The County Assembly of Murang’a has adopted a Sh. 11.71 billion budget estimates for 2025/2026 financial year.
The Appropriation Bill was tabled before the assembly by the Chairperson for Budget and Appropriations Committee Charles Machigo saw an increase of about Sh. 1.25 billion from the estimates of the current financial year which was Sh. 10.46 billion.
In the budget on the county estimates of revenue and expenditure for the next financial year, Sh. 7.88 billion was allocated for recurrent expenditure and Sh. 3.83 billion for developmental expenditure.
The 2025/2026 financial year budget estimates mark the third phase of implementation of the Murang’a County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027.
While tabling the budget estimates, Machigo, who is also MCA for Murang’a township ward emphasized on the need for fiscal discipline and transparency in the management of finances at the County.
“Our role is not only to approve figures but also to ensure that public resources are utilized prudently and in ways that truly influence the lives of our constituents,” He stated.
According to the estimates, the department of health and sanitation and that of energy, transport and roads got lion share after they were allocated Sh. 3.8 billion and Sh. 1.46 billion respectively.
Among other allocations were Sh. 1.43billion allocated for the department of public service administration and information technology and Sh. 718.9 million for the department of education and technical training.
The county assembly was allocated Sh.846.7 million where, Sh. 816.7 million is for recurrent expenditure and Sh. 30 million for development.
Supporting the budget, nominated MCA Sharleen Wambui said the estimates factored in the wishes of Murang’a residents saying if well implemented, it will boost socio-economic status of Murang’a people.
“It is the first time in three years, we have finally considered a budget that reflects the needs of our constituents. This approval marks a significant step towards prudent financial management and efficient utilization of resources,” said Wambui who is also the Chairperson of the committee for Youth, Sports and Social Services.
On his part, Kiru MCA Moris Gathoni urged the committee to amend the budget set aside for market development.
“I propose that the committee revises the market development budget by increasing the allocation from Sh3 million to Sh6 million, so that both Kirwara and Kiria-ini markets can be upgraded.” He added.
He also appealed for a budget allocation of Sh. 20 million to support the development of coffee factories, particularly in Kiru Ward, which is the leading coffee-producing area.
Some MCAs expressed concern over the lack of allocation in the budget to facilitate entertainment, sports and other recreational activities.
They urged the committee in charge of budgeting to look into the matter, emphasizing that the county should not lag behind while other counties are already making such provisions.
Majority of the Members expressed satisfaction with the budget, expressing hope that the allocated funds would promote accountability, align resources with priority areas, and ensure value for money in service delivery to the people of Murang’a.
By Bernard Munyao and Susan Muigai
