Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended his Sh42.3 billion budget.
Sakaja said despite the budget being colossal, no charges have been increased.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank the County Assembly for approving the budget that is aimed to be friendly one and has not increased the charges but has instead widened the revenue collection streams,” he said on Tuesday.
The governor spoke after assenting to the Nairobi City County Appropriation Bill, 2023.
Sakaja lauded the assembly for working hand in hand with the executive, saying, this will ensure services will be rendered to Nairobi residents on time with order, dignity, hope and opportunity for all.
"I want to thank the County Assembly through their leadership represented by Speaker Kennedy Ng'ondi for exercising their mandate dutifully and diligently to ensure that the budget is duly approved,” he said.
Last week, Nairobi MCAs passed Sakaja's first budget of Sh42.3 billion which is the highest ever since devolution.
It is an increase from Sh39.63 billion for the Financial year 2022-2023.
Sakaja aims to collect Sh19.9 billion own source revenue in the Financial Year 2023-24.
While making the budget statement reading Finance executive Charles Kerich stated that Sakaja’s Sh42.3 billion comprises Sh28.3 billion for recurrent and Sh14 billion for development expenditures.
“The financial year 2023/24 outlines the policy priorities of the county government geared towards economic turnaround and inclusive growth, while at the same time navigating through restoring order, dignity hope, and opportunity for all,” he said.
"Special focus will be placed on the interventions that touch on infrastructure, health care, environment,school-going children,the youth, and expanding the tax base for more revenue to finance development."
He noted that the county’s strategies will involve putting more focus on sectors envisaged to have the largest impact on the livelihood of Nairobians.
