Gatanga: Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has defended the 2026/27 national budget, describing it as an improved and people-centred spending plan capable of addressing challenges facing ordinary Kenyans. Speaking in Gatanga, Murang’a County, Wahome dismissed criticism from the opposition, accusing its leaders of misleading the public through what she termed an inaccurate interpretation of the budget.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wahome noted that the education and health sectors have received increased funding to address challenges, making the budget people-friendly. She emphasized the importance of supporting teacher recruitment, capitation, higher education financing, and other programs. In the health sector, the government intends to improve service delivery through the Social Health Authority (SHA) and timely settlement of legitimate claims to health facilities. ‘The challenge now is implementation. We want wananchi to feel the impact of this budget at both national and county levels,’ she said.
Wahome, who is eyeing the Murang’a gubernatorial seat in the next elections, turned her focus to county development, challenging Governor Irungu Kang’ata to account for resources received by the county over the last five years. Murang’a receives about Sh9 billion annually from the National Treasury in addition to locally generated revenue, translating to more than Sh45 billion during the governor’s tenure. ‘Residents should be shown the tangible projects that have been undertaken using these resources,’ she said.
Wahome questioned the state of healthcare services in the county, citing reports of patients sharing beds in public hospitals, including Maragua Level Four Hospital. ‘Healthcare is about dignity. We should not have patients sharing beds. The county must commit adequate resources to improve hospital infrastructure and services,’ she said. She further called for reforms in the management of healthcare programs, urging the county government to align its Kang’ata Care program with SHA to enable beneficiaries to access treatment beyond Murang’a County.
On education, Wahome questioned why Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers remain on low pay despite their critical role in the education sector. Nominated Senator Veronicah Maina echoed her sentiments, saying Murang’a should emulate other counties that have employed ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. The leaders also called for improvements in road infrastructure, school feeding programs, and other social services, saying county resources must translate into visible development and improved livelihoods for residents.
