The delay in the disbursement of money by the National Treasury has continued to hurt CDF-funded programmes, Matuga MP Kasim Tandaza has said.
Tandaza said the constituency has been forced to operate on half the budget as it was to receive Sh145 million for CDF to cater to the bursary programme, development and administration.
The MP said out of the Sh40 million budgeted for bursary in Matuga, only Sh20 million has been received and disbursed, yet the financial year is almost coming to an end.
“It is three months to the end of this financial year, but only half of the budgeted bursary funds has been sent to us,” Tandaza said.
He said due to the dela half the fees, which has led to the accumulation of fee balances.
Tandaza said they talked with school heads to allow students back as they await the government to release the remaining cash.
“A huge number of our children depend on bursaries and further delays of the funds will affect their learning,” he said.
The legislator said most parents in the region are unable to raise school fees because of financial constraints caused by drought and poverty.
Tandaza said bursary not only helps fight illiteracy and poverty in Kwale but also teen pregnancy, drug abuse and juvenile crime.
The legislator urged other leaders to help push the government to keep its promise of ensuring devolution works.
“We had earlier agreed that the government will disburse Sh2 billion every week to the constituencies. I want to call all leaders to push for this to be realised,” he said.
Tandaza said by doing so the government might be able to settle the balances before June.
Last month, the County Assemblies Forum urged the National Treasury to release money to counties.
CAF chairperson Kiplagat Sabulei said the delay has disrupted operations of county assemblies and delivery of services by county governments.
Counties have not received funds since December last year.
Sabulei said county assemblies are unable to pay service providers and workers salaries.
He said members of the assemblies cannot properly offer services to citizens due to lack of funds.
The chairperson said the exchequer should release the funds to support the devolved governments that have helped spearhead development in many parts of Kenya