By Elizabeth Angira
Members of the Kisii County Assembly have passed a record KSh. 18.5 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year the highest allocation since the advent of devolution.
While tabling the estimates, Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Peter Otachi informed the House that KSh. 11.3 billion has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, while KSh. 7.1 billion will go towards development.
Otachi explained that the budget comprises allocations from the national exchequer, grants, own-source revenue, and balances carried forward from the previous financial year. The county projects to raise KSh. 2.6 billion from own-source revenue.
Among the key allocations, the Assembly approved KSh. 250 million for the county’s empowerment program and KSh. 96 million for the school feeding program targeting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners.
“We have not allocated funds for bursaries. The Controller of Budget barred counties from including bursary allocations in their budgets following a court directive. She has taken a tough stance on counties,” Otachi noted during the session chaired by Speaker Dr. Philip Nyanumba.
Otachi, who is also the MCA for Monyereto Ward, said the county plans to construct one ECDE center per ward at a cost of KSh. 2.5 million each.
Additionally, KSh. 1.5 billion has been earmarked for water projects across the county, as part of Governor Simba Arati’s flagship development initiatives.
The Assembly has also been allocated KSh. 1.5 billion for its recurrent expenditure and KSh. 18 million for development.
In a shift towards sustainable infrastructure development, Otachi revealed that the county has embraced a ward-based development approach. It plans to acquire road construction machinery to open up ward roads, eliminating the need for contractors.
“It is cheaper to construct roads using county-owned machines than through contracting. Once roads are identified, fuel will be provided to open them up anytime,” he stated. He further added that the county will also adopt labor-based work methods once the necessary policy is in place.
Otachi assured contractors that the Assembly has allocated funds to pay for ongoing and unpaid projects carried forward from the previous financial year. He also announced the allocation of funds for the recruitment of 300 health workers to strengthen services in county health facilities.
Majority Leader Henry Moracha urged the Executive to fast-track procurement processes to ensure the timely implementation of the budget for the benefit of residents.
“The school feeding program is one of the unique initiatives we have funded. We want our children to be comfortable as they learn,” Moracha said, adding that more ECDE teachers will also be employed to enhance learning outcomes.
Minority Leader Dennis Ombachi said a committee has been set up to verify pending bills and ensure that verified contractors are paid to avoid conflicts.
“We have passed the budget, and as the minority, we will follow up to ensure that all projects are fully implemented,” Ombachi added.
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Elizabeth Angira is a trailblazing climate journalist whose work bridges science, policy, and human impact. As Senior Climate Reporter at The Mount Kenya Times, she leads in-depth coverage on climate resilience, energy innovation, and sustainability across East Africa and beyond. Her storytelling has earned international acclaim, including a third-place win for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media” by the Global Energy Association in Moscow.
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