Isiolo County has moved to correct procedural gaps in its 2025/2026 budget process after the High Court raised concerns over the level of public participation and adherence to Assembly procedures required under the Constitution.
The Appropriation Bill, which authorizes government spending for the financial year, is among the most critical instruments in county governance. It ensures continuity of essential services such as health, water, roads and emergency response. The Court’s ruling has placed fresh attention on the passage of the upcoming Appropriation Act in Isiolo.
Under Kenya’s budget cycle, counties begin with the preparation of the County Fiscal Strategy Paper, followed by the tabling of Budget Estimates before the County Assembly. Assembly committees review the estimates, seek public input and make recommendations before the Appropriation Bill is passed, giving the Executive legal authority to access funds from the County Revenue Fund. Article 201 of the Constitution requires this process to be open, accountable and supported by meaningful public participation.
In its decision, the High Court did not challenge the allocations or intentions of Isiolo’s budget. Instead, it found that the public participation conducted and some Assembly procedures did not meet the constitutional threshold. The Court gave the county government and the Assembly three months to rectify the issues. The ruling was procedural, not political.
Despite the setback, county services will continue uninterrupted. Section 134 of the Public Finance Management Act allows counties to access up to 50 percent of their budget through a vote on account whenever an Appropriation Act is delayed or under legal contestation. This safeguard ensures that essential operations remain fully functional.
In compliance with the Court order, the County Government and County Assembly have scheduled public participation forums for the 24th and 25th across all ten wards. The sessions are intended to gather resident input and strengthen the final Appropriation Bill that will guide county spending for the next financial year.
County officials say the ongoing process underscores their commitment to transparency, constitutional compliance and uninterrupted service delivery. Residents are being encouraged to turn out for the forums and help shape their county’s development priorities.
