Finance and Economic Planning Committee of the County Assembly of Kirinyaga together with the Budget and Appropriations Committee have proposed that revenue officers be attached to all county departments with revenue-generating functions.

The proposal was made during a joint sitting of the two committees to discuss modalities of steering the preparation of 2026/2027 budget.

Members have been emphasising the critical role played by revenue officers in boosting collections and sealing revenue leakages across departments. The deliberations centred on revenue outlook, prioritisation and allocation of resources, evaluation of capital projects and enhancing stakeholder participation in the budget process.

Kirinyaga County anticipates an allocation of Ksh6,854,050,486 as equitable share, while own-source revenue is projected at Ksh830,000,000, a target that members noted was achievable.

The committees stressed the importance of adopting realistic revenue projections to avoid fiscal shortfalls. In addition, members reaffirmed that all departments must operate within ceilings outlined in the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP).

They resolved that resources should first be directed to ongoing projects before new ones are launched, and emphasized that at least 30 percent of the budget must go to development expenditure, with priority given to programs safeguarding livelihoods.

The committees also highlighted the importance of structured public participation in the budget-making process. They committed to delivering budgets that are development-focused, inclusive and fiscally prudent.

Furthermore, they pledged to enact legislation that will strengthen revenue generation, citing the Kirinyaga County Trade and Markets Bill, 2025, which is expected to be tabled in the assembly during this session.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Mutai Kipngetich

The County assembly of Kirinyaga during a past session.