Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s recent statements at the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) marked a significant moment in Kenya’s ongoing conversation about devolution, particularly focusing on the challenges of fund disbursement to counties. Kindiki’s remarks emphasized a clear need for collaboration between the Controller of Budget (CoB) and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) to ensure that money reaches the counties without unnecessary delays and disruptions.
Bridging the Gap between National Interests and Local Needs
In his first chairmanship of IBEC, Kindiki underscored the necessity for both the CoB and CRA to adopt a facilitative rather than obstructive role in the disbursement process. He stated unequivocally, “No institution has a right to frustrate the other; both are pursuing legitimate national interests.” This statement reflects the need for both entities to work in tandem, facilitating the flow of resources to county governments, which are essential for development at the local level.
Kindiki highlighted the paradox where counties receive funds but are unable to utilize them due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. This is not only a waste of resources but also impedes service delivery to the citizens who depend on these funds for essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. By advocating for a facilitative approach, Kindiki is addressing a critical issue that has plagued the system for years – the gap between the intention and the execution of funds transfer to counties.
Resolving Disbursement Challenges
The Deputy President also acknowledged the historical delays in disbursement and the impact on service delivery. He noted that the only pending disbursement as of the meeting was for November, set to be resolved in the coming week. This delay has been a significant challenge, affecting counties’ ability to plan and execute projects efficiently. Kindiki’s assurance that the government is working to regularize these delays reflects a commitment to addressing the inefficiencies within the system.
The macroeconomic context in Kenya has also played a crucial role in these delays. Kindiki admitted that the country has faced significant economic challenges over the past two years, which have affected economic performance and thus the ability to disburse funds in a timely manner. However, he remains optimistic about the future, stating, “The country can only now move forward and upwards,” signaling a recovery phase where these disbursement issues will be resolved.
The Path Forward
The Deputy President’s emphasis on collaboration between the CoB and CRA suggests a need for a more integrated approach to budget management. He proposed bridging the gap between the views of the Council of Governors and the Controller of Budget to ensure both bodies can fulfill their mandates effectively. This approach is crucial for ensuring that accountability does not become a bottleneck but rather serves as a mechanism for transparency and good governance.
Kindiki’s call for facilitation rather than frustration also suggests a shift in mindset towards a more cooperative federal relationship between the national government and the counties. This is vital in fostering an environment where development projects at the county level are not stalled by procedural delays but are enabled by a supportive and responsive national government.
Conclusion
Deputy President Kindiki’s statements at the IBEC meeting underscore a crucial point in Kenya’s devolution journey: the need for efficient and effective disbursement of funds to the counties. By advocating for a facilitative approach, Kindiki is calling for a more responsive and cooperative relationship between national and county governments. As the government works to resolve these issues, it is clear that both the CoB and CRA must prioritize the overarching goal of national development, recognizing that when one succeeds, the other does as well.
The Deputy President’s assurance of a brighter economic future signals hope for a more effective and timely disbursement system. As Kenya looks to move forward, the emphasis on facilitation rather than frustration will be key to ensuring that devolution serves its intended purpose: improving the lives of all Kenyans.
