Meru County has emerged as one of the top performers in the use of development funds after recording a 54 percent absorption rate, ranking second nationally according to the Controller of Budget’s Third Quarter Report for the 2025/26 financial year.
The report places Nandi County at the top with a 55 percent absorption rate, while Wajir and Marsabit counties followed in third and fourth positions respectively. County officials in Meru described the ranking as a clear signal of prudent management of public resources under the current administration.
Governor Mutuma said the achievement reflects his government’s commitment to directing public resources towards projects and investments that create lasting value for residents. He noted that Meru has consistently focused on accelerating development, improving service delivery, and ensuring that every shilling allocated delivers tangible benefits across the county.
During the recent State of the County scorecard presentation, County Executive Committee Member for Finance Monica Kathono explained that Meru had maintained a healthy expenditure pattern while prioritising development and clearing inherited liabilities.
She said the county’s budget for the 2025/26 financial year stands at Sh15.1 billion, out of which Sh10.9 billion had been received by May.
Kathono revealed that Sh8.7 billion, representing 65 percent of the budget, was allocated to recurrent expenditure, while 35 percent was earmarked for development projects. So far, the county has utilised Sh6.8 billion on recurrent expenditure and absorbed Sh3 billion on development projects, bringing the overall absorption rate for both recurrent and development expenditure to 71 percent.
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She added that Meru inherited pending bills amounting to Sh1.8 billion, noting that Governor Mutuma had already allocated Sh1.1 billion towards settling arrears to support contractors and restore confidence among suppliers. Kathono defended the county’s expenditure, insisting that strict oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure public funds are spent lawfully.
“Let no one deceive the people of Meru because county funds cannot be used illegally. The Controller of Budget monitors and evaluates expenditure while the Auditor General reviews all spending against approved budgets,” she said, warning that misuse of public resources attracts sanctions from oversight agencies including the Ethics and Anti‑Corruption Commission.
Kathono further disclosed that the health sector received the largest share of resources, followed closely by roads, assuring residents that the funds had been utilised prudently to improve welfare and service delivery. She emphasised that accountability and transparency remain central to the county’s financial management, with every shilling directed towards projects that benefit the people of Meru.
By John Majau
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