Governor’s assent unlocks funding for stalled projects, healthcare, and teacher salar
VIHIGA — Governor Wilber Ottichilo has signed into law the Vihiga County Appropriation Bill for the 2025/2026 financial year, unlocking critical funding to settle debts and support key public services.
The signing ceremony took place at the County Headquarters in Mbale, attended by Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo, County Solicitor James Mukabi, and Budget Committee Chair Patrick Ahwali.
Governor Ottichilo said the county must fast-track implementation of all projects, including incomplete and inherited ones. “This budget mostly caters for pending bills,” Ottichilo said. “We are operating under financial pressure. Capitation remains a challenge, especially with the increasing number of learners entering the education system without sufficient support.”
The KSh 200 million budget line for drug procurement in Level 4 hospitals marks one of the largest single allocations in the health sector. An additional KSh 7.5 million was set aside for all Level 3 hospitals across Vihiga’s 25 wards. According to Ahwali, this will fund the purchase of essential medicines and installation of WiFi routers to support the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in county health facilities.
Education also received significant attention. The county allocated KSh 22 million to clear salary arrears for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. The payout is expected to restore stability in the early learning workforce after months of uncertainty.
Deputy Governor Kitiezo called for a shift in how the county generates revenue. He emphasized the need for private partnerships and supported the County Assembly’s plan to construct a modern legislative plaza to improve service delivery and public access.
County Solicitor Mukabi received the signed document for official gazettement.
The budget’s approval ends weeks of deliberations and signals the county’s commitment to service delivery, especially in underfunded sectors. Ottichilo maintained that every allocation must reflect the priorities raised through public participation forums.
According to the Office of the Controller of Budget, Vihiga reported delayed project execution and high pending bills in the previous fiscal year. The 2025/2026 budget aims to address these issues by ring-fencing funds for stalled infrastructure and essential services.
With the bill now law, county departments are expected to begin disbursement and procurement processes immediately.
