National Assembly allocates Sh3 billion for budget hearings in 13 counties

The National Treasury has allocated Sh3 billion for public participation forums on the country’s Sh4.3 trillion budget for the 2025-2026 financial year, sparking concerns among lawmakers over how the funds will be managed.

The hearings, aimed at gathering citizens' views on government spending, will take place in 13 counties, with each set to receive at least Sh230.7 million.

However, some Members of Parliament have questioned the selection of counties, alleging possible bias in the process.

During a parliamentary debate, some MPs pointed out that Vihiga and Kakamega counties, which were initially scheduled for the hearings, had been excluded without explanation.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about the transparency of the funds allocated for the exercise.

“These development projects are meant to ensure every corner of this country benefits as the people have a say in what they want implemented,” Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu said, defending the allocation.

Public participation in the budget-making process is mandated by Article 221 (1) of the Constitution and Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act, which require budget estimates to be tabled in Parliament by April 30 each year.

The hearings begin once the estimates are presented in the National Assembly.

Over the past two financial years, Parliament has conducted hearings in 34 counties, with 18 counties included in one year and 16 in another.

Counties left out of the 2024-2025 financial year hearings, including Vihiga and Kakamega, were expected to be part of the next cycle.

The forums follow the US Pork Barrel model, which is designed to ensure the equitable distribution of government resources.

However, some MPs claimed the process has been misused, leading to allegations of favoritism in budget allocations.

During the parliamentary debate on March 11, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed accused former Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Ndindi Nyoro of unfairly influencing the distribution of funds.

“Public participation in making the budget has been grossly abused,” Ichung’wah said.

He claimed that while Sh2 billion was initially set aside, the amount was later increased to Sh12 billion, with funds being diverted.

“The beneficiaries of the Sh12 billion are not counties where public participation took place but other constituencies and counties," Junet added.

Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba and Navakholo MP Emanuel Wangwe also criticized the exclusion of Vihiga and Kakamega, questioning how the funds were allocated.

“A guillotine was placed on public participation that disadvantaged Vihiga. Money was allocated for public participation, but it is not known where the additional money went,” Milemba said.

With the hearings set to begin, MPs are pushing for greater accountability to ensure public participation funds are used properly and distributed fairly.