Narok, Homa Bay Counties ranked top performers in development budget utilization

According to the Annual County Budget Implementation Review Report (CBIRR) released by the Controller of Budget, Narok County leads with a 90.3% absorption rate of its development budget.

Homa Bay follows closely with an 86.3% absorption rate.

In addition to Narok and Homa Bay, several other counties showed strong performance in development expenditure. Wajir achieved an absorption rate of 83.4%, while Mandera followed with 82.6%. Meru and Bomet rounded out the top five with absorption rates of 79.3% and 76.2%, respectively.

At the same time, some counties struggled with development expenditure utilization. Nyandarua, Garissa, and Mombasa reported the lowest absorption rates at 45.9%, 44.8%, and 43.4%, respectively. Nairobi City, Kisumu, and Kisii also faced challenges, with absorption rates of 38.7%, 37.0%, and 29.2% respectively.

The County Budget Implementation Review Report (CBIRR) highlights that the total development expenditure for all counties amounted to Ksh.109.23 billion, achieving an absorption rate of 57.5% of the allocated Kshs.189.93 billion. This marks a decline from the previous year’s absorption rate of 61.0%.

The report further indicates that overall county expenditure for the fiscal year amounted to Ksh.446.76 billion, representing 79.5% of the annual budget. This figure includes Kshs.337.53 billion for recurrent activities and Kshs.109.23 billion for development activities. The overall absorption rate of 79.5% reflects a decline from the previous year's rate of 83.3%.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango pointed out several challenges hindering effective budget implementation, including delays in disbursements from the National Treasury, high personnel costs, and underperformance in local revenue collection.

To enhance future budget execution, the report recommends several actions, including developing strategies for increased development expenditures, ensuring timely disbursements, and improving adherence to financial reporting requirements.

The Controller of Budget advises counties to minimize unnecessary travel expenses and to settle pending bills promptly to avoid budgetary constraints.