Kwale county unveils prioritized sh 10.6 billion budget

Kwale County has unveiled a Sh 10.6 billion budget proposal for the 2025/2026 financial year.

This is a reduction from last year's Sh 12 billion allocation due to fiscal constraints.

This scaled-down budget will primarily focus on healthcare, road infrastructure, and water services, which the county considers vital for improving livelihoods and ensuring long-term development.

Governor Fatuma Achani stated that this reprioritized budget reflects deliberate choices made to safeguard essential services despite financial pressures. 

"In the face of budget cuts, we've chosen to protect what matters most: the health of our people, the roads that connect them, and the water that sustains them."

Under Governor Achani's leadership, the county has achieved significant progress. 178 health facilities have been constructed and equipped, and over 1,800 health workers have been recruited to enhance access to medical services throughout the region. 

In the water sector, more than 40 boreholes and 40 dams have been established, alongside the extension of over 570 kilometers of water pipelines, expanding access to safe water for both households and farms.

Road infrastructure has also seen major improvements, with more than 2,000 kilometers of road networks upgraded, boosting mobility, opening up markets, and connecting remote communities to crucial services.

To ensure the budget incorporates grassroots priorities, the county has launched a comprehensive public participation drive across all 20 wards. These forums, which began in Ramisi, Pongwe Kikoneni, Vanga, and Mkongani wards, are scheduled to continue until June 21.

Governor Achani emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the county's development agenda.

 "Public engagement is not just a constitutional requirement—it's a moral obligation," she stated. "Our people must have a say in the projects that affect their lives."

Kwale's dedication to transparency has received national recognition. The county scored 83 points for its Annual Development Plan and a perfect 100 for its 2024 Finance Act in the County Budget Transparency Survey conducted by Bajeti Hub.

Manza Beja, Chairperson of the County Assembly Budget Committee, highlighted the central role of these public forums in the county's budgeting process.

 "These forums are not a formality; they are the backbone of our budgeting process. Every opinion matters because this is the people's budget."

 Patrick Yasisi, also from the Budget Committee, added that inclusive budgeting fosters trust and reduces friction between citizens and their leaders.

Residents have welcomed this participatory approach. Hassan Kuchengwa and Zawadi Juma of Tiwi Ward lauded the process as a significant step forward in local governance. 

"For a long time, we were completely sidelined. That's why so many projects stalled or failed. Now, we finally have a platform to speak out and be heard."