The Council of Governors (CoG) and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) have strongly opposed the proposed reduction in county allocations from Ksh. 400.12 billion to Ksh. 380 billion as approved by the National Assembly.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on Finance and Budget, CoG Vice Chairperson, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir County) along with 19 other governors expressed their disapproval of the Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2024, terming it unconstitutional.
“County governments have adopted fiscal consolidation measures to meet the aspirations of the people. However, the current situation does not justify any extra-constitutional or extra-legal measures like the proposed reduction in counties’ equitable share,” said Governor Abdullahi.
He further emphasized, “The Council firmly opposes the proposal and demands that the counties’ equitable share remain at Ksh. 400,116,788,147.”
Other governors at the meeting urged the Senate to uphold its constitutional duty of safeguarding county interests and ensuring the rule of law is followed.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni County) pointed to Article 203 (1)(j) of the Constitution, which mandates that counties’ equitable share be allocated in a stable and predictable manner, adding, “That protects county allocations from revenue shortfalls.”
The governors expressed concerns that a Ksh. 20 billion cut in county allocations as outlined in the Bill, would severely disrupt county services.
“Reducing the allocation from Ksh. 400.117 billion under the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA), 2024, to Ksh. 380 billion will cripple county operations and hinder the provision of essential services like healthcare,” warned Governor Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega County).
Governor Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma County also called on the Senate to remain firm in defending devolution emphasizing the importance of the Senate’s role as outlined in the Constitution.
“This is the time to stand and be counted as the Senate as stipulated by Article 96 of the Constitution,” appealed Governor Lusaka.
Earlier, the Senate Committee had met with the Commission on Revenue Allocation led by Chairperson Mary Wanyonyi Chebukati who also opposed the reduction in county allocations.
“For the 2024/25 financial year, the Commission recommends that the National Government receives Ksh. 2,194.1 billion while county allocation remains at Ksh. 400.12 billion,” said Mrs. Chebukati.
She warned that any reduction in county allocations would hinder their ability to deliver services to citizens, particularly given the budget timelines.
Committee members commended the CoG and CRA for their contributions assuring them that the Senate would fulfil its constitutional role of protecting devolution.
“As Senators, we are committed to defending devolution and we will do our part,” affirmed the Committee Chairperson Sen Ali Roba.
The meeting was attended by Senators including Vice-Chairperson Tabitha Mutinda, Eddy Oketch (Migori), Joyce Korir and Mohamed Faki (Mombasa).
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