By Mercy Chete
Natembeya Engages Religious Leaders in Trans-Nzoia and Western Region, Raises Concerns Over Budget Transparency and Project Implementation
Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya on Tuesday held a consultative meeting with religious leaders drawn from Trans-Nzoia and the wider Western region, where discussions centered on governance, public accountability, and the implementation of development projects.
The meeting, which brought together clergy and faith-based stakeholders, provided a platform for dialogue on how public resources are planned, allocated, and utilized within the constitutional framework.
Emphasis on Constitutional Budget Process
Governor Natembeya underscored the importance of adhering strictly to Kenya’s constitutional budget-making process, noting that all public expenditure must be approved by Parliament and reflected in official budget estimates before implementation.
He cautioned against what he termed as “informal and public declarations” of development projects outside the legal budget cycle, arguing that such practices undermine transparency and accountability in public finance management.
“Under our Constitution, public funds are not allocated through roadside declarations or political excitement. They are allocated through the budget-making process, approved by Parliament, and published in official estimates,” he said.
He further criticized the trend where development promises are announced at public rallies or political gatherings without corresponding budgetary allocation.
“It is only in Kenya where a leader allocates money to projects from the rooftops of cars and campaign podiums instead of through lawful budget documents and the constitutional budget-making process,” he added.
Questions on Project Credibility and Implementation
Natembeya challenged leaders to ensure that all announced projects are traceable within official financial documents, warning that failure to do so often leads to stalled or abandoned initiatives.
“Hapa kwenu tumeweka billion mbili ya kufanya mradi fulani!” he said, quoting common political statements made during rallies.
He added that once the national budget is tabled before Parliament and approved, some of the publicly announced funds are often not reflected in implementation, raising concerns about credibility and planning.
“If a project is genuine, it must appear in the budget. If it is missing from the budget, then it is nothing but political theatre and public deception,” he stated.
Concerns Ahead of Electioneering Period
The governor also warned that as the country moves closer to the election period, there is a likelihood of increased announcements of development projects that may never materialize due to lack of financial backing.
As noted during the meeting, such projects are often launched with public fanfare but stall shortly afterward because they were not anchored in actual development planning or budgetary allocation.
“As we head into the electioneering period, many projects will be launched with great fanfare only to stall later because they lack funding. They will be initiated not out of genuine development plans, but for political gain and public relations,” he said.
Call for Public Vigilance
Natembeya urged citizens to remain alert and critically evaluate development promises made by political leaders, encouraging them to verify whether such projects are included in official government budgets.
“Wakenya kaeni rada,” he cautioned, urging vigilance among the electorate.
Political Remarks and Reactions
During the discussions, remarks were also attributed to Kapomboi Ward MCA Kefa Were, who made comments reflecting shifting political allegiances and sentiments among some local leaders.
“Mimi nimetoka UDA, na sirudi tena huko. Wakati huu niko na baba yangu wa siasa, ambaye ni Governor George Natembeya, mahali atasema twende ndio mimi nitaenda,” Hon .Kefa Were Kapmboi ward MCA
He further criticized some political actors aligned to the national executive, alleging that their motivations may not always align with public service.
“Many leaders aligned to the State House choir are not driven by public service; they seek immunity that enables continued mismanagement of public resources without accountability,” he stated.
Conclusion
The meeting highlighted growing calls for stricter adherence to constitutional procedures in public finance management, as well as increasing scrutiny of how development projects are announced and implemented.
Religious leaders present emphasized the importance of integrity, accountability, and transparency in leadership, urging continued dialogue between government and civil society to safeguard public resources.
Natembeya Engages Religious Leaders in Trans-Nzoia and Western Region, Raises Concerns Over Budget Transparency and Project Implementation
Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya on Tuesday held a consultative meeting with religious leaders drawn from Trans-Nzoia and the wider Western region, where discussions centered on governance, public accountability, and the implementation of development projects.
The meeting, which brought together clergy and faith-based stakeholders, provided a platform for dialogue on how public resources are planned, allocated, and utilized within the constitutional framework.
Emphasis on Constitutional Budget Process
Governor Natembeya underscored the importance of adhering strictly to Kenya’s constitutional budget-making process, noting that all public expenditure must be approved by Parliament and reflected in official budget estimates before implementation.
He cautioned against what he termed as “informal and public declarations” of development projects outside the legal budget cycle, arguing that such practices undermine transparency and accountability in public finance management.
“Under our Constitution, public funds are not allocated through roadside declarations or political excitement. They are allocated through the budget-making process, approved by Parliament, and published in official estimates,” he said.
He further criticized the trend where development promises are announced at public rallies or political gatherings without corresponding budgetary allocation.
“It is only in Kenya where a leader allocates money to projects from the rooftops of cars and campaign podiums instead of through lawful budget documents and the constitutional budget-making process,” he added.
Questions on Project Credibility and Implementation
Natembeya challenged leaders to ensure that all announced projects are traceable within official financial documents, warning that failure to do so often leads to stalled or abandoned initiatives.
“Hapa kwenu tumeweka billion mbili ya kufanya mradi fulani!” he said, quoting common political statements made during rallies.
He added that once the national budget is tabled before Parliament and approved, some of the publicly announced funds are often not reflected in implementation, raising concerns about credibility and planning.
“If a project is genuine, it must appear in the budget. If it is missing from the budget, then it is nothing but political theatre and public deception,” he stated.
Concerns Ahead of Electioneering Period
The governor also warned that as the country moves closer to the election period, there is a likelihood of increased announcements of development projects that may never materialize due to lack of financial backing.
As noted during the meeting, such projects are often launched with public fanfare but stall shortly afterward because they were not anchored in actual development planning or budgetary allocation.
“As we head into the electioneering period, many projects will be launched with great fanfare only to stall later because they lack funding. They will be initiated not out of genuine development plans, but for political gain and public relations,” he said.
Call for Public Vigilance
Natembeya urged citizens to remain alert and critically evaluate development promises made by political leaders, encouraging them to verify whether such projects are included in official government budgets.
“Wakenya kaeni rada,” he cautioned, urging vigilance among the electorate.
Political Remarks and Reactions
During the discussions, remarks were also attributed to Kapomboi Ward MCA Kefa Were, who made comments reflecting shifting political allegiances and sentiments among some local leaders.
“Mimi nimetoka UDA, na sirudi tena huko. Wakati huu niko na baba yangu wa siasa, ambaye ni Governor George Natembeya, mahali atasema twende ndio mimi nitaenda,” Hon .Kefa Were Kapmboi ward MCA
He further criticized some political actors aligned to the national executive, alleging that their motivations may not always align with public service.
“Many leaders aligned to the State House choir are not driven by public service; they seek immunity that enables continued mismanagement of public resources without accountability,” he stated.
Conclusion
The meeting highlighted growing calls for stricter adherence to constitutional procedures in public finance management, as well as increasing scrutiny of how development projects are announced and implemented.
Religious leaders present emphasized the importance of integrity, accountability, and transparency in leadership, urging continued dialogue between government and civil society to safeguard public resources.
