The protracted stalemate surrounding the 2026/2027 Machakos County Budget is edging closer to resolution following a significant breakthrough at the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations.
In a major development, County Assembly Speaker Anne Kiusya has committed to presenting Governor Wavinya Ndeti's Memorandum before the County Assembly on November 24, 2026, paving the way for debate and consideration by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
The commitment came during proceedings before the Senate Committee, where both Governor Wavinya Ndeti and the County Assembly leadership appeared to address the impasse surrounding the County Appropriation process.
The dispute arose after the Governor exercised her constitutional and statutory mandate under Section 24 of the County Governments Act by referring the Appropriation Bill back to the Assembly with reservations for reconsideration.
However, the subsequent handling of the Governor's Memorandum became a point of contention, with concerns raised over the Assembly's failure to table it for consideration by Members.
Senate intervention opens way for dialogue
During the Senate proceedings, Committee Chairperson Senator Mohamed Abass called on the Speaker to comply with the law and present the Memorandum before the House, allowing MCAs to deliberate and make a decision in accordance with the established legislative process.
In response, Speaker Kiusya committed to tabling the Memorandum on November 24, opening a pathway towards resolving the impasse.
Governor Wavinya, in her address to the Committee, reaffirmed her commitment to cooperation, dialogue and constructive engagement with the County Assembly, insisting that there was no personal disagreement between her administration and the legislators.
"I want to assure the Assembly that I am not your enemy. I am your mother, and I am always there. If there are any issues, come and talk to me," the Governor said.
She emphasised that her administration remained committed to working with the Assembly in the best interests of Machakos residents, noting that institutional disagreements should never stand in the way of service delivery and development.
The latest development offers renewed hope to Machakos residents, who stand to benefit from the timely resolution of the budget impasse and the restoration of normal budgetary and development operations across the county.
With November 24 now set as the date for the Memorandum to be tabled, attention shifts to the County Assembly, where Members will have an opportunity to deliberate and determine the way forward.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment