Kisumu: The Kisumu County assembly has approved the County Budget Estimates for the Financial Year (FY) 2026/2027 amounting to Sh14,460,638,805, setting the stage for the implementation of programs and projects aimed at accelerating socio-economic development within the county for the new financial year.
According to Kenya News Agency, the approved budget comprises a total share of National Revenue amounting to Sh11,942,344,932 and Own Source Revenue amounting to Sh2,334,293,893. This approval marks the formal transition from the budget formulation stage to the implementation phase, where the County Executive is now expected to operationalize the approved plans and ensure delivery of essential public services across all sectors of the county.
The budget represents an increase of Sh4,860,638,809 compared to the FY 2025/2026 allocation. This increase is seen as a step towards strengthening service delivery mechanisms, accelerating development across key sectors, and enhancing efficiency in the utilization of public resources. It signals increased confidence in the county’s development priorities and presents an opportunity to deepen economic growth, expand employment opportunities, and improve overall public service delivery.
Following the approval by the County Assembly, the focus now shifts from budget-making to implementation. The entire County Executive assumes responsibility for translating the approved financial plans into tangible development projects and improved public services for residents. The approved Budget is now awaiting assent by Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o before it is formally gazetted.
The budget places emphasis on completing ongoing projects rather than introducing new ones, reflecting a strategic shift towards consolidating existing investments and ensuring that stalled or incomplete projects are brought to completion before Prof. Nyong’o’s term concludes in August next year. Governor Nyong’o has urged Members of the County Assembly to direct resources towards high-impact development interventions, particularly in critical sectors such as health and infrastructure.
This approach contrasts with the previous financial year 2025/2026, which saw a greater allocation of resources towards the initiation and funding of new development projects that are currently at various stages of implementation. The current budget also reinforces the County Assembly’s commitment to strengthened oversight, prudent management of public resources, transparency, accountability, and the broader goal of achieving sustainable development for the people of Kisumu County.
The Recurrent Expenditure is set at Sh8,544,312,367, which includes allocations for both personal emoluments and operations and maintenance. Personal emoluments account for Sh5,548,779,614, while operations and equipment maintenance are allocated Sh2,995,532,753. This allocation supports staff remuneration, ensures continuity of government operations, and facilitates the smooth running of day-to-day public service delivery across all departments.
Additionally, Development Expenditure has been allocated Sh5,916,326,438, directed towards infrastructure development and the continuation of long-term projects aimed at improving service delivery across the county. A further Sh587,358,284 has been set aside for the payment of pending bills, reflecting efforts to clear outstanding financial obligations and stabilize payments to suppliers and contractors engaged by the county government.
The allocation towards development expenditure highlights continued investment in infrastructure and long-term projects designed to enhance service delivery outcomes for residents. Similarly, the provision for pending bills underscores efforts to restore financial stability, improve government credibility, and ensure timely settlement of obligations owed to service providers.
Overall, the budget reflects a balanced approach that seeks to maintain ongoing operations, support staff-related costs, and steadily advance development priorities across the county. The Speaker of the Assembly, Elisha Jack Oraro, expressed appreciation to the Members of the County Assembly for their deliberations and for approving the budget estimates alongside the Kisumu County Appropriations Bill, 2026. He also commended the public for their active participation in the budget-making process, which contributed to shaping the final approved budget framework.
Since devolution in 2013, Kenya’s 47 counties have received over Sh3.7 trillion in equitable revenue shares, grants, and development partner loans. Kisumu County has received more than Sh120 billion from the national government, encompassing both the unconditional equitable share and conditional grants disbursed across successive financial years. Devolution was intended to bring development closer to the people, resulting in positive changes in many counties.
