The Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly has begun sector-by-sector scrutiny of the proposed Sh4.82 trillion 2026/27 national budget, identifying funding shortfalls across key economic sectors.

Chaired by Samuel Atandi, the committee met with departmental chairs to review allocations for the environment, forestry, and mining. Vincent Musyoka, Chair of the Environment, Forestry and Mining Committee, reported that underfunding continues to affect environmental protection and climate response functions.

The State Department for Environment and Climate Change has been allocated Ksh9.26 billion, including Ksh5.02 billion for development programmes such as a Ksh2.47 billion National Solid Waste Management initiative in partnership with Nairobi County.

“The Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Hon. Samuel Atandi, has commenced sector-by-sector scrutiny of the proposed Sh4.82 trillion 2026/27 national budget. Committee Members met with the Chairpersons for the Departmental Committees on Agriculture and Livestock, and Environment, Forestry and Mining,” read the FB post in part.

However, development spending has been slowed by delayed disbursements, standing at 58.3 per cent as of March 2026.

The sector also has Ksh841 million in pending bills and staffing shortages, including 700 officers at the Kenya Meteorological Service and 400 at the National Environment Management Authority, affecting enforcement and forecasting capacity.

Forestry and mining allocations under pressure

The forestry sub-sector received Ksh18.34 billion, but MPs raised concern over a 20.6 per cent reduction in recurrent funding for the Kenya Forest Service.

Additional challenges include Ksh1.13 billion in pending bills, inadequate ranger housing, and weak forest access infrastructure. Joseph Lekuton highlighted the potential of carbon markets as a revenue source through carbon credits.

In mining, the State Department has been allocated Ksh2.55 billion. Lawmakers questioned the absence of development funding for the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO), despite its mandate over strategic minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements. Concerns were also raised over funding delays for the Gemstone Value Addition Centre in Taita Taveta, which remains incomplete.

Agriculture sector funding and pending obligations

The Agriculture and Livestock Committee, chaired by John Mutunga, said the sector remains critical to the economy but continues to receive 3.9 per cent of the national budget, below the 10 per cent Malabo Declaration target.

The State Department for Livestock Development has been allocated Ksh11.69 billion, Ksh3.8 billion below its ceiling, affecting vaccines, feed programmes and disease control.

The sector also carries Ksh1.29 billion in pending bills and a Ksh4 billion court award to Halal Meats Limited. Agriculture allocations stand at Ksh67.37 billion, with flagship programmes including fertiliser subsidy, KALRO initiatives, pyrethrum revival and tea reforms facing funding constraints. The Budget Committee will continue reviewing submissions before compiling its final report.