The Machakos County Assembly has approved the release of 50 percent of the proposed Ksh17.8 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year. This partial approval provides the county government access to funds for salaries and essential services while a full budget agreement remains elusive.
During a session on August 12, 2026, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) expressed concern over the county's mounting pending bills, which they estimate at nearly Ksh7 billion. They highlighted the financial strain on suppliers and contractors unpaid for services rendered, urging prioritisation of clearing these debts in the upcoming budget.
Key issues raised by MCAs include:
- Pending bills amounting to about Ksh7 billion impacting local businesses and families.
- Questions over whether previous budget allocations for development have resulted in tangible projects.
- The need to incorporate disputed allocations into the final budget to address priority services and infrastructure.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti has challenged the Assembly's pending bills figure, stating that as of June 30, 2026, the county's outstanding liabilities stood at Ksh4.6 billion. This figure includes Ksh1.6 billion owed in staff salaries for April through June 2026.
Wavinya also accused members of the Assembly’s Budget and House Business committees of obstructing her administration's agenda, citing the failure to approve the supplementary budget. She further alleged that some MCAs are influenced by external political interests, intensifying the budget impasse.
While the half-budget approval offers temporary financial relief, the full Ksh17.8 billion budget remains under negotiation amid ongoing tensions between the county executive and the Assembly.
