Kenyan senators have issued a stern warning to the National Treasury over persistent delays in releasing funds to county governments, saying the setbacks are crippling service delivery and pushing counties into financial paralysis.
Speaking at the Senate Liaison Committee retreat, Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairperson Kathuri Murungi (Meru) criticized the Treasury for failing to disburse funds on time, which he said had left counties unable to pay salaries or deliver essential services.
“Last week, the Treasury CS made commitments before the National Assembly on NG-CDF disbursements. Similarly, we will summon him quarterly to the Senate to ensure counties receive their rightful share without delay,” said Murungi.
His remarks reflect growing frustration among senators and county officials as development projects stall and wage arrears mount. Murungi’s comments set a firm tone for the two-day Liaison Committee retreat, which brought together Senate committee chairs and secretariat staff to reflect on performance, induct new leadership, and set strategic goals.
Held under the theme “Sustaining Excellence in Committee Service Delivery through Synergy, Agility, and Innovation,” the retreat emphasized the Senate’s critical oversight role and the need for robust, well-supported committees.
Murungi lauded the Senate’s committee system as the “engine room” of legislative action, highlighting key achievements such as the successful Mediation Committee co-chaired by Murungi that facilitated an increase in county revenue allocations from Sh391.1 billion to Sh400.1 billion.
“The Liaison Committee is strategic, not just administrative. We determine priorities, debate reports, and allocate resources. This shapes the Senate’s legacy as a defender of devolution,” he stated.
Deputy Clerk of the Senate Eunice Gichangi, speaking on behalf of Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, welcomed attendees and reiterated the Secretariat’s support in strengthening committee functions. She called the retreat a vital space for collaboration, experience sharing, and innovative problem-solving.
The retreat aims to evaluate committee performance, address operational challenges, and explore strategies to meet the growing demands of a devolved governance system amid limited resources and rising public expectations.
