Murang'a county assembly speaker Johnson Mukuha during the budget session on July 1, 2026
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ALICE WAITHERA
Members of Murang'a county assembly have approved a Sh12.5 billion budget for the 2026-27 financial year, with agriculture, healthcare, education and community development emerging as the biggest winners in the county's spending plan.
The approved budget sets aside Sh1.05 billion for community projects across all wards, while the county assembly received Sh903.5 million for its operations.
Presenting the Budget and Appropriations Committee report, chairperson Charles Machigo said the budget is designed to support the final phase of implementing the county integrated development plan 2023-2027 and deliver on the county's key development priorities.
"This budget supports the final phase of implementing the county’s five-year plans and Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s manifesto while addressing the development priorities of the people of Murang'a," Machigo, also Township MCA, said.
Agriculture received one of the largest allocations, with Sh260 million earmarked for the agriculture subsidy programme through which the Inua Mkulima programme that combines subsidised inputs with income support for farmers.
The programme supports key value chains such as maize, dairy, mangoes and sorghum, with registered farmers receiving certified seeds and fertilizers among other inputs.
About Sh166.7 million was also set aside for the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme and Sh362.5 million for food security programmes aimed at increasing production and improving household food security.
Community development also emerged among the biggest beneficiaries after MCAs allocated Sh455 million for ward-based projects identified by residents across all 35 wards, including roads, water, markets and other local infrastructure.
Another Sh100 million for the Smart Cities programme that upgrades major shopping centres in the county by installing cabros or tarmacking main streets and providing traders with a conducive business environment.
The assembly also allocated Sh30 million for the solarisation programme
to improve infrastructure and public services.
The county has started equipping health facilities and community boreholes with solar panels to cut power bills.
"These allocations are intended to ensure development reaches every ward while improving infrastructure and service delivery," Machigo said.
The health sector secured substantial funding, with Sh230 million allocated to the Kang'ata Care programme that currently supports more than 42,000 vulnerable households, Sh250 million for the procurement of medical drugs and Sh200 million for health products and technologies to strengthen healthcare services across the county.
Education also received a significant boost through Sh306 million for education programmes, Sh280 million for the school feeding and Sh50 million for the improvement of school infrastructure.
The assembly further approved Sh350 million for the Murang'a aggregation and industrial park, which is expected to attract investors and significantly boost the local economy.
"The industrial park will stimulate investment, support value addition and create jobs for our people," Machigo said.
Youth empowerment remained a key priority after MCAs allocated Sh150 million for the Murang'a county youth service that has currently benefitted more than 8,000 youths who are engaged on a short-term basis to clean towns before being enrolled in local technical and vocational for free courses.
About Sh40 million was set aside for the community sports programme to equip young people with skills and nurture talent.
"This budget reflects the county government and assembly's commitment to directing resources towards programmes that improve the lives of Murang'a residents," speaker Johnson Mukuha said.
