By Anchor Writers
While the Machakos County Assembly remains consumed by a bitter political confrontation between Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Speaker Anne Kiusya, the neighbouring Kitui County Assembly has shifted its attention to one of its core constitutional mandates—scrutinising the county budget.
On Wednesday, Kitui Members of the County Assembly spent the better part of the day interrogating County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) over the proposed 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, demanding explanations and justifications for billions of shillings earmarked for development and recurrent expenditure.
The contrast between the two neighbouring counties could hardly be sharper.
In Machakos, months of political infighting have dominated the Assembly’s agenda, with impeachment motions, court battles, leadership wrangles and disputes between the Executive and the County Assembly overshadowing legislative business.
In Kitui, however, sectoral committees sat with county ministers in detailed sessions aimed at ensuring public funds are allocated prudently and programmes deliver value to residents.
The exercise began with Finance CECM Peter Mwikya Kilonzo presenting the overall budget framework before individual departments appeared before the relevant committees to defend their allocations.
The Lands, Infrastructure and Urban Development Committee, chaired by Kivou MCA Sammy Musili Munyithya, questioned Roads CECM Eng. Reuben Itiko over allocations for road works. The minister assured members that the planned grading of 100 kilometres of roads and opening of 10 kilometres of new roads would be completed as budgeted. MCAs emphasised that quality, rather than merely spending the allocation, should be the priority.
The Health Committee scrutinised proposals presented by Health CECM Ruth Koki, who defended continued investment through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), saying the programme has enabled county health facilities to retain locally generated revenue and improve healthcare services.
Trade CECM Rose Mutuku justified funding for the Kitui County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Kanyonyoo, describing it as a joint National and County Government investment expected to stimulate industrialisation and create employment opportunities.
Before the Culture, Youth, Sports and Social Services Committee, CECM Phoebe Ndunyu Mutemi defended allocations for the completion of Kyoani and Kivou stadiums. She explained that the money would finance drainage and erosion control works to protect the facilities, while additional funding for Kilonzo Stadium would go towards constructing a modern perimeter wall. She also defended continued funding for the Governor’s Cup tournament as an investment in grassroots talent development.
The Office of the Governor also came under scrutiny when County Secretary Agnes Mulewa appeared before the Administration and Coordination of County Affairs Committee. Members questioned the proposal to construct five ECDE classrooms in every ward under the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), arguing that the needs of wards differ and that public participation should determine local priorities.
Water and Irrigation CECM Peter Gitonga Nkunda told the Agriculture, Water and Irrigation Committee that the county plans to solarise water supply systems managed by KITWASCO and KIMWASCO to cut electricity costs that have strained the water companies.
Basic Education CECM Joyce Titus defended the education budget, including the proposal to construct one ECDE classroom in every ward, while County Attorney Timothy Muange appeared before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to defend his office’s estimates.
The committee hearings continue on Thursday as more departments appear before MCAs.
The proceedings demonstrated a County Assembly largely focused on its oversight role—examining budgets, questioning expenditure priorities and seeking accountability from the Executive.
The picture stands in marked contrast to Machakos, where prolonged political battles between Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Speaker Anne Kiusya have repeatedly taken centre stage, often eclipsing substantive debate on policy, budgeting and service delivery.
The differing priorities offer a vivid illustration of how county assemblies can either devote their energy to governance and accountability or become absorbed in political contestation.
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