The Council of Governors (CoG) has firmly opposed the proposed reduction in the shareable revenue allocated to counties, warning that the move would significantly impair county operations and reverse gains made in devolution. The council’s chairperson, Anne Waiguru, voiced strong objections to the proposal to lower county allocations to Ksh 380 billion, down from an initially agreed Ksh 400 billion. Waiguru emphasized that counties have already been grappling with insufficient funding amid increasing demands for development, and any reduction would severely affect their ability to deliver essential services.
Speaking at the Ura Gate cultural festival in Mukothima Ward, Tharaka Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County, Waiguru criticized the proposed allocation as a step back for devolution. She pointed out that the suggested amount falls below last year’s allocation of Ksh 385 billion, which was already seen as inadequate. “We cannot allow anything less than the Ksh 385 billion we got last year. Actually, we want the lowest amount given to counties to be at Ksh 400 billion,” she stated. Waiguru underscored the critical role of adequate funding in enabling counties to provide essential services, particularly in sectors like health and water, which are heavily reliant on county-level management and resources.
The debate over county funding comes against the backdrop of ongoing financial strains and increased responsibilities that have placed additional pressure on county budgets. Waiguru highlighted that counties are not just service providers but are also at the forefront of implementing development projects that drive economic growth at the grassroots level. “How will we run services at the counties which require money? Services such as health, water…,” she noted, stressing that any cut in funding would directly impact the quality of services offered to citizens.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki echoed Waiguru’s concerns, warning of dire consequences if the proposed reduction is implemented. Njuki pointed out that counties have been preparing to manage increased salaries for healthcare workers and other county staff, alongside ongoing development projects. A reduction in funding, he argued, would not only halt these plans but could also trigger a wave of industrial actions across counties due to unmet financial obligations. “Additional monies to counties were to cater for increased salaries for health care workers, county staff, and development. This reduction would not sit well with running county operations,” Njuki cautioned.
Njuki’s warning comes as the ministry responsible for civil servants has announced a pay rise, further straining county budgets. In light of this, the union representing county workers has issued a 21-day strike notice, citing the failure to adequately fund counties as a key concern. The looming industrial action adds another layer of urgency to the calls for maintaining, if not increasing, county funding to the Ksh 400 billion mark initially proposed.
The Council of Governors has been a vocal advocate for sufficient county funding, arguing that it is essential for the effective implementation of devolved functions as outlined in Kenya’s Constitution. The council argues that depriving counties of adequate resources not only undermines devolution but also hampers the delivery of crucial services that directly affect the lives of millions of Kenyans. As the deadline for the strike notice approaches, the national government faces increasing pressure to address the funding shortfall and prevent a potential shutdown of county services.
In summary, the CoG’s strong stance against the proposed reduction in county allocations highlights the broader challenges facing devolved units in Kenya. With counties struggling to balance their budgets amid growing demands for services and development, the debate over funding is likely to continue as both the national and county governments seek to find common ground on this critical issue. The outcome of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for the future of devolution and the quality of public services across the country.
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