CoB call on counties to submit their budgets on time

 Hon. John Mbadi Ng'ongo Cabinet Secretary The National Treasury and Economic Planing chats wihe Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o during 2025 medium term debt management strategy.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard]

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o has said that the majority of counties were violating the Public Finance Management Act by submitting their budgets late for approval.

Dr Nyakang’o called on county assemblies to submit approved and forwarded budgets to governors by July 1 for immediate implementation.

Nyakang’o urged counties to fast-track their budget-making processes to ensure appropriation laws are passed in good time.

She spoke at the Murang’a County headquarters during the annual monitoring and evaluation visit.

The Controller of Budget challenged counties to prioritise development expenditure, noting that this is key to job creation.

“In the first quarter of 2025–2026, implementation reports showed minimal development spending in many counties; thus, there is a need for improvement in the future to ensure Kenyans have value for money,” said Nyakang’o.

She acknowledged that monitoring budget implementation assists in identifying gaps and advising counties on areas requiring improvement.

“I recommend Murang’a County Government for its consistent correspondence and improved budget absorption, following the guidance provided by my office on reclassifying certain expenditures from recurrent to development spending,” she commended.

On procurement, Nyakang’o defended the electronic procurement system being implemented by the National Treasury, saying efforts are underway to build capacity among users.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata lauded the Office of the Controller of Budget for maintaining a strong working relationship with counties and providing timely advice.

Kang’ata highlighted the need to reclassify certain expenditures, such as medical insurance for needy families and the provision of porridge in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centres, from recurrent to development spending.

“The persistent delays in the disbursement of funds from the Exchequer have continued to hinder county operations, despite legal provisions requiring funds to be released to counties by the 14th of every month,” said the Governor.