significant projected growth in local revenue, which is expected to rise from Sh865 million in 2024/2025 to Sh2.26 billion in 2025/2026.
This anticipated increase will be driven by sources such as business permits (Sh230 million), parking fees (Sh66 million), market gate collections (Sh100 million), stadium hire (Sh10 million), slaughterhouse fees (Sh5 million), fire compliance fees (Sh20 million), and building plan approvals (Sh60 million).
Notably, the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) alone is expected to contribute Sh1 billion.
Other key figures shared during the forum include the Community health promoters’ allocation of Sh88.2 million. Salary arrears for health workers stand at Sh72.4 million and the Road Maintenance Levy Fund allocated Sh179.4 million for road upgrades.
The forum also disclosed that unspent balances carried forward will decrease from Sh 3.85 billion in FY 2024/25 to Sh 2.16 billion in the upcoming fiscal year, a sign of improved fund utilisation.
Residents actively engaged in the session, raising key development concerns and suggestions.
Jared Oboko, a resident of Bosoti in Sengera Ward, urged the county to increase allocations to areas with pending projects.
“We still have many unfinished projects. We ask the government to not just allocate funds but also implement and complete them,” he said.
Health facilities were a top priority for many, with residents calling for more funding to improve services and infrastructure.
“We need better equipment and renovations in our local health centers,” said Edwin Bundi, a participant from Ogembo.
Local businesspersons requested the installation of street lights along all roads leading into Ogembo town to enhance security and promote economic activity, saying that improved lighting will make the town safer and support growth.
The public participation forum was part of a countywide exercise meant to gather citizen views before finalising and submitting the 2025/2026 budget for approval.
The inclusive approach aims to ensure transparency, ownership, and relevance of the projects funded under the upcoming fiscal plan.
The final approval of the budget will follow after all public views are consolidated and analysed.
By Charles Onkui and Phobian Ogeto
