Murang'a: The County Assembly of Murang'a has adopted a Sh. 11.71 billion budget estimates for the 2025/2026 financial year. The Appropriation Bill, tabled by the Chairperson for Budget and Appropriations Committee, Charles Machigo, represents an increase of about Sh. 1.25 billion from the current financial year's estimates of Sh. 10.46 billion.
According to Kenya News Agency, the budget outlines the county's revenue and expenditure estimates for the next financial year, allocating Sh. 7.88 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh. 3.83 billion for developmental expenditure. This financial plan marks the third phase of implementation of the Murang'a County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027. Machigo, who is also the MCA for Murang'a township ward, emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and transparency in managing county finances.
The budget estimates show significant allocations to key departments. The department of health and sanitation received Sh. 3.8 billion, while the department of energy, transport, and roads was allocated Sh. 1.46 billion. Other allocations include Sh. 1.43 billion for the department of public service administration and information technology, and Sh. 718.9 million for the department of education and technical training. The county assembly was allocated Sh. 846.7 million, with Sh. 816.7 million for recurrent expenditure and Sh. 30 million for development.
Nominated MCA Sharleen Wambui expressed support for the budget, noting it reflects the wishes of Murang'a residents and could boost the socio-economic status of the people if well implemented. Wambui, who is also the Chairperson of the committee for Youth, Sports, and Social Services, highlighted that the budget marks a significant step towards prudent financial management.
Kiru MCA Moris Gathoni proposed amendments to increase the market development budget from Sh. 3 million to Sh. 6 million to upgrade Kirwara and Kiria-ini markets. He also called for a budget allocation of Sh. 20 million to develop coffee factories in Kiru Ward, a leading coffee-producing area.
Some MCAs raised concerns over the absence of allocations for entertainment, sports, and recreational activities, urging the budgeting committee to address this gap. They emphasized the need for the county to keep pace with other regions already making such provisions.
Overall, the majority of the Members expressed satisfaction with the budget, hoping it would promote accountability, align resources with priority areas, and ensure value for money in service delivery to the people of Murang'a.