By Mitchell Anne Adhiambo, Vihiga
The Vihiga County government has announced a Ksh6.91billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, outlining what officials described as a bold and inclusive plan to spur development, improve essential services, and settle outstanding obligations.
County officials said the budget prioritises people-centred growth, with a significant allocation of Ksh500 million towards Ward-Based Projects.
They noted that this fund would empower local leaders to undertake projects aligned with the immediate needs of their constituents, ranging from small-scale infrastructure to youth development and sanitation.
Health emerged as the single biggest focus area, with the Department of Health Services receiving Ksh1.98 billion, nearly 28 per cent of the total budget.
Officials said the funds would be used to upgrade health facilities, procure essential medicines and equipment, recruit more medical personnel, and expand maternal and child health services.
A separate Ksh33.9million was set aside for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), with county leaders underscoring their importance in providing grassroots health support, particularly in remote areas.
The government also confirmed an allocation of Ksh22 million as gratuity for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers.
They said this would boost morale and recognise the contribution of educators in shaping early learning outcomes.
In a move seen as a step towards fiscal accountability, the county allocated Ksh428.5 million to clear pending bills.
Officials described this as a deliberate effort to rebuild trust with suppliers and service providers and to restore liquidity in local economic cycles.
Another Ksh25 million was earmarked for the construction of a new County Assembly office plaza, which the administration said would support legislative efficiency and administrative expansion.
Speaking about the wider development priorities, officials said the education sector had received Ksh573.7 million, a figure that includes funding for ECDE centres, vocational training renovations, and expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
 They argued that investment in education was critical for long-term transformation, particularly in a county with a youthful population.
The Department of Water and Environment was allocated Ksh524.5 million, with authorities stating that the funds would go towards water infrastructure, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation efforts.
They also highlighted a Ksh407.3 million budget for the Transport and Infrastructure sector, which is expected to support the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and drainage systems across the county.
Other departments received substantial funding, including Commerce and Tourism (Ksh506.4 million), Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (Ksh384.5 million), and Gender, Sports and Culture (Ksh141.3 million).
These allocations, according to officials, were aimed at stimulating economic activity and promoting social inclusion.
The Office of the Governor received Ksh214.7 million to support policy coordination, intergovernmental relations, and strategic leadership. County planners said this funding would help ensure alignment of departmental goals with the county’s broader development agenda.
The Finance and Planning docket was allocated Ksh391.1 million to oversee budget execution, fiscal discipline, and economic strategy.
Meanwhile, the County Public Service Board received Ksh79 million, with officials stating that the funds would support recruitment, training, and performance management across departments.
In the doecket of Land and Housing, the county allocated Ksh164 million to support urban planning, land regularisation, and housing projects. The Office of the County Attorney was given close to Ksh33 million to provide legal oversight, vet contracts, and represent the county in legal matters.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo’s administration said the budget was designed to promote inclusive development, stressing that the ultimate success of the plan would depend on transparency, public oversight, and prudent use of resources.
