Inside Nairobi’s Sh43.56billion 2024/25 budget

Nairobi City County aims to collect Sh21.06billion own source revenue and Sh22.5 billion in the Financial Year 2024-25.

The Sh43.56billion new budget is an increase from Sh42.3 billion for the financial year 2023/2024, making it the highest ever with road projects and the County Assembly are the biggest beneficiaries.

While making the budget statement reading CEC for Finance Charles Kerich stated that Sakaja’s Sh42.3 billion comprises recurrent and development expenditures at Sh29.3 Billion and Sh14.2 billion respectively.

“The allocation of development is equivalent to 33 percent of the total budget which is in line with Section 107 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 that requires at least 30 per cent be allocated to development.” Kerich said.

To enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity through the construction and rehabilitation of roads, street lighting, stormwater drainage, and bridges, Sh2.9billion has been allocated.

This will facilitate the implementation of the development projects in the Sector.

“The priority area for this Sector will be to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity through the construction and rehabilitation of roads, street lighting, stormwater drainage, and bridges. Completion of ongoing road works will be targeted as a key priority, together with rehabilitation of already completed works.” The CEC stated.

The county assembly has been allocated Sh3.56billion for its operations, an increase from the Sh3.25billion allocated in the last year.

The funds will enable the assembly to carry out functions like paying MCAs allowances, administration, renovations, staff salaries, and maintenance, as well as exercise its roles which include approval of laws and oversight.

Ward Development Programme (WDF) is aimed at reducing disparities in resource allocation and development across all wards and has been allocated Sh1.95billion.

The CEC Finance noted that the implementation of ward programs has been faced with various obstacles leading to delayed implementation of projects and therefore denying Nairobians the much-needed services.

“The County Treasury has embarked on payment of completed certificates paving the way for a seamless implementation of ward projects in the coming Financial Year.” Kerich said.

For equipping and stocking of sufficient drugs and non-pharmaceuticals to the County Health Facilities, Sh200million has been allocated which is a decrease from Sh400 million in the last budget.

At the same time, Sh1.1 billion has gone towards the construction, equipping, and rehabilitation of Health Facilities to ensure affordable health services.

To support needy students through the provision of bursaries, the county has allocated Sh857million for the provision of bursaries to needy students.

Out of this Sh7million will be allocated to every ward and the balance will be available to sponsor all continuing students under the Executive Scholarship Programme.

To develop talent among the youth, Nairobi allocated Sh826 million for the construction and rehabilitation of stadiums that serve as recreation centres’ for the youth.

To support traders within the county to transact their business in a dignified manner, Sh826million for the construction and rehabilitation of markets.

Sakaja promised to construct 20 new markets across Nairobi with ten being done by the county and ten with support from the national government.

The construction of markets will aid in decongesting the existing markets which have been mostly affected by the infernos which have led to the loss of millions.

For decentralization of services to boroughs, the county has allocated Sh287 million, for the completion of the construction of Borough offices, Sub-County, and Ward offices.

“The Boroughs will be the focal point for planning and will provide a ‘One Stop Shop’ where the residents can access all the services offered by the Nairobi City County.” Kerich stated.

Further, the Sh120 million has been allocated towards the construction of fire stations in Kangemi, Jamhuri, and Gikomba after the county failed to implement the project in the previous FY despite allocation in the budget.

The governor’s pet project, the Dishi Na has been allocated Sh800 million.

The governor recently allowed more time for public participation in the county finance bill before its tabling at the assembly after the resumption from recess later this month.