Wajir residents demand water, roads, education and power to be prioritised in budget

Residents of Wajir County on Thursday called for the prioritisation of water, education, power connectivity and roads infrastructure in the coming budget, during a public participation forum by the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee in Wajir town.

The majority of the residents emphasised the need to prioritise the construction of a mega dam to harvest rain and drilling of boreholes to cushion them from the scarcity of water they endure during the drought season.

Abdirashid Bullo Osman, a resident of Buna town in Wajir North constituency, said volumes of water were flowing in the dry beds all the way from neighbouring Ethiopia, going to waste.

"We want the government to consider allocating funds for the construction of mega dams to harvest this water. The initiative will help us end the water crisis during the dry season," he said.

He also called for the need to construct a permanent bridge at Buna town, which he said ended up being cut off from Wajir town during the rainy season.

Ali Osman from Mansa in Tarbaj constituency also urged the committee to prioritise the construction of mega dams and boreholes.

"We cannot rely on water tracking during the dry spell; we need the government to consider prioritising water as a great challenge that needs to be addressed," he said.

He also called for the need to construct a permanent road that links Kutulo and Mansa.

The residents mentioned several roads that needed to be considered in the coming budget, including tarmacking major roads in Wajir town and others, including the Wajir-Moyale road.

Mothers at Wajir Orahey market who sell traditional artefacts appealed to be funded and linked to national and international markets where they can sell their products.

Mohamed Gure from Wajir East was among many who told the committee that a lack of sufficient electricity was hampering economic development in Wajir County.

He called for the need to fast-track a permanent solution that will end the electricity crisis in the county.

The stakeholders from all six constituencies of Wajir county, Wajir East, Wajir West, Wajir North, Tarbaj, Wajir South and Eldas reiterated on the prioritisation of water, roads, education, women empowerment and power connectivity.

Persons with disabilities were also not left behind, raising concerns over unemployment, calling for affirmative action in the budget allocation to expand opportunities for employment and inclusion.

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• education and power to be prioritised in budget
• Headlines
• Northern Kenya
• Wajir County
• 2025-2026 budget
• 2025/2026 financial year
• 2025-2026 national budget
• Wajir residents demand water
• roads

Eldas MP Adan Keynan told the residents that their views were vital in regards to the budget preparation.

"As a marginalised community, let's appreciate the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution that allowed us to participate in the national budgetary process. Your inputs will have a great role in the budgetary process," he said.

"The constitution is very clear that sovereign power belongs to the people, and that is why we are here today. Your voice is not only heard but will also reflect in the national budget," said Adan.

Laisamis MP, Joseph Lekuton, also highlighted the importance of public participation and inclusivity in the national budget-making process.

"Our role is to amplify your voices at the national level. This forum is your opportunity to tell us what matters most in your daily lives, so that the government can respond appropriately," he said.

The committee assured the residents that all submissions will be carefully considered when compiling recommendations for the final budget proposal to be presented before the National Assembly.

The committee on Thursday also held similar public participation forums in several counties, including Nandi, Nyeri, Kwale, Samburu, and Uasin Gishu.