The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The Kitui County Assembly has unanimously approved the county’s KSh16.54 billion budget estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year, paving the way for the implementation of development programmes and delivery of public services across the county.
The budget, amounting to KSh16,537,506,340, was approved pursuant to Section 135 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and Kitui County Assembly Standing Order No. 214.
Moving the motion on the floor of the House, Acting Chairperson of the County Budget and Appropriations Committee, Jacqulyne Kalenga, said the proposed budget would serve as a key fiscal instrument for revenue generation, expenditure control, policy implementation and delivery of essential services to residents.
During debate on the committee’s report, Members of the County Assembly welcomed the approval, noting that the process had been preceded by an impasse that delayed the passage of the budget.
The Members commended County Assembly Speaker Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya and Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe for their efforts to resolve the standoff through engagement, allowing the Assembly to approve the estimates.
They said the approved budget would help address critical development priorities and improve service delivery across Kitui County.
Members further observed that county budgets are negotiated instruments of governance and stressed the importance of ensuring that public funds are directed towards programmes that respond to the needs and aspirations of residents.
Speaking after the approval, Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya commended Members for their dedication and commitment throughout the budget-making process.
The Speaker said the constructive debates and focus demonstrated by the Members had helped ensure that the final budget reflected the priorities of the people of Kitui.
He also recognised the work of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, County Assembly Service staff and other Members who contributed to the preparation of the budget report.
According to the Speaker, the teamwork demonstrated during the process enabled the Assembly to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate of scrutinising and approving the county budget.
Katisya also thanked Governor Julius Malombe for embracing a structured and consultative engagement with the County Assembly during the budget-making process.
He said the collaboration between the County Executive and the Assembly helped promote mutual understanding and accountability while contributing to what he described as a balanced and responsive budget.
The approval now clears the way for the county government to proceed with the implementation of its planned programmes and projects for the 2026/2027 financial year.
