Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and the County Assembly have formally agreed to end their months‑long budget disagreement and cooperate on county finances.

The reconciliation followed a meeting convened by the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, which summoned the county leadership to discuss the dispute and its impact on service delivery.

The budget clash had stalled key programmes such as the Wikwatyo Fund, waste collection and other public services, prompting concerns from senators about deteriorating sanitation in the county.

The dispute originated when the County Assembly amended the budget estimates submitted by the executive, reallocating funds away from proposed garbage privatisation and national road projects while questioning the legal basis of several initiatives.

Governor Ndeti responded by returning the Appropriation Bill to the Assembly via a memorandum, a move the Assembly, led by Speaker Anne Kiusya, rejected as inadmissible.

The stalemate escalated to the courts, leaving Machakos County operating under a restrictive interim expenditure authority of 50 percent of the budget.

During the Senate session, senators criticised both sides for failing to follow proper legal and parliamentary procedures, urging adherence to established rules.

Senator Margaret Kamar highlighted the adverse effect of the standoff on residents, especially the worsening sanitation conditions, while other senators warned that no public official is above the law.

The meeting concluded with Governor Ndeti and Speaker Kiusya committing to work together, with the Governor pledging cooperation and the Speaker agreeing to regularise parliamentary procedures and process the memorandum through appropriate channels.

Senator Mohamed Abbas, chair of the Senate committee, stressed that political differences must not compromise service delivery, urging both parties to prioritise the welfare of Machakos residents.