Nairobi’s health sector receives lion’s share in Sh44.6 billion budget

In a race against time, the Nairobi City County Assembly last Friday convened for a special sitting for the budget reading by the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Charles Kerich.

The Sh44.6 billion budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year includes Sh31.2 billion for recurrent costs and Sh13.4 billion for development, with the current tax levels being maintained.

In his budget statement, Kerich said this year’s allocation marks a Sh1billion increase from the previous year.

He noted that the additional funds will be directed toward essential services and infrastructure, with a commitment to improve public service delivery without burdening residents financially.

The Health Sector of the County has got the lion’s share of the budget, with an allocation of Sh849 million being set aside for the construction, rehabilitation, and equipping of health centres.

Another Sh400 million will go into supplying county hospitals with non-pharmaceutical essentials to support operations and ensure the availability of basic items.

“Infrastructure development is a key priority, with upgrades and expansions planned for key hospitals including Pumwani Maternity and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. We will prioritize equipping hospitals with advanced diagnostic and treatment tools, as well as modernizing the health data system,” the CEC said.

The needy students have been allocated Sh857 million to cater for their bursaries, as each of the 85 wards will receive Sh7 million, with the rest supporting continuing students through the Executive Scholarship Programme.

Kerich also announced Sh2.15 billion for ward development programmes.

This is even as Kerich said that 145 projects have been completed in the ending financial year, and the new funding will help scale up ongoing work in all wards.

Roads have been allocated Sh2.8 billion for construction and rehabilitation across the county.

In addition, Sh1 billion has been earmarked for the construction and upgrading of stadiums and sports complexes.

The Dishi na County program, which has been facing scrutiny in the ending fiscal year by the Assembly led by the late Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve, has been allocated Sh700 million.

Kerich emphasized that the budget was designed to meet the growing demands of the city while cushioning residents from the current economic challenges.

“Due to financial constraints, taxes will not be increased to protect our people during these tough economic times,” he said.

He added that Nairobi County had posted Sh13.4 billion in Own-Source Revenue in the previous year, a jump from Sh10 billion.

To support the growing budget, the county has widened its tax base by targeting previously untapped revenue sources.

He further told the Assembly that efforts were underway to clean up the revenue system to identify accurate receivables and boost recovery.

“This budget prioritizes enhanced service delivery, fast-tracked development, and improved public welfare, while adhering to financial discipline and legal guidelines,” Kerich said.