Garissa Leaders Clash Over Resource Allocation as Budget Battles Intensify

Garissa Governor and MPs Clash Over National Budget Share
A fierce political dispute has erupted in Garissa after the county’s governor and a section of Members of Parliament openly clashed over the region’s share of the national budget. The confrontation unfolded after MPs accused the county leadership of failing to lobby effectively for increased funding, arguing that Garissa continues to lag behind other counties in key sectors such as water, security, health, and drought mitigation. The governor, however, refuted the claims, saying the MPs were engaging in political theatrics instead of presenting a united front in national negotiations.
Tensions escalated during a stakeholders’ meeting where legislators claimed that Garissa had been allocated significantly less than its fair share in the proposed national budget, despite suffering recurrent droughts, inadequate infrastructure, and years of underdevelopment. They argued that stronger advocacy was needed to secure more investment, particularly in areas like pasture rehabilitation, borehole drilling, roads, and school infrastructure. In response, the governor maintained that the county’s needs had been fully presented to the Treasury and relevant ministries, accusing the MPs of playing blame games to gain political mileage.
The clash has sparked mixed reactions across the county, with community leaders calling for calm and urging both sides to work together instead of escalating the standoff. Civil society groups warned that continued infighting could jeopardize development opportunities, especially at a time when Garissa is battling climate shocks and rising economic hardships. As pressure mounts for reconciliation, residents now look to their leaders to bridge the divide and build a unified approach to securing a more equitable share of national resources.