Governor Njuki's budget proposals rejected over inequality

A section of residents during a public participation event on the Tharaka Nithi County Government's 2025/26 budget. June 7, 2025. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

A section of residents and their leaders in Tharaka Nithi County have opposed the proposed 2025/2026 county budget.

The opposers pointed at the allocations for the various wards, which they said were unfair, as some wards had received grossly little funds for projects.

In Mitheru Ward, Members of the County Assembly (MCA) Nevert Kinuthia demanded a review of the allocations, saying Mitheru and Nkondi wards received zero allocation.

“This budget lacks fairness. It is unconstitutional because it does not uphold equity across wards. Some wards have been favoured with millions, while others like ours have been completely sidelined,” Mr Kinuthia lamented.

The MCA regretted that, contrary to their wish, the executive had drawn a non-itemised budget, another reason people were against it.

He said as it is, a non-itemised budget provides a leeway to escape effective implementation and proper oversight.

“The Constitution demands transparency and equity. How can we perform oversight if projects are not itemised and some wards are openly neglected?” He asked, pointing at the glaring disparities in allocations for the various electoral and administrative units.

Chogoria Ward in Maara had been allocated Sh9 million, while Mugwe Ward got Sh15 million, and Karingani Ward got an allocation of Sh27 million.

The three sub-counties got different allocations, with Tharaka Sub-County getting Sh135 million, Chuka Igambang’ombe Sh96 million, and Maara Sub-County Sh29 million.

“Where is equality? I reject this budget on behalf of the people of Mitheru, Nkondi, and Tharaka Nithi at large. These inequalities must be addressed,” he added.

He said Governor Muthomi Njuki should engage the Budget and Appropriations Committee to ensure that all wards are fairly treated and that allocations are itemised.

Kinuthia said Mitheru Ward had been allocated only Sh7m (3km) of road upgrades out of the Sh365m allocation for roads in the county.

"But it is not specific on what kind of road upgrade it is, if it is for murram, culverts, or others. The vagueness compromises proper oversight," he said.

Chogoria MCA Mawira Nyaga said, “After reviewing the proposed budget estimates, we made a clear memorandum that they have tasked me with presenting.”

Morris Rwiga, a resident of Mitheru, said the budget should reflect balanced development across all wards.

“We are not second-class citizens. The governor must ensure fairness and work with all leaders for the good of the county,” he said.

Some public participation forums degenerated into disarray and disruptions as residents in Maara Sub County vented their anger at some of the proposals, including the Itigururu Airstrip.

"We need money for agriculture, roads, and water projects. An airstrip is not going to serve any purpose to the ordinary citizens," said Karimi Mbaka.

Efforts to get a comment from the county government were futile.