By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 19 June 2026 - The Garissa County Assembly Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations has conducted a public participation forum on the proposed Garissa County Annual Development Plan (ADP) for the 2026/27 financial year, with residents and stakeholders calling for inclusive development and equitable allocation of resources across the county.
The forum, chaired by Committee Chairperson Omar Abdi Hassan, was held at Garissa Primary and Junior Secondary School Hall and brought together community members, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youth, women and other stakeholders to provide input on the county's development priorities.
Participants used the forum to highlight key concerns and propose projects they would like incorporated into the development plan.
Speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities, Abdi Ali said PWDs are often left out of development planning and budget allocations in the county. While supporting the proposed plan, he noted that it seeks to spur development across all 30 wards and urged the county government to establish vocational training programmes tailored for persons with disabilities to enhance their skills and economic empowerment.
Representing Garissa Township, Benard Katana raised concerns over what he described as inadequate consideration of Garissa Township and Galbet wards in previous development plans. He called on the committee to review the document to ensure equitable distribution of development projects across all wards.
Katana also proposed the construction of designated boda boda sheds within Garissa Town to improve working conditions and organisation within the transport sector.
Osman Mohamed of Bajeti Hub commended the committee for increasing allocations to the health sector compared to previous development plans. He highlighted the organisation's efforts in training women, youth and persons with disabilities on budget processes, social accountability and equitable resource allocation.
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Mohamed called for continued support for inclusive budgeting and meaningful public participation to ensure development resources benefit all residents across the county.
Meanwhile, Zamzam Mohamed from Iftin Ward described the proposed ADP as comprehensive and well-structured but urged the county government to prioritise healthcare improvements. In a memorandum submitted to the committee, she called for the equipping of Bour Algy Dispensary with maternity facilities and services to improve access to maternal healthcare.
Addressing participants, Committee Chairperson Omar Abdi Hassan assured residents that all views and recommendations presented during the forum would be considered and incorporated into the committee's report.
He said the report would be tabled before the County Assembly for deliberation and consideration as part of the process of finalising the 2026/27 Annual Development Plan.
The Annual Development Plan serves as a key policy document that outlines the county government's development priorities and guides budgeting and implementation of projects during the financial year.