Kericho: Kericho County Government has unveiled a Sh1.2 billion development Budget for the Financial Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, prioritizing roads, education, MSME, health, and industrial development. The budget aims to boost economic growth, improve service delivery, and enhance resident welfare.
According to Kenya News Agency, the budget proposals were discussed during Public Participation forums across Sub-counties. These forums allowed residents to review budget estimates and provide input on priority projects. The development plan focuses on infrastructure-led growth with investments in roads, health services, education, industrial development, and environmental sustainability.
County officials stated that the budget is designed to stimulate economic growth, reduce business costs, and improve access to essential services, ensuring balanced development in both rural and urban areas. In the health sector, Sh68 million has been allocated for maintenance and completion of Level II and Level III health facilities, aiming to enhance access to basic healthcare and alleviate pressure on referral hospitals.
An additional Sh127.6 million will upgrade Sub-county hospitals, funding construction of essential facilities such as sluice rooms, laundry units, and isolation units. These resources will enhance service delivery, improve hygiene, and strengthen patient care. Further investments include Sh5 million for consultancy and design of new health projects and Sh98 million for medical equipment purchases.
The roads and infrastructure sector has received Sh544.3 million, with Sh476 million earmarked for rural road construction and maintenance to improve connectivity and goods movement. Sh68 million is allocated for drainage systems, bridges, and culverts. Other projects include gravelling market center roads, installing solar street lighting, and constructing boda boda sheds.
Litein Municipality is set to receive Sh24.3 million for urban development projects, including cabro paving, drainage systems, and street lighting. In education, Sh49.29 million is allocated for ECDE classrooms and facilities, while Sh32 million supports vocational training centers. The county will also invest Sh25 million in learning materials to improve educational conditions.
The County is committed to education support through bursaries and scholarships, allocating Sh73.22 million annually across all 30 wards. Additional funding includes Sh8 million for disability support, Sh20.07 million for youth empowerment, and Sh4.2 million for social halls.
In trade and industrial development, Sh250 million is allocated for the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in FY 2025/2026, aimed at enhancing value addition and agro-processing. A further Sh119 million is earmarked for market development and management. The County Enterprise Fund, with Sh10 million, will support small businesses with credit access.
Tourism and conservation have been allocated Sh6.5 million for development and promotion, with additional funds for museums and environmental initiatives. In the water and natural resources sector, Sh169,810,245 is allocated for FY 2025/2026 and Sh125,737,622 for FY 2026/2027. These funds will improve water access and infrastructure.
The Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLoCCA) programme is allocated Sh303,142,898 for FY 2025/2026 and Sh432,142,898 for FY 2026/2027, supporting climate resilience programs and environmental protection.
Overall, the Budget emphasizes infrastructure improvement, service delivery strengthening, and economic transformation support. Roads, health, and industrial development are prioritized, with education and social programs building human capital. Investments in water and climate resilience enhance the county’s sustainability agenda.
For residents, these projects promise to lower living costs, improve service access, and unlock economic opportunities. Enhanced roads will facilitate farm produce transport, improved health facilities will reduce medical costs, and expanded education will boost future employment prospects. Additionally, water and environmental investments will improve living standards and climate resilience.
