Kiambu County Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) has concluded a two-day review of submissions and hearings on the proposed 2026/27 budget estimates and is now preparing its final report ahead of tabling it before the Assembly for approval.
The exercise brought together sectoral committee chairpersons and officials from the County Executive, who presented and defended departmental budget proposals before the committee. Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) subjected departmental allocations to intense scrutiny, focusing on infrastructure development, education programmes, revenue projections and ward-level development priorities.
The sessions were chaired by Majority Leader Godfrey Mucheke, MCA for Kalimoni Ward, on behalf of BAC Chairperson Josephine Nduta, MCA for Limuru Central Ward.
Roads, infrastructure and public works emerged as one of the most closely examined sectors, with MCAs emphasizing the need for adequate funding to rehabilitate and maintain access roads across all 60 wards.
“Our residents expect improved road networks that enhance accessibility and stimulate economic growth. Adequate funding for access roads must remain a priority,” said Mucheke.
The education and youth empowerment sector also featured prominently, with members calling for faster implementation of projects and stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure allocated funds translate into tangible benefits.
Debate further centered on the county’s projected own-source revenue (OSR) target of more than Sh9.9 billion. Several MCAs questioned the feasibility of the target, noting that it exceeds the Sh8.8 billion projection contained in the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP). Members warned that unrealistic revenue projections could adversely affect budget implementation if collection targets are not achieved.
Officials from the Department of Finance and Economic Planning, led by Chief Officer Zachary Gitau and County Director of Budget Nduta Kahia, informed the committee that the county had received an additional allocation of Sh269 million under the County Allocation of Revenue Act (CARA).
Out of the additional allocation, Sh92 million will go to the County Assembly while Sh177 million will be directed towards development projects following the necessary budget adjustments, Gitau told the committee.
MCAs, including Chief Whip Nelson Munga (Ndeiya Ward), Edward Kinyanjui (Nyathuna Ward), Cedric Gachunga (Ikinu Ward), Julias Kahura (Kiganjo Ward), Christopher Ireri (Bibirioni Ward), Josphat Kinyanjui (Lari/Kirenga), Sheila Wangui and Nominated MCA Josephine Wangui, raised concerns over implementation of the Ward Development Fund, funding for access roads, allocations for persons with disabilities and support for small-scale traders.
Responding to the concerns, finance officials assured members that the Ward Development Fund would be prioritized and revealed that the Enterprise Fund had been expanded beyond boda boda operators to include market traders, tuk-tuk operators, matatu businesses and other entrepreneurs operating through registered SACCOs.
“The County Government remains committed to empowering traders and young people through targeted funding programmes,” Gitau said, adding that consultations on additional allocations for access roads and persons with disabilities would continue.
Mucheke also urged the County Executive to take note of the County Assembly’s newly acquired financial autonomy under the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Act, signed into law by President William Ruto and effective July 1, 2026.
“The Assembly will now receive funds directly from the National Treasury through the County Assembly Fund, with the Clerk serving as the independent accounting officer. This framework is expected to enhance efficiency and accountability,” he said.
The BAC is expected to incorporate views collected during countywide public participation forums held two weeks ago into its final report and recommendations before the budget estimates and Appropriations Bill are presented to the Assembly for approval.
by Collins Esike and Grace Naishoo
