The Senate Standing Committees on Finance and Budget, and Roads, Transportation and Housing, conducted a joint inspection of Equalization Fund projects in Kilifi County on September 21, 2026. The committees visited Malindi and Ganze Sub-Counties to assess the use of national resources allocated to marginalized areas and their impact on local communities. This exercise aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the funds in improving infrastructure and services in these areas.
The inspection covered various sectors, including healthcare, water, and road infrastructure. One of the projects visited was the Bamba Sub-County Hospital Accident and Emergency Wing, a five-bed facility equipped with an injection room, trauma room, and minor theatre. The Senators expressed satisfaction with the construction works at the hospital, with Senator Tabitha Mutinda, Vice Chairperson of the Finance Committee, commending the contractor's work.
The Senators also assessed the 7,500-cubic-metre Silalala Water Pan and the installation of high-capacity water pumps at the Ganze and Mulungu wa Mawe stations. These projects aim to address persistent water shortages in the county. However, the Senators noted that there was a need to move beyond temporary water interventions and expand piped water systems to provide reliable access to clean water.
Senator Hamida Kibwana, Chairperson of the Roads Committee, emphasized the importance of extending piped water systems to ensure communities consume clean water. The delegation also inspected road infrastructure, including the 500-metre Babadogo–St. Johns Road, which is being upgraded to Cabro standard, and a 400-metre tarmac section of the Katsemerini–Mbogo–Kisiwani Road.
At Kaloleni, the Senators commended completed roadworks while raising technical concerns over drainage alignment and the risk of erosion during heavy rains. The committees also assessed progress at the Bamba Sub-County Hospital and expressed satisfaction with the construction works. Senator Peris Tobiko highlighted the importance of targeting communities that have historically lagged behind in development.
Senator Boni Khalwale cautioned that expanding health infrastructure without adequate planning for staffing and operational costs could delay the full use of completed facilities. He emphasized the need for forward planning in terms of budget for specialized training, manpower, and long-term demand. The committees' findings will inform a parliamentary report on expenditure efficiency, service delivery, and future Equalization Fund allocations to Kilifi County.
The Senate committees' inspection of Equalization Fund projects in Kilifi County aims to ensure that national resources are being effectively utilized to improve infrastructure and services in marginalized areas. The committees' report will provide recommendations on future funding cycles and how to provide supplementary support to these areas. The inspection is part of the Senate's oversight role in ensuring that public funds are being used efficiently.
Key points
- The Senate committees inspected various projects, including healthcare facilities, water infrastructure, and road upgrades, in Malindi and Ganze Sub-Counties.
- The Senators emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to address water shortages and improve access to clean water in Kilifi County.
- The committees' findings will inform a parliamentary report on expenditure efficiency, service delivery, and future Equalization Fund allocations to Kilifi County.
