Nairobi County City MCAs against Sakajas 40Bilion budget

Nairobi MCAs have rejected Governor Johnson Sakaja’s suggested supplementary budget, which aims to raise the county budget to Sh44. 46 billion from Sh43. 56 billion.

Their primary concern lies in the decrease of the development budget from Sh14. 26 billion to Sh12 billion, while recurrent expenditure has increased to Sh32. 39 billion from Sh29. 3 billion.

This decision has triggered anger among MCAs, who believe that favoring recurrent expenditure over development hinders vital projects.

The MCAs argue that this change violates the Public Finance Management Act of 2012, which requires that at least 30 per cent of the county budget be designated for development initiatives.

The proposed adjustments would result in the development budget being only 27 per cent, which the ward representatives are seeking to revise.

The situation is exacerbated by the suggested reduction of the Sh1. 9 billion Ward Development Fund (WDF) by Sh200 million.

The WDF is an essential program that directs funds towards poverty reduction and infrastructure improvement in Nairobi’s wards.

Numerous MCAs are concerned that the fund’s decreasing allocation will diminish its effectiveness, further delaying important projects.

The Transport and Public Works sector has faced criticism for its financial proposals. Significant allocations include Sh150 million for road equipment and Sh60 million for road maintenance, despite halted projects and public dissatisfaction with the advancement of road improvements.

Furthermore, MCAs have expressed worries about the allocation of Sh510 million for road materials, an increase of Sh303 million, after it was revealed that materials purchased last year were stolen.

“This is the usual tactic that the executive continues to implement by presenting proposals aimed at benefiting themselves,” former Mayor and Baba Dogo MCA Geoffrey Majiwa cautioned.

Moreover, the ward representatives have accused the governor and the finance department of disregarding sectoral recommendations and imposing self-serving suggestions.