Nyeri County Government has proposed an Sh8.7 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting an increase of Sh700 million compared to last year’s estimates. This budget allocates Sh5.8 billion for recurrent expenditures and Sh2.8 billion for development initiatives. Notably, the development budget accounts for 33.04% of the total, while recurrent expenditures make up 66.95%.
To fund this budget, Nyeri County is anticipating Sh6.5 billion in equitable share from the Exchequer, alongside Sh1.3 billion in conditional grants and Sh800 million in local revenue. According to Finance Executive Robert Thuo, the Health Department will receive the largest allocation of Sh3 billion, with Sh200 million earmarked for purchasing essential drugs and medical supplies. Additionally, Sh53 million is designated for renovations and equipment for rural health facilities, while Sh40 million is set aside to establish the Wamagana Level IV Hospital in Tetu sub-county, an area previously lacking such a facility.
Other significant allocations include Sh955.8 million for the County Assembly and Sh744.2 million for the Department of Transport, Public Works, and Infrastructure. Within the transport sector, Sh367.13 million is allocated for road improvements, along with Sh100 million for streetlight maintenance and new installations. To manage rising electricity costs, Thuo proposed a shift towards solar power and energy-efficient LED lights.
Additional budgetary allocations include Sh638 million for Education, Training, and Devolution, and Sh545.7 million for Finance, Economic Planning, and ICT. The Agriculture, Livestock, and Aquaculture department is set to receive Sh508.3 million, with Sh113.3 million directed towards climate action projects.
Unlike the previous year, the Finance Executive hinted at possible new fees and levies, particularly affecting traders at the Muthoni Kirima bus terminus, where market-day fees and charges for eateries may be introduced. Other proposed charges include fees for filming and photography at tourism sites.
Despite these potential increases, the county aims to maintain its own revenue target at Sh800 million. Thuo emphasized that these adjustments are necessary to sustain high-quality services and infrastructure amid rising costs and inflation.
