Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja yesterday defended his Sh42.3 billion budget, saying that despite it being huge, no charges had been increased.

“The budget has not increased charges but has instead widened the revenue collection streams,” he said.

The Governor spoke after assenting to the Nairobi City County Appropriation Bill, 2023.

Sakaja lauded the Assembly for working hand-in-hand with the Executive, saying this would ensure services are delivered to residents.

“I want to thank the County Assembly through their leadership represented by Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi for exercising their mandate dutifully and diligently to ensure that the budget is duly approved,” he said.

Last week, Nairobi MCAs passed Sakaja’s first budget of Sh42.3 billion up from Sh39.63 billion in the 2022/23 financial year.

Sakaja aims to collect Sh19.9 billion own source revenue this financial year.

 While reading the budget statement, Finance Executive Charles Kerich stated the Sh42.3 billion comprised Sh28.3 billion for recurrent budget and Sh14 billion for development.

Kerich said the budget outlined the policy priorities of the county government geared towards economic turnaround and inclusive growth, while at the same time navigating through restoring order, dignity hope and opportunity for all.

“Special focus will be placed on the interventions that touch on infrastructure, health care, environment, school-going children, the youth and expanding the tax base for more revenue to finance development,” he said.

He noted that the county’s strategies will involve putting more focus on sectors envisaged to have the largest impact on the livelihoods of the people.