Empowered Kisumu pupils take part in shaping county spending
By Viola Kosome, February 23, 2026Fifteen-year-old Adrian Otieno, a Grade 10 student at Kisumu Day Secondary School, listened keenly as facilitators broke down how budgets are prepared and why public participation matters.
As a student leader in his school, Adrian said the training opened his eyes to the role young people can play in decision-making processes that directly affect their education and wellbeing.
But this is not just an ordinary session. This is an ambitious drive by stakeholders to incorporate public participation in the country from childhood.
“I have learnt that budgeting is not only for adults or government officials. Even at home and in school, planning how money is used helps avoid waste and ensures important needs come first,” says Otieno.
Beside him were 12-year-old Mellan Amasi and Esther Awuor, a Grade 7 pupil at St. Mary’s Nyalenda Primary School, who actively participated in group discussions on how families and governments prioritize spending.
The two, who also serve as student leaders in their respective schools, said the session helped them understand the difference between needs and wants, saving culture, and how budgeting can support better planning both at home and in school.
Esther noted that through the training, she learnt that children’s voices matter and that they can help parents make better financial decisions.
“I have learnt that when families sit together and plan for money, it becomes easier to know what is important like food, school fees, and books. I will share this knowledge with my classmates so that they can also talk to their parents about budgeting,” she said.
Small financial decision impact
Mellan said the forum helped her understand how small financial decisions at home contribute to larger development outcomes in the community.
“When children are involved, they feel responsible and learn how to save. I will teach other pupils in school, especially through our student leadership meetings, so that they also learn how to budget and plan,” she said.
The three were among dozens of learners drawn from different schools across Kisumu East Sub-County to participate in a child-focused budget sensitization forum aimed at empowering children to understand and contribute to the budget-making process.
During the session, learners developed simple family budgets, identified priority issues affecting children, and discussed how proper planning can improve education, healthcare, and nutrition outcomes.
Facilitators noted that involving children in budgeting at home helps build responsibility, financial discipline, and confidence in decision-making. It also strengthens communication between parents and children while preparing young people to become active citizens in governance processes.