By Robai Ludenyi
County governments are facing mounting pressure after lawmakers called for Sh130 billion to be set aside specifically for roads, water, and agriculture. The demand follows concerns that too much county money is being spent on salaries and administrative costs while development projects remain underfunded.
According to budget experts advising Parliament, a significant portion of county allocations has gone to recurrent expenditure, leaving critical infrastructure neglected. Many rural roads remain impassable, especially during the rainy season. Communities continue to struggle with unreliable water supply, and farmers lack sufficient support despite agriculture being the backbone of many local economies.
The proposal recommends that about 31 percent of the equitable revenue shared with counties be ring fenced for development in these three key sectors. Out of the Sh130 billion, Sh50 billion would go toward building and repairing roads, Sh40 billion would support water projects, and another Sh40 billion would be invested in farming, including irrigation, farm inputs, and extension services.
However, critics say counties often prioritize operational costs over development. In some cases, only a very small percentage of budgets goes to infrastructure, even when residents consistently raise concerns about poor roads and water shortages. This has fueled frustration among citizens who feel that public funds are not being used to address their most urgent needs.
County officials have defended their spending choices, arguing that they require flexibility to meet diverse local demands. Yet financial analysts warn that without strict guidelines and accountability measures, development projects will continue to suffer.
The debate now shifts to whether Parliament will adopt firm rules to ensure the funds are protected and used for their intended purpose. As economic pressures rise and communities demand visible change, the call to prioritize essential services has grown louder. What happens next will reveal whether county budgets truly reflect the everyday struggles of the people they are meant to serve.
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