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๐๐ข๐ค๐จ๐ง๐ข ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ, ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฐ๐๐ง๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐
๐๐ข๐ค๐จ๐ง๐ข ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐-๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ
๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐
Residents of Likoni Sub-County today turned out in large numbers to participate in the validation exercise on the proposed Mombasa County Finance Bill, 2026 and the Mombasa County Annual Development Plan (ADP) 2027/2028, raising critical concerns on healthcare, infrastructure, drainage, education, environmental management and youth empowerment. The exercise, conducted by the Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations at Likoni Social Hall, marked the first day of countywide public participation forums aimed at gathering citizen input on the Countyโs revenue proposals and development priorities.
The proposed Finance Bill seeks to review county fees, charges, licences, rates and penalties, while the ADP outlines the County Government's development agenda for the 2027/2028 Financial Year. The development plan projects total county resources of KSh18.104 billion, with KSh12.664 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and KSh5.440 billion for development projects across various sectors, including health, education, roads, drainage, sports, climate resilience, trade and the blue economy.
Leading the submissions, Mr. Ali Sasabu from Mtongwe Ward questioned the declining state of the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital facility in Mtongwe, commonly known as Makadara Ndogo. He observed that the facility, which previously offered a broad range of medical services, has been reduced to providing services comparable to those of a dispensary.
"What allocation has the County Government set aside for the facility to be operational as before?" he asked.
Mr. Sasabu also called for the zoning of county levies and charges to promote fairness and equity among residents and businesses, a proposal directly linked to the Finance Bill's review of fees and revenue measures. He further urged Members of the County Assembly to actively mobilise residents and participate in public engagement forums.
Residents also highlighted the need for enhanced civic education and public facilities. Mr. Chuma Soud called for the construction of a social hall in Likoni Ward and advocated for continuous civic education programmes to improve public awareness on county planning and budgeting processes.
Infrastructure and environmental concerns featured prominently during the session. Participants lamented persistent drainage challenges and alleged unequal development across sub-counties, noting that flooding remains a recurring problem in Likoni. Calls were also made for improved waste management services, with residents reporting inadequate garbage collection due to a shortage of waste collection vehicles in the area.
The concerns align with priorities identified in the proposed ADP, which highlights roads, transport, drainage, environmental conservation and climate resilience among the County's key development focus areas for the 2027/2028 financial year. The plan also includes a proposal to upgrade and expand Kidarajani Bridge in Likoni and participatory mangrove restoration projects targeting Likoni, Jomvu and Kisauni.
On youth empowerment, Mr. Sasabu challenged the County Government to strengthen collaborations with youth-focused agencies and institutions to create employment opportunities for young people. The ADP proposes several initiatives aimed at youth development, including the equipping of Mwahima Stadium in Likoni and establishment of Small Business Development Centres across all six sub-counties.
Education stakeholders equally voiced their concerns. Ms. Eunice, Director of Moon Light School, sought clarification on the County's school feeding programme and bursary allocations, urging the government to consider community schools which serve learners from vulnerable backgrounds. She further called on the County Government to prepare adequately for anticipated flooding associated with extreme weather events, warning that many settlements in Likoni are located on riparian land.
Health remained one of the dominant themes throughout the engagement. Mr. Shauri Suleiman from Timbwani Ward emphasised the need for increased investment in health services, stating that healthcare facilities must be adequately funded and equipped to provide quality services.
He cited overcrowding at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, alleging that patients sometimes share beds and lack access to mosquito nets. He further decried shortages of medicines at Likoni and Mwahima health facilities, claiming that patients are frequently directed to nearby pharmacies to purchase prescribed drugs. He also called for investment in child-friendly facilities, including daycare centres and breastfeeding zones.
The concerns mirror one of the ADP's major priorities, which places significant emphasis on strengthening health services and expanding access to essential public facilities
Transport infrastructure was another issue raised during the forum. Ms. Pauline Waema from Timbwani Ward expressed concern over the poor condition of access roads near Masjid Punda, urging the Department of Transport and Infrastructure to intervene and restore accessibility.
On education, Mr. Boy Juma Mdigo highlighted the shortage of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centres in Likoni despite the area's growing population. He proposed that available public spaces be utilised to construct additional ECDE facilities.
Mr. Mdigo also argued that the proposed allocation for a 200-metre road and 20 streetlights was insufficient to address insecurity challenges in the ward, advocating instead for the installation of floodlights. Additionally, he questioned the prioritisation of the Blue Economy over Agriculture, noting that agriculture supports livelihoods across multiple sectors.
Discussions on the Finance Bill generated divergent views among residents. Mr. Shariff Nyawa Chibabu proposed reducing some of the charges contained in the Bill by half, while Mr. Mdigo opposed the suggestion, arguing that county own-source revenue remains critical for financing public services and development programmes.
The Finance Bill proposes changes in business licences, market fees, environmental charges, transport-related fees, rent, land rates and other county revenue measures. Citizens are encouraged to provide feedback on the affordability, application and fairness of the proposed charges before the Assembly concludes its review.
Meanwhile, Millocent Akinyi, a daycare proprietor, drew attention to what she described as an alarming increase in malaria cases among children, urging the Department of Health to implement stronger disease-control interventions.
The validation exercise forms part of the County Assembly's constitutional mandate to facilitate public participation in legislative and planning processes. Residents have until 19 October 2026 to submit written memoranda on both the Finance Bill and the Annual Development Plan for consideration by the Assembly.
As the public participation programme continues across the remaining sub-counties, the views collected are expected to guide the Assembly's consideration of the proposed revenue measures and development priorities, ensuring that the final Finance Bill and Annual Development Plan reflect the aspirations and needs of the people of Mombasa.