𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐚: 𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝟏𝟕.𝟏𝟗 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has signed into law the County’s 2026/2027 Budget Estimates worth Sh17.19 billion, paving the way for the implementation of development programmes after the County Assembly approved the spending plan.

The budget, which complies with the legal requirement of allocating at least 30 per cent of expenditure to development, sets aside Sh5.21 billion for development projects and Sh11.98 billion for recurrent expenditure.

Speaking after appending his signature to the budget at his office, Governor Lusaka said the spending plan reflects his administration’s commitment to accelerating socio-economic transformation while safeguarding prudent financial management.

“The approval and signing of this budget marks another important milestone in our journey to transform Bungoma. It provides us with the resources to invest in priority sectors that directly improve the lives of our people while maintaining fiscal discipline,” Lusaka said.

The Governor noted that the budget prioritises investments in agriculture, healthcare, road infrastructure, water, education, urban development and economic empowerment, saying these sectors remain central to his administration’s development agenda.

“Every shilling in this budget has been carefully planned to deliver maximum impact. Our focus is on completing ongoing projects, expanding access to essential services and creating opportunities that stimulate economic growth across all 45 wards,” he added.

The budget projects indicate that the county expects to raise 69.7 per cent of its revenue from the National Government’s equitable share, 12.7 per cent from development partner grants, 11 per cent through Appropriations-in-Aid and 4.8 per cent from locally generated revenue.

Among the major allocations is Sh1.147 billion for Ward-Based Projects aimed at promoting equitable development across the county. After administrative costs and settlement of pending ward project bills, Sh1.102 billion will finance new grassroots development initiatives.

The budget also allocates Sh925.1 million towards the settlement of verified pending bills, a move expected to improve cash flow for contractors and suppliers while enhancing public confidence in county procurement processes.

Governor Lusaka acknowledged the financial pressures facing the county, particularly in personnel costs, but said his administration had fully provided for the payment of salaries for existing staff while pursuing measures to strengthen revenue collection and enhance expenditure efficiency.

“We remain committed to prudent management of public resources. As we implement this budget, we shall continue enhancing local revenue mobilisation, settling legitimate pending obligations and ensuring every project delivers value for money,” he said.

The 2026/2027 budget is expected to guide the county’s development agenda for the next financial year, with emphasis on infrastructure expansion, improved healthcare services, agricultural productivity, climate resilience, water access and enhanced service delivery across Bungoma County.