Machakos County faces a fresh budget standoff. Governor Wavinya Ndeti has refused to sign a KSh17.8 billion spending plan.
The governor returned the Bill on Monday. She said major changes had been made without approval.
KSh854 Million Disputed
Ndeti said KSh853.96 million was shifted. She said key services had been affected. The Bill had been passed on August 18. It was then sent to the governor for assent.
Ndeti said her budget had been balanced. It had also followed the County Fiscal Strategy Paper. Several programmes were cut. The Wikwatyo Fund was among them.
Its allocation fell from KSh274 million. Only KSh74 million was left. Women and youth programmes were also hit. Bursary funding was cut by KSh30 million.
Road projects were affected too. Some works already under contract were reduced.
Assembly Spending Challenged
The Assembly’s development budget was also questioned. Ndeti said it had been raised by KSh130 million. She said the increase breached the approved ceiling. The Public Finance Management Act was cited.
Waste collection funding was also reduced. The governor warned of possible health risks. Mlolongo was among the areas mentioned. Athi River and Machakos were also cited.
She said poor waste collection could expose residents. Cholera and typhoid risks were raised.
Revenue System Defended
The Revenue Management System also became contentious. Its funding was reduced under the Assembly plan. Ndeti said the system had raised county revenue. Collections had risen from KSh1.55 billion.
That figure was recorded in 2023/24. It reached KSh3.35 billion in 2025/26. A KSh4.93 billion target was set for 2026/27. Ndeti warned that the cuts could threaten it. She also raised concerns over road contracts. Reduced funding could lead to legal claims.
Youth cuts were criticised as well. Ndeti called them “a direct assault on the youth.”
Veto Returns to Assembly
The Bill has now been sent back. Section 24(2)(b) was invoked by the governor. MCAs must now reconsider the disputed sections. A two-thirds vote would be needed to override her veto.
Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka criticised the changes. He called the Assembly’s actions “uncouth”. He said residents could be denied basic services. Residents have urged both sides to find common ground.
The dispute now leaves key county programmes uncertain. A political standoff has been placed at the centre of service delivery.
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