The financial challenges faced by county governments in Kenya due to delayed exchequer releases from the national treasury have taken a toll on staff motivation and service delivery, Siaya Governor James Orengo recently warned. Speaking at the Siaya County headquarters, the governor lamented that delayed disbursements, which sometimes extend to three months, have significantly affected the ability of counties to meet their obligations, particularly in paying workers’ salaries and allowances on time. This delay has led to a cascade of issues, including diminished morale among employees and disruptions in key services, which Orengo described as a growing crisis for county governments across Kenya.
This issue has been a persistent concern raised by the Council of Governors (CoG), which represents the interests of all 47 county governments. In recent months, numerous counties have reported struggles to meet their financial commitments due to delayed exchequer releases. For Siaya County, like many others, these delays have been particularly crippling, as they impact both county staff and residents who rely on essential services.
Financial Strain on County Governments
Governor Orengo’s concerns echo those of many county chiefs across the country. The delays in disbursements from the national treasury have resulted in serious financial strain for county administrations. This has created a backlog in the payment of salaries and emoluments, which in turn is affecting staff motivation. Public servants at the county level, such as health workers, teachers, and administrators, are the backbone of service delivery. When they are not paid on time, it disrupts their ability to meet personal financial obligations, leading to a decrease in job satisfaction and performance.
Orengo, who was accompanied by County Secretary Joseph Ogutu and former government spokesperson Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna during his address, emphasized the adverse impact this situation is having on workers. He mentioned that unpaid allowances have accumulated over time, making it difficult for employees to focus on their tasks without the security of regular income. “Nobody works for nothing,” the governor remarked, underscoring the frustration that county staff experience when they are required to perform their duties but are left waiting for months to be paid.
The Wider Impact on Service Delivery
The delayed exchequer releases also have a broader impact on service delivery within counties. Essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development are all dependent on timely financial flows from the national government. In counties like Siaya, where the local economy heavily depends on public sector employment, any disruption in payments has ripple effects across the community. For instance, county employees often support families, meaning that when they do not receive their salaries on time, entire households suffer. This, in turn, can lead to increased socio-economic challenges within the county.
The disruption of statutory remittances is another critical issue caused by delayed disbursements. Counties are required to remit taxes, pensions, and other statutory deductions to various national institutions. When funds are not released on time, these remittances are also delayed, further complicating the financial situation for employees who may rely on their pensions or health insurance to manage their personal lives.
Governor Orengo highlighted the importance of resolving these issues promptly to avoid further disruptions. He noted that the Siaya County government is working closely with the County Public Service Board to address concerns such as delayed promotions, which have also contributed to low staff morale. “People enter and leave service in the same job groups, which lowers motivation and inspiration,” he stated, pointing to the need for more proactive human resource management to ensure that staff feel valued and see a path for career progression.
The Role of the Council of Governors
The Council of Governors (CoG) has been instrumental in raising these issues at the national level. According to Orengo, the CoG has made formal representations to the national government, urging it to release the exchequer funds in a timely manner to prevent further deterioration of service delivery. The council has emphasized that these delays not only affect county staff but also disrupt vital projects and programs intended to improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots level.
The national government, for its part, has attributed the delays to fiscal pressures and competing priorities within the national budget. However, counties argue that they cannot effectively carry out their devolved functions without the necessary funding. Governor Orengo stressed that the delays are particularly damaging in rural counties like Siaya, where economic opportunities are fewer and residents rely more heavily on public services and employment.
Promoting County Sports and Culture
Despite these financial challenges, Governor Orengo remained optimistic about Siaya’s future, announcing several upcoming sports and cultural events scheduled from December through the beginning of next year. One of the highlights will be a high-profile football match between Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC and Tanzania’s Yanga FC, set to take place at the opening of the new Siaya stadium early next year. This match, which will draw significant attention from football fans across the region, is part of a broader strategy by the county government to promote sports and cultural activities as a way of fostering unity and local pride.
During his speech, the governor was receiving trophies won by Siaya county teams in various competitions, both locally and internationally. He praised the athletes for their achievements, while also acknowledging the difficulties they face due to unpaid allowances. Orengo urged county teams to prepare adequately for the upcoming events, noting that sports and cultural activities play a critical role in strengthening community ties and boosting the county’s profile on the national and international stage.
Addressing the Human Resource Challenge
In addition to financial concerns, Orengo’s administration is focusing on improving the working conditions of county staff. Collaborating with the County Public Service Board, the governor’s office is reviewing policies related to staff promotions and job group progressions. One of the main grievances among county employees has been the slow pace of promotions, with many workers remaining in the same job group for years, leading to frustration and low morale. The governor assured staff that his administration is committed to addressing these concerns, ensuring that employees receive the recognition and compensation they deserve for their hard work.
This focus on human resource management is essential for maintaining an efficient and motivated workforce. By addressing issues such as delayed promotions and stagnating job groups, the county government can improve employee satisfaction and productivity. In turn, this will lead to better service delivery for Siaya residents.
Conclusion
The delayed exchequer releases from the national treasury are having a significant negative impact on county staff motivation, service delivery, and overall morale. Governor James Orengo’s call for timely disbursements highlights the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure that counties can meet their financial obligations and continue to provide essential services to the public. As Siaya County prepares for major cultural and sports events in the coming months, the county government remains focused on improving the working conditions of its staff, enhancing service delivery, and promoting the county as a hub for sports and cultural excellence.
While the financial challenges are daunting, Orengo’s administration is taking steps to mitigate the effects of the delays, including engaging with the Council of Governors and implementing internal reforms. The hope is that with sustained pressure on the national government, the issue of delayed exchequer releases will be resolved, allowing counties like Siaya to thrive and deliver on their development agendas.
