Kirinyaga approves Ksh7B budget, pumps Ksh600M into ward projects
By Bancy Lole, July 7, 2026The Kirinyaga County Assembly has approved the county government’s 2026/2027 budget estimates worth more than Ksh7 billion, with health, ward development and education emerging as the key beneficiaries.
The budget was passed after the Assembly adopted the Report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee following a comprehensive scrutiny of the estimates.
While moving the motion on Monday, July 6, 2026, the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Geoffrey Gakuru, said the committee had carefully reviewed the budget to ensure public resources are directed towards priority programmes that will improve service delivery and accelerate development across the county.
Ward-based development projects
Gakuru said Members of the County Assembly resolved to increase the allocation for ward-based development projects to Ksh600 million, translating to Ksh30 million for each of the county’s 20 wards. He said the allocation will ensure every ward implements projects that directly respond to the needs of residents.
The Assembly also approved an additional Ksh110 million for the county bursary programme, raising the total bursary allocation to Ksh210 million. Gakuru said the enhanced funding will enable more students from vulnerable families to remain in school and pursue their education.
He noted that the health sector received the largest share of the budget, saying the allocation reflects the county government’s commitment to improving healthcare services, equipping health facilities and ensuring residents have access to quality medical care.
Gakuru challenged the County Executive to fully implement the approved budget, noting that timely execution of development projects is critical in ensuring wananchi benefit from the resources allocated by the Assembly.
“We have done our work as the Assembly by approving a budget that addresses the needs of our people. The Executive must now ensure every project is implemented as planned so that residents can realise the intended benefits,” he said.
Tembere Ward MCA Peter Karinga faulted the County Executive for failing to implement some of the projects approved in the previous financial year’s budget.
Delayed purchase of fire engine
Karinga cited the delayed purchase of a firefighting engine, saying funds had already been approved by the Assembly but the equipment has not been procured.
He said the delay has left the county ill-equipped to respond to fire emergencies, forcing it to depend on neighbouring counties for firefighting services while residents continue to suffer heavy losses whenever fires break out.
The MCA urged the Executive to prioritise implementation of approved projects and ensure public funds are utilised for their intended purpose, saying accountability and timely execution are essential to achieving meaningful development across Kirinyaga County.
“We approved money for the purchase of a firefighting engine, but to date nothing has been done. Every time a fire breaks out, Kirinyaga is forced to rely on neighbouring counties, putting lives and property at risk. The County Executive must ensure that projects approved by this Assembly are implemented without unnecessary delays because that is what wananchi expect from us,” Karinga said.