Details of Governor Sakaja’s Sh43.56 billion budget

Road projects and the County Assembly are the biggest beneficiaries of the Nairobi County Sh 43.56 billion budget for the financial year 2024/2025.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja aims to collect Sh21.06 billion in own source revenue in the financial year that started on July 1.

The Sh43.56 billion new budget is an increase from Sh42.3 billion for the financial year 2023/2024, making it the highest ever recorded in Nairobi.

Out of the billions, the projected national transfers amount to Sh22.5 billion, which includes grants, while the total projected Own Source Revenues amount to Sh20.06 billion and hospital facilities improvement financing (FIF) of Sh1 billion.

While reading the budget statement, 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 per cent of the total budget, which is in line with Section 107 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, which requires at least 30 per cent to 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, Sh2.9 billion has been allocated.

This will facilitate the implementation of 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. The completion of ongoing road works will be targeted as a key priority, together with the rehabilitation of already completed works," Kerich stated.

The county assembly has been allocated Sh3.56 billion for its operations, an increase from Sh3.25 billion 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 Sh1.95 billion.

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

"The County Treasury has embarked on the payment of completed certificates, paving the way for a seamless implementation of ward projects in the coming financial year," Kerich assured.

Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Finance Charles Kerich is flanked by members of the Finance department moments before reading the Budget Statement for FY 2024-2025 at the County Assembly chambers on June 26, 2024. (Photo: Nairobi County)

For equipping and stocking sufficient drugs and non-pharmaceuticals in the county health facilities, Sh200 million was 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 Sh857 million for the provision of bursaries to needy students.

Out of this, Sh7 million will be allocated to every ward, and the balance will be available to sponsor all continuing students under the Executive Scholarship Programme.

In order to develop talent among the youth, Kerich allocated Sh826 million for the construction and rehabilitation of stadiums, which serve as recreation centres for the youth.

To support traders within the county in transacting their business in a dignified manner, Sh826 million was allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of markets.

In his manifesto, Governor Sakaja promised to construct 20 new markets across Nairobi.

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 the decentralisation of services to boroughs, the county has allocated Sh287 million, for the completion of the construction of borough offices, sub-county offices, 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 Nairobi City County," said Kerich.

In the recent past, we have witnessed the destruction of property due to fire. I will also be requesting that this house approve Kshs. 120 million towards the construction of fire stations in Kangemi, Jamhuri, and Gikomba.

Also, Sh120 million has been allocated towards the construction of fire stations in Kangemi, Jamhuri, and Gikomba.

The Dishi na County School feeding programme for learners in public primary schools and ECD centres has been allocated Sh800 million.

"This program will improve the nutritional status of the learners and also encourage students to attend school leading to an increase in enrollment, performance and transition to higher levels of education. The County has targeted to feed about 250,000 children," Kerich stated.

In his manifesto, Sakaja said he would establish a school feeding programme to ensure children in public schools get nutritious meals to keep them healthy and in school.

He pledged to build a central Food for Kids kitchen from which the meals would be distributed to the schools throughout the city for lunches. Already, 10 kitchens have been constructed in 10 sub-counties and seven more are underway.