Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has called for unity and closer collaboration between the County Executive and the County Assembly as Kitui County begins deliberations on the FY 2026/2027 Annual Budget Estimates. Speaking during the County ExecutiveโCounty Assembly Consultative Forum in Mutomo, the governor described the budget process as a critical exercise that would determine the countyโs development trajectory and delivery of services to residents.
Addressing leaders and senior county officials, the governor said the budget discussions represented more than a financial exercise, noting that they provided an opportunity to transform shared aspirations into practical development outcomes. He emphasized that leadership institutions must work together to ensure citizens benefit from improved services in health, water, roads, education, and economic empowerment.
Malombe urged leaders to place public interest ahead of personal or political considerations, saying residents expected focused and results-driven leadership. He noted that differences in opinion within government institutions were normal in a democratic environment but stressed that a common commitment to the welfare of the people should always remain the guiding principle.
The governor highlighted what he described as significant gains made under devolution since 2013, stating that Kitui County had implemented more than 12,400 infrastructure projects across various sectors by June 2025. According to him, the projects span water supply, roads, education, health services, environmental initiatives, governance, agriculture, and youth development programs.
He further stated that every village in Kitui County had benefited from at least one impactful project under his administration, adding that the recently launched Kitui County Infrastructure Projects Dashboard would provide transparent tracking and public access to development records across the county. He said the digital platform would offer measurable evidence of progress achieved over the years.
The governor also addressed recent tensions surrounding the FY 2025/2026 Supplementary Budget II, describing them as temporary administrative and procedural challenges that had since been resolved through dialogue and institutional cooperation. He commended the County Assembly leadership and the County Treasury for successfully guiding the process to completion.
Among key agreements reached during the consultative retreat was a funding arrangement for the construction of MCA ward offices across the county. The county leadership agreed on a phased implementation approach, beginning with immediate construction of 17 ward offices while the remaining 23 offices would be financed under the FY 2026/2027 budget allocation.
The forum also reached consensus on strengthening the education sector through increased investment in Early Childhood Development Education and vocational training institutions. Plans include construction of six ECDE classrooms per ward and the allocation of funds for rehabilitation of vocational training workshops and dormitories. The county also intends to recruit additional ECDE teachers and VTC tutors to support learning programs.
On infrastructure development, Malombe announced that road connectivity would remain a major priority in the upcoming financial year. He outlined allocations for construction and maintenance of major county roads, road opening and widening projects, as well as contracted and in-house grading works, saying the interventions would improve accessibility across all wards.
However, the governor acknowledged ongoing financial challenges linked to delayed release of road maintenance funds from the national government. Despite these constraints, he assured residents that the county would maximize available resources and continue pursuing development goals. He concluded by calling for sustained unity among leaders, expressing confidence that collective effort would accelerate the countyโs transformation agenda.
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