By Martin Masai

Speaker Kevin Kinengo Declines to Submit Annual Budget Estimates to an Assembly Committee to Obey a Court Order as Kitui MCAs Resume Plenary Sittings
Tuesday, 7th May 2025 – Kitui Town

The County Assembly of Kitui reconvened today after its April 2025 recess under the cloud of a court order that has effectively stalled all work by the County Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya informed the House that he could not commit the newly submitted Kitui County Annual Budget Estimates for FY 2025/2026, nor the Supplementary Budget II for FY 2024/2025, to the Budget Committee due to a court directive served on 4th March 2025.

The order suspended the operations of the committee, thereby putting on hold a key legislative process as the new financial year approaches.

The Speaker assured members that once a legal reprieve is secured, the Assembly would take the necessary steps to allow committees to resume their constitutional mandate of budget scrutiny and approval.

Earlier in his communication, Speaker Kinengo welcomed members back from the short recess and called on them to renew their commitment to oversight, legislation, and representation—particularly in ensuring the responsible use of public resources.

He also reminded members and all within the Assembly precincts to strictly observe the Speaker’s Rules adopted during the last session. The rules are aimed at maintaining order and regulating the conduct of MCAs, staff, visitors, and members of the press.

The Assembly now enters its fourth session with the urgent task of navigating both its legislative agenda and the unfolding legal challenge that has hamstrung its budget process.