Residents of Nairobi have rejected a Sh35 billion budget proposal for the financial year 2016/2017.
According to the residents, the county government has failed to explain how money from the last financial year was spent.
“We have not been provided with status report on how the last budget was implemented,” said Jacob Owiyo, a resident.
During the second public hearing at City Hall on Thursday, the residents said the budget proposal had failed to address many issues affecting them. Additionally, the public cited duplication of funding in sectors such as security and disaster management, which received Sh2.5 billion, despite having been provided for under the Governor’s office.
The residents said that the budget does not tackle major issues affecting them as leaders are not being transparent with them.
In the proposal health sector is the biggest beneficiary. The sector received Sh6.5 billion followed by the transport, public works and infrastructure, which got Sh6.2 billion while Governor Evans Kidero’s office got Sh3.5 billion.
Budget and Appropriation Committee chairman, Michael Ogada said the funds set aside for the governor’s office has raised concern on its usage in the past. He clarified that the governor’s budget is used for sub-counties administration, supply chain management, inspectorate and disaster management.