By John Kariuki
Senator Esther Okenyuri, a key member of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, has taken a leading role in steering critical consultations with representatives from six County Assemblies over their recurrent expenditure budget ceilings for the financial year 2025/2026.
In a session marked by open dialogue and meticulous scrutiny, Senator Okenyuri engaged county leaders from Bungoma, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Garissa, Tana River, and Mombasa, offering them a valuable platform to present their concerns and defend their appeals for adjustments to the imposed spending caps.
Senator Okenyuri emphasized the Senate’s unwavering commitment to ensuring fiscal prudence while advocating for the practical needs of county governments. She acknowledged the unique budgetary pressures facing the devolved units, particularly population growth, rising costs of essential services, inflationary challenges, and the ever-expanding devolved functions.
“It is essential that we strike a balance between maintaining fiscal discipline and providing counties with the financial space they need to effectively deliver services to our people,” Senator Okenyuri stated. “Our role as the Senate is not to frustrate counties but to empower them within sustainable frameworks.”
Under her leadership, the Committee provided a consultative environment where county representatives gave detailed presentations highlighting their financial constraints and development priorities. Senator Okenyuri assured the assemblies that their submissions would be carefully considered as part of the Committee’s final recommendations on possible adjustments to the recurrent expenditure ceilings.
She further stressed the importance of continuous collaboration between the Senate, the Commission on Revenue Allocation, and county assemblies to develop fair and equitable financial guidelines that support the growth of county governments without compromising accountability.
Senator Okenyuri’s proactive engagement underscored the Senate’s pivotal role in strengthening devolution, promoting financial responsibility, and ensuring that county governments are equipped to meet the growing demands of their constituents.
The deliberations led by Senator Okenyuri are expected to significantly shape the Senate’s direction on budget ceilings for the 2025/2026 financial year, offering counties a pathway to enhanced fiscal flexibility and more effective service delivery.
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