The County Government of Kwale has presented a reduced Ksh 10.6 billion budget proposal for the 2025/2026 financial year, down from Ksh 12 billion allocated in the previous fiscal cycle.

The downward adjustment reflects the county’s efforts to manage spending in the wake of tighter economic conditions.

Despite the cutbacks, the new budget maintains a strong focus on essential services, specifically healthcare, road development, and water access as part of a broader commitment to improve living standards and promote sustainable development.

Governor Fatuma Achani described the reallocation as a deliberate effort to shield key sectors from the impact of reduced funding.

“In the face of financial constraints, we’ve chosen to safeguard the core services of healthcare for our people, roads that connect them, and water that sustains daily life,” Achani said. “That’s how we secure a resilient and dignified Kwale.”

Under her leadership, the county has seen marked improvements in service delivery.

At least 178 health centers have been built and fitted with necessary equipment, while more than 1,800 healthcare professionals have been hired to improve access to medical services across all regions.

The county has also invested heavily in clean water initiatives, constructing over 40 boreholes, building 40 dams, and extending water pipelines by more than 570 kilometers.

These efforts have significantly boosted access to safe water for households and farms.

In the road sector, more than 2,000 kilometers of road networks have been upgraded, opening up previously hard-to-reach areas, spurring the growth of new trading centers, and improving access to public services.

As part of its efforts to ensure inclusive and people-driven budgeting, the county launched a community engagement exercise across its 20 wards.

The public participation forums began in areas like Ramisi, Vanga, Pongwe Kikoneni, and Mkongani, and are expected to run through June 21.

Governor Achani stressed that involving residents in budget-making is not just a constitutional requirement, but a moral duty.

“Our communities must have a voice in the decisions that shape their daily lives. Public participation is the foundation of meaningful governance,” she said.

Kwale County's commitment to transparency has earned it national recognition.

The County scored 83 out of 100 for its Annual Development Plan and a full 100 points for its 2024 Finance Act in the County Budget Transparency Survey conducted by Bajeti Hub.

“These engagement sessions are more than just a routine process. They are the backbone of how we develop our budget. Every voice counts because this is, truly, the people’s budget,” Achani added.

Budget Committee member Patrick Yasisi echoed the importance of inclusive planning, noting that it fosters trust and reduces friction between citizens and their leaders.

Local residents such as Hassan Kuchengwa and Zawadi Juma from Tiwi Ward praised the initiative, saying it signals a shift in governance.

“For years, we were left out of these discussions that’s why so many projects never worked out,” Kuchengwa remarked. “Now we finally have a seat at the table and a chance to shape our future.”