Senator Wakoli with Nalondo West ward MCA Polycarp Wandabusi at the tournament in Kabuchai constituency.
By I.P. reporter.
Bungoma,Kenya.
Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli has called on Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s administration to prioritize accountability and transparency as the county grapples with financial challenges, including rising pending bills and declining development allocations.
Speaking at the Honourable Polycarp Wandabusi Football Tournament finals in Kabuchai Constituency, Wakoli stressed that oversight should not be misconstrued as witch hunt.
He urged the Lusaka administration to focus on completing ongoing projects and clearing more than Sh1 billion in pending bills to revitalize Bungoma’s economy.
Wakoli’s call comes amid growing concerns over county spending, particularly during the Madaraka Day celebrations.
The county assembly approved a Sh148 million budget for the event, with Sh25 million earmarked for beautification, including planting flowers along the Kanduyi-Musikoma dual carriageway.
Governor Lusaka defended the expenditures, insisting they were necessary and used in line with the approved budget.
Summoned by the Senate to explain the county’s financial management, Lusaka cited challenges such as delayed disbursements and underfunding, which he said have hindered service delivery and delayed project completion.
He maintained that all financial decisions were made transparently and in the best interest of the county.
However, Bungoma’s financial data over the past two fiscal years raises questions about its budgetary priorities.
The county received a combined total of KSh 26.008 billion, with KSh 13.887 billion allocated in the 2023/2024 fiscal year and KSh 12.121 billion in 2022/2023.
In 2023/2024, the county’s budget included KSh 11.2 billion from the equitable share of national revenue, KSh 487 million in conditional grants, KSh 1.2 billion from development partners, and KSh 1 billion from locally generated revenue.
The previous fiscal year saw KSh 11.033 billion from the equitable share and KSh 1.088 billion from locally generated revenue.
Despite the increase in overall funding, the proportion of the budget allocated to development declined—from 36.5% in 2022/2023 to 32% in 2023/2024.
This reduction has raised concerns about Bungoma’s ability to complete key infrastructure projects and other capital initiatives.
Furthermore, locally generated revenue dropped from KSh 1.088 billion to KSh 1 billion during the same period, potentially signaling inefficiencies in revenue collection.
“These figures underscore the importance of prudent financial management and strategic planning to balance recurrent expenses with long-term development goals,” Wakoli said.
The senator’s warnings come as Bungoma residents demand improved service delivery and visible progress on development projects.
Observers argue that the Lusaka administration must urgently address inefficiencies and enhance transparency to avoid further economic setbacks.
Ends.
