Laikipia residents urge government to prioritize infrastructure, education and healthcare in 2025/2026 budget

𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐍𝐆-𝐂𝐃𝐅𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Residents of Laikipia County turned out in large numbers to take part in a public consultation forum on the proposed Budget Estimates for the 2025/26 Financial Year and the Medium-Term. 

The forum was held at the Laikipia NG-CDF Hall and was facilitated by the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee, led by Hon. John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South).

During the engagement, residents from Laikipia East, West, and North constituencies shared their views and outlined their development priorities. 

Many participants emphasized the need to improve access to medication in public health facilities. Others called for a review of the rising recurrent expenditure, urging the government to ensure that resources are used efficiently and equitably. 

There was also a strong appeal for increased provision of scholarships to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds while persons living with disabilities urged the Committee to look into their plight and support them with necessary aids to ease their operations. 

Several memoranda were presented to the Committee, highlighting community development needs such as improvement of school facilities, creation of water pans, enhancement of communication infrastructure, and the desilting of Iregi Dam.

Road infrastructure featured prominently in the discussions. In Laikipia East, residents proposed the upgrading of the Sweet Waters to Ol Pejeta road, Kalalu to Ibis road, and the Hotline to Riacho road. 

Meanwhile, residents from Laikipia North expressed concern over the poor condition of the Ilpolei to Doldol road. They stressed that this road serves as a critical link between Doldol, the administrative center of Laikipia North, and Nanyuki, the County Headquarters. Community members described the road as a vital economic and social artery that supports livelihoods, education, and healthcare access.

“This road is not just a route; it is a lifeline that sustains the economic, educational, and healthcare pulse of the region,” stated one of the resident representatives. “Its condition has long been overlooked, yet its importance continues to grow with every passing day,” he added.

In response, Hon. Mwirigi assured the residents that all submissions and proposals had been duly noted and would be incorporated into the Committee’s final report, which will guide budgetary decisions at the national level.

The Committee is scheduled to continue its public participation exercise in Nyeri County tomorrow. Residents are encouraged to attend the session at ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral starting at 10:00 a.m., and to continue playing an active role in shaping the country’s budget priorities.