Kenyan counties are facing scrutiny over their significantly low absorption of development budgets, raising concerns about stalled projects and the effective use of devolved funds.

• Only 14% of the allocated Ksh.28.5 billion for development was spent by the 47 counties in the first half of the 2025/2026 financial year.
• The Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, highlighted the issue, with some counties like Tana River and Lamu absorbing as little as 3%.
• The report also calls on the National Treasury to ensure timely disbursement of funds to facilitate the implementation of crucial development projects.