Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu Among Counties Spending Least on Development—COB Report Sparks Outrage

Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu Among Counties Spending Least on Development—COB Report Sparks Outrage

A storm is brewing across Kenya as the latest County Governments Budget Implementation Review Report (CGBIRR) reveals shocking figures. Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kisumu counties have been flagged for spending the least proportion of their budgets on development.

Nairobi County Under Fire Again

According to Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, Nairobi spent only Ksh4 billion out of a Ksh14 billion development allocation. That’s just 12%—far below the constitutional threshold of 30%.

“This violates Section 107(2)(b) of the Public Finance Management Act,” Nyakang’o stated.

Worse still, Nairobi’s absorption rate stood at a dismal 28.7%. This marks the second time the capital has been flagged. In the previous report, Nairobi didn’t spend a single cent on development despite having a Ksh200 billion budget.

“Nairobi remains in the red zone. This is deeply concerning,” Nyakang’o emphasized.

Machakos, Kisumu, Kiambu Also Lagging

Machakos followed closely, spending only Ksh1.9 billion—just 16% of its Ksh4.9 billion development budget. The county blamed cash-flow issues for the shortfall.

Kisumu spent Ksh1.5 billion out of Ksh5.4 billion, translating to 17%. Officials cited pending bills amounting to Ksh1.3 billion as the reason.

Kiambu, too, failed to meet expectations. It spent only Ksh2.9 billion of its Ksh7.8 billion allocation—just 18%. The county blamed delays in receiving its equitable share.

“We are seeing a worrying trend. Counties are prioritizing recurrent expenses over development,” Nyakang’o warned.

Kajiado matched Kiambu’s poor performance, spending only Ksh1.7 billion of its Ksh3.8 billion budget. Again, delays in disbursement were cited.

Citizens Demand Accountability

Kenyans are furious. Many feel betrayed by leaders who promised progress but delivered stagnation.

“We voted for change. Instead, we got excuses,” said a Nairobi resident.

“Our roads are broken, schools underfunded, yet billions go unused,” added a Kisumu youth leader.

The COB’s report has reignited calls for transparency and urgent reforms. Citizens want answers—and action.

Time for Counties to Rethink Priorities

As the country grapples with economic challenges, development spending remains critical. Experts warn that failure to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare will deepen inequality.

“Counties must prioritize development. Otherwise, we risk losing an entire generation to neglect,” said a policy analyst.

With the October budget cycle approaching, pressure is mounting. Will counties finally deliver on their promises?

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Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu Among Counties Spending Least on Development—COB Report Sparks Outrage