Kitui MPs Clash Over Budget Allocation and Public Participation

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The concerns were raised during a public participation forum on the 2026/2027 national budget estimates held on Tuesday at the Multipurpose Hall in Kitui Central Constituency. The session brought together members of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, local leaders, and residents from different parts of the county.

Among the leaders present were Paul Nzengu, Dr. Makali Mulu, and Dr. Rachael Kaki Nyamai.

Residents used the forum to raise concerns over insecurity caused by camel herders and human-wildlife conflict, calling on the government to urgently intervene and protect communities living in affected areas. They also complained about delays in compensation for land acquired for national government projects, as well as compensation for victims of wildlife attacks that have left some residents injured or dead.

Questions were also raised over what residents termed unequal distribution of resources among counties, with some leaders arguing that certain regions continue to lag behind due to inadequate allocations from the national government.

Leaders from constituencies located far from Kitui town further criticised the centralisation of public participation forums, saying many residents from remote areas are unable to attend because of long distances and lack of transport.

Speaking during the session, Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu questioned why public participation is conducted after the budget estimates have already been prepared by Parliament.“Why is public participation being conducted after the committee has already estimated the budget? This is wasting the public’s time,” said Nzengu.“If the government truly values public participation, wananchi should first give their priorities before the budget is prepared so that the projects proposed by citizens can be included and implemented.”

Nzengu also criticised the decision to hold such forums mainly in central areas, arguing that residents from remote constituencies are disadvantaged.“From Kitui town to Mwingi North is about 238 kilometres. People from distant areas cannot easily access these meetings without transport. Parliament should allocate funds to facilitate transport for citizens if it genuinely wants meaningful public participation,” he said.

However, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu defended the arrangement, noting that such forums have traditionally been conducted in county headquarters and central towns for convenience.“You are being unfair when you single out Kitui Central,” said Dr Mulu. “The headquarters are located here, and this system is applied across the country. In every county, there are residents who live far from towns where these exercises are conducted.”

Dr Mulu nevertheless accused the national government of inequitable resource allocation, arguing that highly populated counties with major development needs continue to receive inadequate funding.“This 2026/2027 budget stands at KSh4.8 trillion, yet some large and highly populated counties receive as little as KSh300 million. That does not make sense,” he said.“As MPs from Kitui County, we shall push for fairness during parliamentary deliberations to ensure our people receive an equitable share because every Kenyan contributes through taxes.”

The legislator also expressed concern over Kenya’s increasing reliance on foreign borrowing, warning that excessive debt could undermine the country’s economic growth.“In this budget, Kenya plans to borrow KSh1.1 trillion, which is the highest amount the country has ever borrowed,” Dr Mulu said.“The government cannot continue depending on loans every year. We need proper strategies to generate income locally and live within our means if we want sustainable economic growth.”