The Garissa County Assembly Committee on Budget, Finance and Appropriation held a public participation forum on the proposed Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 2025/2026.

The meeting offered residents a platform to review, question, and contribute to the county’s fiscal planning.

The well-attended session, hosted at Garissa Primary and Junior Secondary School, served as a critical touchpoint for community engagement, as citizens submitted direct feedback on key priorities for inclusion in the final county budget.

The committee’s Vice-Chairperson, Mahat Abdikadir, who presided over the forum emphasized the importance of public input in fostering a transparent and responsive budgeting process.

“The voice of the people is central in this process. Our task is to ensure that what is passed in the Assembly reflects the actual needs on the ground,” said Mahat.

Residents raised a number of pressing issues during the session Maslah Sheikh highlighted the persistent shortage of medical supplies at Jarjara Dispensary and the lack of a dental unit, despite the Department of Health receiving 32 percent of the proposed budget.

He called for improved transparency and better service delivery in the health sector.

Omar Guyo advocated for the creation of a vocational training centre for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), urging the county to embrace a more inclusive development agenda.

“We are urging the county to adopt an inclusive approach that addresses the specific needs of marginalized groups,” said Mr. Guyo.

Sanitation and infrastructure were also top concerns during the debate on Monday.

Abdirahman Abass pointed out the lack of public toilets and poor road conditions within Suq Mugdi Market.

He called for urgent action to improve hygiene and mobility for traders and customers.

On fiscal matters, Abdirahman Abdi recommended increasing the allocation for settling pending bills from KES 200 million to KES 500 million.

“The current provision is insufficient to settle mounting obligations, risking strained relations with contractors and suppliers,” he warned.

Maalim Hassan raised safety concerns, urging the county to establish a firefighting station at Suq Mugdi Market to protect lives and property in case of fire outbreaks.

Judith Okello echoed earlier concerns on healthcare, calling for stringent oversight to ensure the substantial health budget translates into actual service improvements on the ground.

The committee assured residents that all submissions would be carefully reviewed and considered in finalizing the FY 2025/26 budget.

Mahat reiterated the committee’s commitment to prioritizing the health and water sectors, with particular attention to the supply of essential medicines in public health facilities.

“The feedback gathered today will directly inform our deliberations. We are committed to a budget that truly reflects the needs of our people,” he affirmed.

The forum was attended by several Members of the County Assembly, including Majority Leader and Dadaab MCA Mohamed Abdi Farah, Waberi MCA Abubakar Haji Sugow, Baraki MCA Hassan Noor Dahir, Danyere MCA Idriss Ismail, and Rukia Abdulahi.

The public forum aligns with Article 201 of the Kenyan Constitution, which mandates openness, accountability, and public participation in all financial matters.