This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
On July 2, 2020, the Kirinyaga County Assembly made significant cuts to the county's budget for the 2020/2021 financial year. One of the most notable reductions was to the legal fees budget allocated to Governor Anne Waiguru's office, which was slashed from Sh60 million to Sh1 million.
The MCAs justified the reduction by stating that the allocated funds were too high and could be better utilized elsewhere. They diverted the funds to the Education department to support bursaries for needy school children.
While passing the Sh5.5 billion budget, the MCAs vowed to ensure that taxpayers' money is spent wisely. They also allocated Sh15.6 million to the office of Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri, which had initially been allocated zero funds.
The move is seen as a reflection of the strained relationship between Governor Waiguru and Deputy Governor Ndambiri. The MCAs accused the office of the county secretary of being uncooperative and reduced its budget from Sh111 million to Sh1 million.
Furthermore, the MCAs removed the Sh500,000 allocated for the governor's communications department, directing it towards ward development. They described the department as a propaganda tool that does not deserve any funding.
