Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has officially assented to the County Budget and Appropriation Bill, 2026, paving the way for the implementation of a Sh7.72 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The budget, which is the final spending plan under his administration, seeks to enhance service delivery, complete ongoing projects, and address the county's growing pending bills.


Speaking during the signing ceremony at the county headquarters in Mbale, Governor Ottichilo said his administration would focus on settling verified pending bills, completing stalled projects, and improving communication systems to enhance transparency and public awareness of county programmes. He noted that the county had accumulated pending bills amounting to approximately Sh1.17 billion, making fiscal discipline a key priority in the new financial year.


The approved budget represents an increase of about Sh820 million from the previous financial year's allocation of Sh6.9 billion. According to budget estimates, the county expects to receive Sh6.08 billion from the equitable share of national revenue, Sh1.17 billion in grants, and Sh472 million from locally generated revenue.


A significant portion of the budget, Sh5.26 billion, has been allocated to recurrent expenditure, including salaries and operational costs, while Sh2.32 billion has been earmarked for development projects. County officials say the allocations are designed to ensure continuity of essential services while accelerating the completion of ongoing infrastructure and social development programmes.


The health sector emerged as the biggest beneficiary, receiving Sh1.94 billion to strengthen healthcare delivery across the county. The education and technical vocational training department was allocated Sh594 million, including the reintroduction of a Sh100 million bursary fund aimed at supporting needy students. Additionally, Sh500 million has been set aside for the Ward Development Programme to facilitate equitable distribution of development projects across all wards.


The County Assembly also approved Sh402.5 million to begin clearing pending bills owed to suppliers and contractors. Leaders say the move is intended to restore confidence among service providers and stimulate economic activity within the county.


Governor Ottichilo praised residents, county assembly members, and finance officials for their contributions during public participation forums, saying their input played a critical role in shaping budget priorities. He directed the Department of Finance and Economic Planning to commence procurement planning immediately to ensure smooth implementation once all approvals are finalized.


Financial analysts have welcomed the increased budget but cautioned that successful implementation will depend on prudent expenditure, realistic revenue projections, and enhanced local revenue collection. They argue that efficient utilization of resources will be critical in translating the budget into tangible improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic growth.


As Vihiga embarks on the new financial year, residents will be keenly watching how the county government balances development ambitions with the need to clear outstanding obligations and improve service delivery across the region.