Thursday, 15 May, 2025
MPs hear Elgeyo Marakwet residents on 2025/26 budget
KMTC, Iten, Keiyo NorthThursday, 15th May, 2025
The National Assembly Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations alongside Members of Parliament from Elgeyo Marakwet County, have commenced a Public Participation Exercise on the National Government Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year 2025/2026 and the Medium-Term.
The exercise, held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Iten, Keiyo North Constituency, attracted a large number of residents eager to voice their concerns and input on priority projects for the region.
The public participation initiative aims to enhance inclusivity in the budget making process by allowing citizens and local leadership to collectively deliberate on critical funding decisions. As part of the ongoing exercise, Elgeyo Marakwet County is set to receive Kshs 100 million earmarked for projects selected directly by the public.
Session Chair, Hon. Nyakundi emphasized the importance of fairness in national resource allocation.
“We have to ensure equity and equality when sharing the national cake. This engagement offers the public an opportunity to interact with the budget-making process,” he said, pledging that the Committee would give due consideration to the proposals submitted by residents.
Hon. Nyakundi also outlined ongoing projects in Elgeyo Marakwet, noting that transparency in appropriations was essential to building public trust.
Hon. Jematiah, on her part, reiterated the significance of community involvement in development, stating, “MPs are the mirrors of society. Development is progressive, and it is you, the citizens, who guide us.”
She additionally urged residents to take ownership of public utilities, stressing that such facilities are funded through taxpayer money. “You must take charge and ensure value for money,” she said.
Keiyo South MP, Hon. Gideon Kimaiyo described the county’s developmental challenges. “Our county includes ASALs, forests, wildlife conflict zones, and high-altitude terrain. We need investment in sports complexes, especially since Iten is a world-renowned athletics training hub,” he noted.
Keiyo North MP, Hon. Adam Kipsang called for increased funding to complete stalled projects, many of which are dependent on NG-CDF and community initiatives.
“We want a budget that reflects and benefits the people. For instance, Kamuren Stadium must be completed to support our athletes,” he said.
A student representative presenting requests from learners across the County called for more school books, library facilities, clean water, better sanitation, and protection from abuse.
The representative also highlighted the issue of child labour, noting that children often work during mango harvesting seasons to support their families.
Mr. Henry Cherono, a representative of athletes from Elgeyo Marakwet, urged the Committee to prioritise the upgrading of Kamariny Stadium to international standards to retain local talent. He also advocated for sports academies, road improvements to prevent injuries during training, and expanded electricity access in remote areas.
Clean water access emerged as a recurring concern, with speakers citing challenges posed by the region’s terrain. The Mukurgoin Water Project was cited as insufficient, serving only three constituencies, while residents called for boreholes in schools and desilting of existing dams such as Murui Water Dam in Marakwet West.
KMTC student Brian Kipkemoi raised concerns regarding overcrowded learning conditions, where up to three groups of students are forced to share one hall due to a shortage of classrooms.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call to the office of the Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet, H.E Wesley Rotich.