By TCD TEAM
The County Assembly of Kitui has firmly dismissed claims that the Office of the Governor spent Ksh 2.4 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year, describing the reports as misleading, inaccurate, and lacking factual grounding. The Assembly’s response follows widespread circulation of the claims in sections of the media, which sparked public concern over alleged excessive expenditure.
In a formal communication delivered to the House, the county assembly Speaker hon Kevin Kinengo clarified that the figures being cited do not reflect the actual budgetary allocations or expenditure of the Governor’s Office. He emphasized that the information presented in the reports was not only incorrect but also misrepresented the structure and process of county financial management.
The Assembly underscored that the Office of the Governor functions as the central coordinating arm of the County Executive, with its mandate clearly defined in law. Its responsibilities span policy coordination, communication of government programs, intergovernmental relations, and oversight of service delivery across departments.
Members of the Assembly were reminded that county budgets are not arbitrarily determined by the Executive. Instead, they are developed through a rigorous, transparent, and legally anchored process that ensures checks and balances between the Executive and the Assembly.
This process includes detailed scrutiny by relevant Assembly committees, structured public participation forums, and thorough debate before the final budget is approved. Only after this comprehensive review does the budget receive legal backing for implementation.
The Speaker further highlighted that the county’s planning and budgeting are guided by key policy documents such as the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). This document undergoes public validation and legislative approval, ensuring that development priorities reflect the will and needs of the people.
Additionally, the Assembly pointed to constitutional safeguards under Articles 201 and 207, which strictly regulate public finance management. These provisions demand accountability, transparency, and responsible use of public resources at all levels of government.
Leaders within the Assembly cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that such reports risk eroding public trust and undermining confidence in county institutions. They stressed the importance of relying on official records and credible sources when assessing government expenditure.
The clarification comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny over how county governments utilize taxpayer funds. With increasing demand for transparency, the Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to upholding integrity in financial oversight and ensuring that public resources are used prudently.
Ultimately, the Assembly’s position sends a strong message that accountability mechanisms are firmly in place and functioning. It also challenges stakeholders, including the media and the public, to engage responsibly with information and uphold accuracy in matters of public interest.
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