Concerns over high recurrent expenditure dominated discussions yesterday, with Ward Representatives questioning constant allocations for salaries and emoluments vote despite staff exit due to natural attrition and retirement within the County Executive.

Deputy Speaker and Mutithi Ward MCA, Hon. Jinaro Njamumo, expressed particular concern over a severe shortage of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. He noted that although a significant number of teachers had retired, the County Public Service Board (CPSB) had yet to fill the vacancies.

“There were only nine advertised positions for ECDE teachers, yet many have exited the service. It is puzzling that the salaries and emoluments vote in the Department of Education has remained unchanged, despite notable reduction of staff due to retirement,” Hon. Njamumo stated.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Hon. Geoffrey Gakuru. He observed that in most departments, the allocation for salaries and emoluments does not reflect the current staffing levels, which have been affected by natural attrition and retirement.

The proposed budget for the 2025/26 financial year stands at KES 7.5 billion, with KES 5.7 billion expected as the equitable share from the National Government and KES 755 million projected from local revenue collections. The County Government is also expected to receive conditional grants amounting to KES 1.092 Billion.

According to the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, Members of the County Assembly are expected to debate and approve the budget by June 30.