Kirinyaga: The Finance and Economic Planning Committee, in collaboration with the Budget and Appropriations Committee at the County Assembly of Kirinyaga, has put forward a proposal to assign revenue officers to all county departments that have revenue-generating capabilities.

According to Kenya News Agency, the recommendation arose from a joint session aimed at establishing guidelines for the 2026/2027 budget preparation. The committees underscored the vital contribution of revenue officers in enhancing collection efforts and addressing revenue leakages within various departments.

The discussions focused on several key areas, including revenue outlook, resource prioritization and allocation, evaluation of capital projects, and the enhancement of stakeholder involvement in the budget process. Kirinyaga County expects to receive an equitable share allocation amounting to Sh 6,854,050,486, with a projected own-source revenue of Sh830,000,000, which members deemed attainable.

The committees highlighted the necessity of adopting realistic revenue projections to prevent fiscal deficits. Additionally, they emphasized that all departments should adhere to the expenditure ceilings set out in the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP). Resources, they resolved, should prioritize ongoing projects over new ones, and a minimum of 30 percent of the budget should be allocated to development expenditure, focusing on programs that protect and enhance livelihoods.

Structured public participation in the budgeting process was also underscored as crucial by the committees. They committed to crafting budgets that are development-oriented, inclusive, and fiscally responsible. Furthermore, they pledged to pass legislation aimed at bolstering revenue generation, specifically mentioning the Kirinyaga County Trade and Markets Bill, 2025, which is slated for introduction in the assembly during the current session.