By Samson Wire
The Siaya County Government’s public participation forums on the 2026/2027 County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) have gathered impressive momentum, with all 30 wards and three municipalities actively engaging in people-driven deliberations aimed at shaping equitable budget ceilings and priority development projects across the county.
Anchored in the Public Finance Management Act, 2012—a key pillar of Kenya’s post-2010 constitutional order—the CFSP process guarantees that public funds are allocated prudently and spent strictly on projects approved by wananchi themselves. Beyond compliance, the forums provide a vital platform for citizens and stakeholders to identify, debate, and prioritize local needs before budget ceilings are set.
In Central Sakwa Ward, residents gathered at Nango Social Hall under the leadership of Ward Administrator Hon. Willis Ang’awa, where deliberations flowed smoothly and with clarity of purpose. The community presented a strong development agenda, calling for:
Adequate funding for the Main Central Sakwa Road, including murraming and culverts along the Odongo Mangako–Warianda–Ulanda–Siringo stretch;
Development of Onyinyore Vocational Training Centre (VTC) to boost skills and youth employment;
Proper formation and facilitation of Project Management Committees (PMCs);
Stronger supervision of road works by County Engineers to ensure compliance and quality;
Measures to curb rising vandalism of water pipes;
Solutions to waste management challenges, including establishment of a designated dumpsite.
In Ugenya East Ward, the forum—chaired by Ugenya Sub-County Administrator Vincent Owuor—saw residents commend the Nyalore administration under Governor James Orengo for the equitable distribution of water boreholes across sub-locations, significantly easing domestic, school, and livestock water needs.
Residents also highlighted the untapped tourism potential of River Nzoia, noting its crocodile and snake population as a possible attraction for eco-tourism. They further urged strict adherence to the KSh 500,000 fencing allocation approved in the FY 2025/26 budget.
Across Ugenya East sub-locations, residents clearly articulated their sector priorities:
Sihai: Education, roads, water tanks, and goalpost construction;
Kathieno A: A health centre, youth empowerment, and gender affairs support;
Kathieno B: Roads and education;
Kathieno C: Sports, trade, roads, and water;
Ramunde: ECD development and installation of high-mast lighting.
Alego, Uyoma, Gem and Ugunja: Consensus Builds
Public participation forums also progressed smoothly in Central Alego, where residents called for completion of ECD toilets at Kubar Primary School, the Obambo maternity wing, and urged that future forums be held at ward level rather than headquarters.
In South East Alego, participants meticulously reviewed estimates and allocations, offering informed approvals. North Uyoma residents turned up early at Rangangni Social Hall, engaging in focused deliberations that concluded successfully.
The momentum extended to Gem Sub-County and Ugunja, with preparations underway for public participation sessions in the three municipalities slated for next week.
Following the conclusion of these rigorous, people-driven forums, the County Treasury, led by Acting CECM for Finance and Economic Planning George Nyingiro, will:
1. Review, analyze, and consolidate public views and recommendations from all wards and municipalities;
2. Finalize the CFSP, updating sector ceilings and priorities in line with public input;
3. Submit the CFSP to the County Assembly by 28th February, in strict compliance with the law.
The Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Hon. Sylvester Madialo with Vice Chair Susan Okwirry, alongside members James Otare, Martin Otieno, Eunice Achieng, Booker Washington, Agness Awita, Bernard Adalla, Mark Okeyo, Phillip Oluoch, Francis Otiato, and Andrew Omwende, will review the document and table it before the full Assembly under Speaker Rt. Hon. George Okode within 14 days for approval.
The final stage then follows: Budget Estimates Preparation, where departments draft detailed proposals aligned to the approved CFSP and submit them to the Treasury for the upcoming financial year—setting the stage for funding and implementation after National Treasury allocations.
Siaya’s 2026/27 CFSP process is not just ticking constitutional boxes—it is fast becoming a showcase of inclusive governance, citizen ownership, and people-first budgeting.
