Wahome Defends 2026/27 Budget, Takes Aim at Murang’a Leadership Over Development Spending

 Cabinet Secretary for Lands Alice Wahome has mounted a strong defence of the 2026/27 national budget, describing it as a “people-centred” financial plan designed to strengthen key public services including education and health.

Speaking in Gatanga, Murang’a County, Wahome dismissed criticism from opposition leaders, accusing them of misrepresenting the budget and misleading the public.

“The budget has increased funding for key sectors such as education and health. Kenyans deserve correct information and not political statements that are not anchored on facts,” she said.

Wahome highlighted increased allocations to education, citing support for teacher recruitment, capitation, and higher education financing, saying the reforms are aimed at improving learning outcomes nationwide. In the health sector, she said the government intends to enhance service delivery through the Social Health Authority (SHA) and ensure timely settlement of verified claims to health facilities.

She added that the real test of the budget lies in implementation, urging both national and county governments to ensure citizens directly feel its impact.

“The challenge now is implementation. We want wananchi to feel the impact of this budget at both national and county levels,” she said.

Turning her attention to local politics, Wahome—who is expected to contest the Murang’a gubernatorial seat—questioned the performance of county leadership, challenging Governor Irungu Kang'ata to account for the use of funds received over the past five years.

She noted that Murang’a County receives approximately Sh9 billion annually from the National Treasury, in addition to locally generated revenue, amounting to over Sh45 billion during the current administration.

“Residents should be shown the tangible projects that have been undertaken using these resources,” she added, intensifying the political spotlight on county development spending.