A recent report by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reveals that Kilifi requires Ksh. 100.7 billion to implement its projects but expects only Ksh. 64.9 billion in revenue, leaving a gap of Ksh. 35.9 billion. The report, which analyzed the county’s budgetary allocations and expenditures in pro-poor sectors, highlights the direct impact of this shortfall on service delivery
Kilifi County is grappling with a severe budget deficit that threatens its ability to deliver essential services in healthcare, education, agriculture, and sanitation. With a shortfall of 36%, the county is struggling to meet its development goals outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
A recent report by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reveals that Kilifi requires Ksh. 100.7 billion to implement its projects but expects only Ksh. 64.9 billion in revenue, leaving a gap of Ksh. 35.9 billion. The report, which analyzed the county’s budgetary allocations and expenditures in pro-poor sectors, highlights the direct impact of this shortfall on service delivery.
According to Eric Mgoja, a Coast region budget hub facilitator, the deficit has critically affected healthcare services, particularly in rural areas like Magarini, Ganze, and Kaloleni. Facilities such as Milalani and Mrima Mkulu dispensaries have stalled for over a decade due to lack of funds.
“The health sector is among the most affected. Residents face severe shortages of medical staff, equipment, and medicines. Incomplete projects like the maternity wing at Pingilikani dispensary, which started eight years ago, have left women traveling long distances for medical care,” said Mgoja.
A recent survey by the Youth Voice and Action Initiative revealed alarming shortages of medical supplies at the Kiwandani dispensary, forcing residents to rely on private chemists.
The water and sanitation sector is equally strained, particularly in arid areas such as Kaloleni, Ganze, and Magarini. A project to rehabilitate and expand the Kibao cha Palakumi Mwijo pipeline, allocated funds in 2021, remains incomplete. “We were promised a borehole two years ago, but nothing has happened. Residents continue relying on unsafe water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases,” lamented Grace Kalume from Gotani village.
Kilifi’s education sector has also been hard hit, with over 60,000 Early Childhood Development (ECD) students learning in dilapidated classrooms. Governor’s Delivery Unit Director, Fikirini Jacobs, acknowledged the challenges caused by the delayed disbursement of funds. “With the current deficit, we cannot build classrooms, revamp vocational training centers, or adequately equip hospitals. We are exploring revenue-boosting measures, including public-private partnerships and improving revenue collection systems,” said Jacobs.
The KHRC report recommends establishing a partnership liaison office to improve coordination, transparency, and accountability in implementing socio-economic programs. It also calls for auditing disbursed funds rather than budgeted amounts to ensure fair evaluations of counties’ performance.
“Streamlined auditing will reflect the effective utilization of funds, even when budgets fall short,” the report notes.
As the County struggles with its budget deficit, residents, especially in marginalized areas, face worsening conditions. Addressing these challenges will require innovative solutions, better resource management, and stronger partnerships to bridge the gap and restore essential services.
