County Assembly of Kitui

COUNTY ASSEMBLY KICKS OFF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON PROPOSED KITUI COUNTY BUDGET ESTIMATES

Monday, 6th July 2026

Kauwi Ward, Kitui West Subcounty

Members of the County Assembly today commenced public participation on the proposed Kitui County Annual Budget Estimates for the 2026/27 Financial Year, giving residents an opportunity to scrutinize the spending proposals and submit their views before the budget is approved.

A section of Members of the County Assembly led by Matinyani MCA Hon. Sylvester Kitheka Munyalo conducted the exercise at Kauwi Playground in Kitui West Sub-county, bringing together residents from the four wards to deliberate on the proposed budget.

Speaking during the forum, Hon. Munyalo underscored the importance of public participation in the budget-making process, noting that the proposed estimates are informed by the priorities and needs of the people. He said public involvement in governance is a constitutional requirement under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and urged residents to freely present their views to enrich the final budget.

Residents who attended the forum generally welcomed the proposed budget estimates but proposed several adjustments to enhance service delivery. A majority of the participants called for increased funding for the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), arguing that the initiative has had a significant impact at the grassroots and deserves additional allocation. They also appealed to the members to increase funding for education support programme (pro-poor) to support vulnerable households.

Mr. Musyoki, a resident of Matinyani, commended the recent commitment by the County Executive and the County Assembly to improve road infrastructure. He, however, urged the Assembly to consider increasing road opening target from 10 kilometres to 15 kilometres per ward.

On her part, Eunice Tito called for enhanced funding for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) centres to enable them to adequately respond to the rising cases of gender-based violence across the county.

Mr. Mulwa, a youth from Kithumula/Kwa Mutonga proposed that the Kshs. 35 million allocation for the Governor's Cup tournament be reviewed, with part of the funds redirected towards the development of playgrounds across the county. He argued that quality sports facilities would nurture talent at the grassroots and prepare young people for competitive tournaments.

County Assembly Speaker Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya, who attended the forum, assured residents that their views would be carefully considered before the budget is finalized. He emphasized that public input remains central to the Assembly's legislative and oversight responsibilities.

The Speaker Kinengo further noted that issues that had previously emerged as contentious in the proposed budget estimates had been resolved following consultations between the County Assembly and the County Executive during their recent joint consultative meeting. He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to safeguarding public interest throughout the budget approval process.