Loima – February 25, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Water and health emerged as the key concerns during the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) 2026–2027 public participation forum held in Loima and Lokiriama Sub-County. Residents from various villages attended the forum, hoping that their priority projects would be incorporated into the county’s budget for the coming financial year.

The Director for Resource Mobilisation and Partnership, Raphael Logum, said the objective of the public participation exercise was to provide a platform for members of the public and other stakeholders to present their views and proposals on the County Fiscal Strategy Paper. He noted that the process was meant to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in county budget-making.

Participants called on the county government to prioritise the completion of stalled projects, particularly Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres, health facilities, and water projects. They also urged the government to focus on repairing existing facilities instead of initiating new ones and to channel the savings towards other pressing development needs.

Speaking during the forum in Lorugum, a resident from Lokipetot Arengan said it was time for the government to consider adding maternity wards to existing health facilities.

“We are losing pregnant women who develop complications during delivery,” he said, adding that health facilities should also be fenced for security.

Anna Atabo from Puch village criticised the construction of small hospitals that lack basic equipment and services.
“There is no need to build health facilities that cannot offer essential services. The government should construct fully equipped hospitals where most services can be accessed,” she said.

Epem Loitakol from Locher Ekuyen urged the government to ensure that all village units were considered in water provision plans.
“The government should allocate funds for the solarisation of boreholes so that more villages can access water through piped systems,” he said.

Concerns were also raised about own-source revenue collection. Albert Naida from Lokiriama village unit questioned whether failure to meet revenue targets would affect project implementation.

Responding to the issues raised, Gabriel Lodoso, an economist in the Office of the Governor, explained the county’s budget-making process to the residents and addressed several technical questions on planning and project execution.

The forum forms part of the county’s public participation programme aimed at ensuring that citizens’ priorities are reflected in the 2026–2027 financial plan.