Members of the County Assembly have this afternoon unanimously passed a record KES 8.001 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, giving the County Government the green light to roll out key development initiatives across various sectors.

The Department of Health received the lion’s share of the allocation, with KES 2.338 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and an additional KES 494 million for development. Significant investments will go towards upgrading Kimbimbi and Kianyaga Level Four Hospitals, which have been allocated KES 240 million and KES 180 million respectively.

The Department of Agriculture has been allocated KES 210 million for recurrent costs and KES 421 million for development. Meanwhile, the Department of Transport and Infrastructure will receive KES 140 million for upgrading access roads throughout the county.

Each ward will benefit from an allocation of KES 27 million through the Ward Development Fund, with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) urging equitable implementation of Ward projects. Vulnerable students will also benefit from a KES 100 million bursary fund, a move expected to support access to education for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Other departments receiving notable development funding include Environment (KES 484 million), Finance and Economic Planning (KES 208 million), Trade and Cooperative Development (KES 111 million), and Gender and Youth (KES 105 million).

During debate on the budget, Kanyekine Ward MCA Hon. Waziri Moses Migwi urged county departments to submit detailed work plans to the Assembly without delay. Deputy Speaker Hon. Jinaro Njamumo praised the budget’s focus on priority areas such as roads and education, and called on the executive to act swiftly in its implementation.

Kerugoya Ward MCA Hon. Eric Muchina welcomed the provision for the purchase of a new fire engine, saying it would end the county’s reliance on neighbouring jurisdictions during emergencies. Mukure Ward’s Hon. Thomas Muriuki stressed the need for fairness and accountability in project distribution.

Several other MCAs, including Hon. Dr. Isaiah Mbogo (Kabare), Hon. Fredrick Maina (Inoi), and nominated members Hon. Irene Gathuku and Hon. Grace Kamau, echoed calls for timely and transparent execution of the budget.

Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair, Hon. Geoffrey Gakuru (Kiini Ward), expressed gratitude to fellow members for their support, noting that the budget complies with Section 135 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and Standing Order 197 of the County Assembly.

The budget now awaits assent from Governor Anne Waiguru, as required under Sections 30 and 31 of the County Governments Act, 2012.