Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has raised concerns over the county’s performance in the latest County Budget Transparency Survey (CBTS) 2025, warning that shortcomings in the publication and accessibility of budget information could undermine public accountability.
The senator spoke after the release of the survey by the Council of Governors in partnership with Bajeti Hub, which ranked Kiambu among counties struggling to meet key transparency standards.
According to the report, Kiambu was ranked 31st out of 47 counties in overall budget transparency and 37th out of 47 counties in the timely publication of budget documents as required by law.
Thang’wa termed the findings worrying, arguing that delayed publication of financial information limits the ability of residents to understand, monitor and participate in decisions involving public funds.
The survey assessed counties based on several indicators, including transparency, timeliness of budget disclosures, public participation, pending bills, availability of budget documents, capital project information and explanations accompanying spending decisions.
The senator noted that Kiambu’s low ranking in the publication of budget documents means residents are often unable to access critical financial information when it is most needed.
According to the findings, the county also recorded poor performance in the availability of key budget documents. In addition, it posted average results in the disclosure of capital project information and narrative explanations that help residents understand why certain spending decisions are made.
While acknowledging some positive areas, Thang’wa pointed out that Kiambu only attained a Category B rating in public participation and pending bills disclosure. The rating indicates that some useful information is provided to the public, although it does not meet the highest standards of transparency and openness.
The senator, however, noted that Kiambu performed strongly in the implementation of the Finance Act, ranking among the best counties nationally in providing detailed information on taxes, fees and charges.
Thang’wa further emphasized that the findings should not be dismissed as political criticism since the survey was released by the Council of Governors itself in collaboration with Bajeti Hub.
The report has now placed renewed focus on how county governments communicate budget information and involve residents in financial decision-making.
With public scrutiny on the management of county resources continuing to grow, the senator’s concerns are likely to intensify calls for improved transparency and easier public access to budget information in Kiambu.
 2025, warning that shortcomings in the publication and accessibility of budget information could undermine public accountability.){kind=link}