Parliament review: Senators, Treasury headed for collision over county funds

The Senate appears to be headed for another collision course with the National Treasury over the disbursement of funds to counties.

Already, senators have issued a stern warning to the ex-chequer following delays in releasing the funds to counties.

The lawmakers have further pledged to summon the Cabinet Secretary quarterly in a bid to safeguard service delivery and protect counties from financial paralysis.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Senate Liaison Committee retreat, Deputy Speaker and Committee Chair Kathuri Murungi (Meru) said the National Treasury’s failure to release funds on time had left counties unable to pay salaries or deliver basic services.

“Last week, the Treasury CS appeared before the National Assembly and made commitments regarding the disbursement of NG-CDF funds. Likewise, we’ll summon him to the Senate every quarter to ensure counties receive their rightful share, without delay,” Murungi said.

His comments came amid growing discontent among county governments and senators over stalled development projects and mounting wage arrears.

In a separate meeting, the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Julius Murgor (West Pokot) pressed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection over what lawmakers called serious implementation gaps in programmes meant to support Persons with Invisible Disabilities (PWIDs).

Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Motari presented a detailed submission outlining existing frameworks, referencing the 2022 Disability Medical Assessment and Categorisation Guidelines and various support programmes.

However, senators said it failed to address the realities of the day.

Nominated senator Beth Syengo criticised the presentation as too abstract saying it failed to address needs of people struggling to survive with invisible conditions.

“This presentation is futuristic. It lacks timelines, whereas those with invisible disabilities are struggling to navigate daily life,” she said.

A petitioner, Beatrice Likiwop laid bare the failures of the current system.

Likiwop, who lives with Status Epilepticus, Bradycardia and Fibromyalgia, told senators that she has never secured employment because employers disqualify her the moment she discloses her condition.

“For 10 years I have been looking for work. Since I was 46 and I am now 56. Whenever I disclose my disability, I am no longer considered,” she said, holding back tears.

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterised by prolonged seizure activity, either continuous or recurrent, without regaining consciousness between seizures

Bradycardia refers to a heart rate that is slower than normal, specifically below 60 beats per minute for adults.

On the other hand, Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms like sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly announced that it will embark on a nationwide public participation exercise on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025).

It followed a Communication read by the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula.

The Bill seeks to amend the Constitution to formally entrench the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

The Bill, which underwent its First Reading on March 12, 2025, and was subsequently referred to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, necessitates thorough public engagement as mandated by the Constitution.