15/06/2026
On Friday Afternoon, we held a Youth Community Baraza at Manyoror in Kapsaos ward. The center of discussion was the Kericho County Government Budget Estimates for the FY 2026/2027. Our county stares at an Estimate ksh. 9.988 Billion. The Equitable Share Projection being ksh 7.274 Billion and Own Source Revenue of Ksh 626. 95 Million and FIF and Conditional grants making the cumulative sum of Ksh. 9.988 Billion.
From the discussion, we frowned upon the own source revenue and it was our opinion that the Own Source Revenue was Underestimated. The County Government of Kericho, endowed with resources such as the Multinationals and Businesses Booming across the entire county, has a potential of hitting the a One (1) Billion own Source Revenue target. Comparative analysis with other Counties with similar potentials as Kericho Such as Muranga , Kisii, Homa Bay, Laikipia that have crossed the one Billion shillings in their own source collection, demonstrates that the potential of our county is either underestimated or that we hit the One Billion Shillings in Our own source revenue collection which ends up being Undequoted. In short, ends up being 'budgeted corruption.'
Budget Programs.
It was out finding that the youth-specific programs are not clearly funded or highlighted. To address unemployment,
skills gaps, and social engagement, the county should increase allocations for youth
empowerment, agribusiness, ICT, and creative industries while ensuring young people are
actively involved in budget oversight.
Key areas noted were;
1-While Kshs. 1.038 billion is allocated to education, there is no clear
provision for vocational training, innovation hubs, or youth employment programs.
2-With only 5.01% of the budget, agriculture risks leaving young farmers
behind. We need more investment in agribusiness incubation, cooperative strengthening,
and climate-smart farming.
3-With sports, Culture and social services are included, but sports, arts,
and creative industries which is a key to youth engagement and livelihoods lack dedicated
funding.
Our Recommendations as Kapsaos Youths are;
1- Allocate funds for Chebigen polythecnic for automation and construction of ICT Hub.
2. Allocate funds in the agriculture sector for construction of a complete milk processing plant within Kapsaos ward.
3. The County assembly should clearly allocate funds for our hospitals as we realized the health sector took 35.86% of the budget.
4. Strengthen sports and creative industries by allocating enough resources with clarity
5. Ensure youth inclusion in budget monitoring and public participation forums, making
use of the Kshs. 800,000 allocated for public participation to amplify youth voices.
We urge the County Assembly and Executive to recognize that youths are not just beneficiaries
of development but drivers of Kericho’s future economy and leadership.
Siasa Place
We prepared our proposal, in respect to each specific department which we shall submit to the county Assembly for consideration.
Siasa Place
Kericho County Assembly
Dr.Patrick C Mutai
Dr. Mutai Erick Kipkoech
Kericho Youth Policy Network CBO
Kericho Youth Bunge Association
Voices for justice-CBO
Victor K Tum
National Youth Council Kenya
