Parliamentary Committee Reviews Budget Estimates from State Departments for FY 2025/2026
He disclosed that Kshs. 3.036 billion had been allocated for the year, with Kshs. 1.470 billion for recurrent expenditure and Kshs. 1.565 billion for devolution programs.
Regional Development Committee reviews FY 2025/2026 budget proposals from key State Departments. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
The National Assembly’s Committee on Regional Development has reviewed budget submissions from three key State Departments as part of the ongoing scrutiny of the Annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year 2025/2026.
The State Departments that appeared before the Committee include the Department for Devolution, the Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, and the newly formed Department for Special Programmes.
Principal Secretary for Devolution, Mr. Michael Lenasalon, stated that the implementation of the current FY 2024/2025 is progressing as planned.
He disclosed that Kshs. 3.036 billion had been allocated for the year, with Kshs. 1.470 billion for recurrent expenditure and Kshs. 1.565 billion for devolution programs.
However, for FY 2025/2026, the department faces a Kshs. 3.634 billion shortfall, having received Kshs. 17.226 billion against the required Kshs. 20.860 billion.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Peter Lochakapong (Sigor) and members expressed concern over spending priorities, particularly questioning the relevance of recurring expenditure on devolution conferences.
Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai) called for clarity on their value, while Hon. Mary Emaase (Teso South) urged the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) to actively mediate in intergovernmental disputes to reduce court cases.
PS Kello Harsama, leading the State Department for ASALs, appeared next alongside PS Ismail Maalim of the Department for Special Programmes.
PS Harsama reported a total allocation of Kshs. 10.88 billion for ASALs in FY 2025/2026, comprising Kshs. 8.368 billion for recurrent expenses and Kshs. 2.512 billion for development.
He raised concerns over a backlog of pending bills, particularly the Kshs. 9 billion owed by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), urging timely disbursement by the National Treasury.
PS Maalim, whose department was recently established, noted a major funding gap. Though it requires Kshs. 11 billion to be fully operational, it has only been allocated Kshs. 443.8 million, resulting in a shortfall of over Kshs. 10 billion. He warned that this will hinder the department’s effectiveness.
Committee members urged the State Departments to align their spending with national priorities and explore self-sustaining strategies. Hon. Lochakapong confirmed the Committee will factor in the concerns raised before submitting its report to the Budget Committee.
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