Concern raised as counties spend only 14% of development budgets

The Controller of Budget has raised concern over counties’ low absorption rate of development funds, warning that the trend is starving devolved units of critical projects.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o says some counties have absorbed as little as 3 per cent of their development budgets.

In her half-year budget implementation report, the Controller of Budget has put several governors on the spot over what she terms a failure to prioritise development spending.

In the 2025/2026 half-year disbursements, Ksh.156 billion was allocated to recurrent expenditure, while Ksh.28.5 billion was earmarked for development.

However, the 47 counties spent only 14 per cent of the development allocation, translating to Ksh.32.5 billion, raising concerns over stalled projects across the country.

According to the report, Tana River and Lamu counties recorded the lowest absorption rates at just 3 per cent, while Vihiga absorbed only 7 per cent of its development budget.

Nairobi, Siaya, Nyeri and West Pokot counties also featured among those that absorbed less than 10 per cent of their development funds.

A closer analysis shows that 17 county governments recorded development performance rates of 10 per cent or lower, while 28 counties posted performance levels between 11 and 29 per cent. Only two counties achieved absorption rates above 30 per cent during the six-month period.

Mandera, Narok and Meru counties each spent over Ksh.1 billion on development during the period, while Nairobi spent Ksh.859 million.

Kiambu and Kilifi counties spent above Ksh.2 billion on development, while Kisii recorded Ksh.817 million in the same period.

Even as counties post low absorption rates, the Controller of Budget has called on the National Treasury to ensure timely disbursement of funds to support implementation of development projects.