Residents across Kiambu County have urged leaders to direct more investment into healthcare, roads, water services and economic empowerment programmes as the county nears approval of a proposed KSh 26.17 billion budget for the 2026/2027 Financial Year.
The demands came during public participation forums coordinated by the County Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC), while Members of County Assembly stepped up scrutiny of departmental budget proposals and ongoing development projects.
The proposed budget, now under legislative review, sets aside KSh 16.38 billion for recurrent expenditure and KSh 9.79 billion for development projects. County officials say the spending plan is intended to improve service delivery, support economic growth and accelerate infrastructure development across Kiambu.
Healthcare has received the largest allocation, with KSh 8.91 billion set aside for the sector. The funding is expected to support the expansion of medical facilities, purchase of equipment and supplies, recruitment of healthcare workers and improved services in public hospitals and health centres.
Roads, Transport and Public Works follows with KSh 3.56 billion, including major funding for road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance projects aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic activities across the county.
The Education, Gender, Culture and Social Services sector has been allocated KSh 2.42 billion, with significant resources directed to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), vocational training institutions and social welfare programmes. County leaders say the investment is expected to improve learning outcomes while equipping young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Urban development is also a major focus in the proposed budget, with the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, Municipal Administration and Urban Development receiving KSh 2.15 billion. The funds will support housing projects, urban renewal programmes and improved municipal services.
Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives, one of Kiambu’s leading economic sectors, has been allocated KSh 1.38 billion to support crop production, irrigation programmes, livestock development and cooperative societies. County officials believe the investment will improve food security and strengthen farmers’ incomes.
The Water, Environment and Natural Resources Department has been allocated KSh 1.06 billion for water supply projects, sanitation services, environmental conservation and climate change mitigation initiatives.
Trade, Tourism, Industrialization and Investment will receive KSh 732 million to promote business development, attract investors and create employment opportunities through industrial growth and entrepreneurship programmes.
Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication will get KSh 514 million, with resources directed toward sports infrastructure, youth empowerment initiatives and talent development programmes.
The County Executive has been allocated KSh 530 million to support governance and policy coordination, while the County Public Service Board will receive KSh 90 million for recruitment, staff development and human resource management. The County Assembly has been allocated KSh 1.38 billion to support its legislative and oversight responsibilities.
Public participation forums held across Kiambu’s 12 sub-counties drew residents keen to contribute to the county’s budget-making process.
The exercise covered Kikuyu, Kabete, Thika, Kiambaa, Kiambu, Githunguri, Ruiru, Juja, Limuru, Lari, Gatundu North and Gatundu South, giving residents a chance to review the proposed budget and submit recommendations.
Most participants urged the county government to increase investment in road maintenance, healthcare services and water infrastructure while ensuring fair distribution of development resources across all wards.
Residents also stressed the need for projects that directly improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic growth.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Limuru Central Ward MCA Hon. Nduta Muongi, assured residents that their submissions would be considered as the committee prepares its final report on the budget estimates.
As public participation ended, departmental committees of the County Assembly continued questioning County Executive officials on proposed expenditures and progress made on ongoing projects.
The Water Committee, chaired by Chania Ward MCA Joseph Mwangi Kibuu, raised concerns over stalled water projects, malfunctioning boreholes and inadequate water infrastructure in several areas of the county.
Committee members sought assurances that allocated funds would be used efficiently and directed toward projects capable of delivering clear benefits to residents.
In response, Water CECM David Kuria pledged stronger project monitoring and promised countywide inspections to ensure implementation targets are met.
The Trade Committee, chaired by Ngecha-Tigoni Ward MCA Hon. Samuel Ngaruiya, reviewed the status of more than 60 market projects under construction or procurement. Members urged the county government to fast-track completion of the facilities and allow traders to occupy finished markets.
Ting’ang’a Ward MCA Lawrence Mwaura called for fairness in resource allocation and balanced development across all wards.
The Sports Committee, chaired by Gitithua Ward MCA John Kamande, examined plans for construction of basketball courts, renovation of sports facilities and distribution of sports equipment.
Sports CECM Osman Korar assured the committee that sports development programmes would be accelerated and pledged timely distribution of equipment to teams and institutions.
Other committees, including Roads, Public Works and Infrastructure, Public Service and Administration, and Finance and Economic Planning, also held detailed discussions with departmental officials regarding budget allocations and project implementation.
The committees agreed to strengthen oversight and continuously monitor county programmes to ensure effective use of public funds and improved service delivery.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee is expected to compile recommendations from all departmental committees and present a comprehensive report to the County Assembly for debate and adoption.
Once approved, the KSh 26.17 billion budget will guide Kiambu County’s development agenda for the 2026/2027 financial year, with county leaders expressing confidence that the proposed investments will enhance public services, boost economic growth and improve living standards across the county.