Elgeyo marakwet: The Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly has approved a Sh10 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, which includes Sh5.6 billion from the national treasury, Sh2 billion in roll-over funds, and the remainder from conditional grants.
According to Kenya News Agency, Benjamin Cheptiony, MCA Kamariny ward and chair of the budget and appropriations committee, stated that Sh4.6 billion has been allocated to development expenditure while Sh5.4 billion will cover recurrent expenditure. Cheptiony raised concerns over the Sh2 billion roll-over projects from the 2025/2026 financial year, noting that these funds were intended for the implementation of various projects. The executive attributed the delays to procurement challenges arising from the transition to the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system.
‘The rollovers have affected development within the county because several projects were not implemented in the previous financial year, and we hope this will change in the current financial year,’ Cheptiony remarked. He also mentioned that the county plans to recruit 237 employees during this financial year, as outlined in the County Fiscal Strategic Paper. This includes 92 positions in the health sector, 100 Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers, and 45 vocational training instructors.
He pointed out that the health sector received the largest allocation of Sh2.4 billion, with Sh2.1 billion earmarked for salaries and emoluments. Iten County Referral Hospital and Kapsowar sub-county hospital were each allocated Sh100 million for development, while Tot sub-county hospital received Sh52 million.
Soy South ward MCA Jonah Tanui highlighted that the assembly has also set aside funds for county projects, including the construction of a new county assembly complex at a cost of over Sh100 million. Additionally, the planned construction of the governor’s office and other county offices will cost Sh200 million. Tanui emphasized funds allocated for ward flagship projects, such as the construction of a coffee milling factory at Kabokbok in Soy South Ward, aimed at benefiting coffee farmers from Tambach, Emsoo, Soy North, and Soy South.
‘We are now implementing flagship projects that residents can see and appreciate. These investments will transform service delivery and support long-term development in the county,’ Tanui stated. The leaders expressed confidence that the approved budget will enhance service delivery, improve healthcare, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth across the county during the 2026/2027 financial year.
